Dinghy Engine

[revere]

Hi everyone.

I'm wrestling with what size outboard engine I should get for my new Walker Bay 310 FTD dinghy. Will be cruising east coast and caribbean shortly. I looked at the new 4 stroke engines. They seem so big and heavy. How do you handle this off the back of the boat?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[skipmac]

Are you on a sailboat? Use the main halyard or a block and tackle off the dinghy davits or some other form of mechanical advantage. Guess you are using a 15 HP engine? Will likely be 110 lbs or more so muscling up could be tricky, especially in a rocking dinghy.

[Cotemar]

Walker Bay 310 FTD dinghy has a max of 6hp.
A 6hp 4 stroke is about 58lbs.
You may need a separate lift for the engine

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Walker Bay 310 FTD dinghy has a max of 6hp.
A 6hp 4 stroke is about 58lbs.
You may need a separate lift for the engine

Really? A 10' dinghy only rated for 6 HP? Well that solves the weight problem for the engine.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Walker Bay 310 FTD dinghy has a max of 6hp.
A 6hp 4 stroke is about 58lbs.
You may need a separate lift for the engine

Walker Bay web site for 310 FTDeluxe says min 10 HP, max 15 HP.

310 Folding Transom Deluxe Genesis | Walker Bay Boats | Inflatable Boats, Dinghy, Kayaks, Sailboats and Yacht Tenders

Guess we need to find out what the OP has on his. If 15 HP 4 stroke then over 100 lbs.

[HopCar]

As I understand the original question, the OP doesn't have a motor yet and wants to know how big an engine he needs. I haven't checked lately but in the olden days 10HP and 15HP engines were made from the same block and weighed the same. If that is still the case, I'd go for the larger engine. If the 10HP is lighter and cheaper, I'd have to give that some thought. I miss small two stroke engines.

[svBeBe]

If there is any way you can wait until Caribbean, go to Budget Marine in St. Martin and buy a 10-15hp 2 cycle.

Bill

[revere]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Have not bought the engine yet. The Walker Bay is rated for min 10HP, max 15HP. I guess I have to get over the fact I can't get a 2 stroke anymore. Need engine before I go to the Carribbean, so I guess I have to buy a 4 stroke. The bottom line question is: do you think a 10HP is adequate for this size dinghy? I cannot handle a 125 lb 15HP 4 stroke monster off the back of the sailboat very easily.

[barnakiel]

A small engine is light and easy to move about. A bigger is faster boat but heavier piece of equipment. The choice is yours.

You can have an electric outboard too if you like.

b.

[SkiprJohn]

Just my opinion but you can get the very lightest engine you can find and put it on the back of your dinghy. It doesn't need to be 10HP. That's just their rating and recommendation. You can get a 2 or 3 hp if you don't mind going slow.
As said, electrics are an option but batteries are heavy too.
kind regards,

[skipmac]

What size engine will depend a lot on your preferences and how you will be cruising.

If you are no hurry at all, get a 3-5 HP. Gets you there, burns less gas and much easier to handle. But won't plane unless you only weigh about 10 lbs.

If you plan on anchoring out maybe in a big bay with long drives to the dock, carrying groceries, water, fuel, passengers. Or if you will be doing a lot of diving or snorkeling and want the range to go places then go for the max, 15 HP.

As one person pointed out, you can still get 15 HP 2 strokes down island. I have heard of good prices in the Bahamas. Alternative, look on eBay and Craig's list for a used outboard. Find a lightly used, freshwater Yamaha 15. Weighs about 85 lbs and will last forever as long as you don't forget to add oil or drop it overboard.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by skipmac

What size engine will depend a lot on your preferences and how you will be cruising.

If you are no hurry at all, get a 3-5 HP. Gets you there, burns less gas and much easier to handle. But won't plane unless you only weigh about 10 lbs.

If you plan on anchoring out maybe in a big bay with long drives to the dock, carrying groceries, water, fuel, passengers. Or if you will be doing a lot of diving or snorkeling and want the range to go places then go for the max, 15 HP.

As one person pointed out, you can still get 15 HP 2 strokes down island. I have heard of good prices in the Bahamas. Alternative, look on eBay and Craig's list for a used outboard. Find a lightly used, freshwater Yamaha 15. Weighs about 85 lbs and will last forever as long as you don't forget to add oil or drop it overboard.

+1.

Decide need for size.

Get little one now and nice 2 stroke in Bahamas if you need a 15.

[Tia Bu]

+1 on small and +1 on buying a 2-stroke in the Bahamas. I have a 2-stroke 4 hp. It has plenty of power and is easy to handle.

[annk]

Depends on your nationality :-)
British 4 hp 2 stroke
French oars
American 25hp
..................!!

[deckofficer]

How about a 36 lb Torqeedo electric? Has the thrust of a 9.9 hp, much lighter, and no need to carry gasoline on board.