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maijipo · 24-02-2018, 15:00

Hi guys.

I bought a few weeks ago the following Dinghy: Bestway Hydro-Force Caspian 7-Feet 6-inch Costilla Inflatable Boat, Caspian 91

Seems perfect size for my wife and I. So far I am rowing, witch maybe be very good for my heart but...a bit boring

I am looking for an engine.

I was considering a small electric engine. Any experience or recommendation versus gas engine?

CFS Klopas · 24-02-2018, 15:41

The smallest electric engines are electric trolling motors which put out around 1 hp. The smallest cost $100-150 but don't include a battery. A lead acid deep cycle battery costs about the same, plus another $50 or so of equipment to make it work.

sy_gilana · 24-02-2018, 16:10

Honda 2.3

I have seen the orange and grey electric one on another cruisers dinghy.
He thought it was a good idea at the time, but hates it. He has been rescued multiple times.

If you get the honda, or any small 4 stroke, I would still add a very small amount of TCW3 grade outboard 2 cycle oil to help transport the water that condenses in the carb due to getting cold when the fuel evaporates. The oil will allow the water to be transported out of the carb.

That is the Achilles Heel of the 4 stroke small engines.

maijipo · 24-02-2018, 16:19

Thx you.

The engine type I was looking was the following: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYST1L8...WCM2KBTO&psc=0

It is around 200$

+ the battery, the protection for the battery and a battery charger.

Total price around 400$.

The problem is hard to relate that to a 2 hp engine (I believe it is what i need for this type of dinghy). In one of the post you said that type of engine is about the equivalent of 1 hp? Not sure it will be enough then.

The Honda 2.3 is around 1000$.

CFS Klopas · 24-02-2018, 23:19

The rule of thumb I heard was 25-35 lb of thrust per horsepower, so 55lb is roughly equivalent to 2 hp. The small motors I was referring have about 30 lb of thrust.

LoudMusic · 24-02-2018, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

Honda 2.3

I have seen the orange and grey electric one on another cruisers dinghy.
He thought it was a good idea at the time, but hates it. He has been rescued multiple times.

If you get the honda, or any small 4 stroke, I would still add a very small amount of TCW3 grade outboard 2 cycle oil to help transport the water that condenses in the carb due to getting cold when the fuel evaporates. The oil will allow the water to be transported out of the carb.

That is the Achilles Heel of the 4 stroke small engines.

That's the first report of bad experience with the Torqeedo I've heard. Sounds like he's trying to go further than its range on a regular basis. That could certainly be a problem!