9.8, 15 or 20 HP

[a64pilot]

I'm not, keep the boat at PC, was there last Summer though on our way back from Sarasota and that is when we ran back trying to beat the Thunderstorm, it is a long way to Carrabelle from Dog though, I wouldn't even have tried if my dink wouldn't plane.
I still work for the near future, but often am at the boat in PC City marina, slip 316 if you ever want to stop by, usually always have cold beer.


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[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Greggegner

I have an 10.5' rib and 15 hp, can scare the s#+% out of you...15 is the same weight as most 10's. A 20 hp is to much.


Greg S/V Sweet Dreams
Pearson P385 out of Racine Wisconsin

Sounds lime our Caribe with a Merc 15 2-stroke. I think a full throttle start will flip it over backwards and its goosey as heck on the steering. Full out on flat water is like you say - s#+%.

We sized the motor at the transom maximum in order to have enough power to get the boat out of trouble if needed. I am considering adding a 1.5 or 2 for normal use & store the 15.

[four winds]

I misunderstood. Planning to hang out at Shell island for a few days this week.

And a fuel stop at your marina as well. I'll check to see if you're around the boat. Haven't met a cf member IRL yet. Maybe we can swap war stories.

[Four Coconuts]

Wings/foils make a significant difference, too. We have an AB 9.5AL (aluminum) with a 15hp 2-stroke Yamaha that we bought last year in Freeport, Bahamas. Use it every day. Prior to adding wings it would take a lot of effort to get my family of four (450lbs) to plane until we added wings. Now it's great. With respect to the necessity of getting up on plane, you would probably be fine if your using the boat on weekends. If you're cruising full time you really want to be able to get on plane. Also- I have noticed that when it's just me, the wings, by forcing the nose down, does make the boat twitchy at high speeds.

[Captain Bill]

I bought a Suzuki 15 hp for my 10'4" Achilles dinghy last year and it planes 3 160 pounders and 1 220 pounder. It takes it a bit longer to get on a plane with that load, but it does it. That engine weighs only 97 lbs for a 4 stroke. A friend liked my motor so much he bought the 20 hp version for his 11 ft dinghy. It also weighs 97 lbs and planes the same 4 people almost instantly.

[Barra]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

Sounds lime our Caribe with a Merc 15 2-stroke. I think a full throttle start will flip it over backwards and its goosey as heck on the steering. Full out on flat water is like you say - s#+%.

We sized the motor at the transom maximum in order to have enough power to get the boat out of trouble if needed. I am considering adding a 1.5 or 2 for normal use & store the 15.

used to own a caribe 3.5 with a yamaha 15 hp twin carbie model. Only dink Ive ever been in where i felt the need to use the outboard lanyard on my wrist in case i was thrown out (came close but never happened)

They are fast but the flat hull makes em skittish as hell - throw in some chop and its like a thrill ride at times.

Right now ive got a heavy twin skin deep V hull avon and while stable it needs 9hp just to get on a plain with one up. added the wings and planes with 2 up but not 3. Dont need the lanyard though.

The dink you are mating the engine to will make a big difference.