Ideal HP outboard for 10' RIB?

[ausaviator]

I recently bought a Mercury 8 for AUD$1,850 which is roughly the going rate here.

Saw at the boat show what is allegedly a "Japanese" built 15 Hp Mercury for the same price!

Supposedly mine is American and better than the Jap model. Slightly confused as everyone on here was saying that they all come from the same Tohatsu / Nissan factory!

I plane on 8 Hp with 363lb + 92lb inflatable (rubber bottom) + engine. It's not a fantastic performer from 0knots to planing, however it does get there eventually. Top speed is 32 kmh.

Suggest a 9.9 would be good with a 15 much better.

[Capn Morgan]

I would say go for low weight. Our dinghy is 8ft and can be lifted by one person. Outboard is Yamaha 3hp which can be lifted with just one arm! I can see situations in which the weight would mean the difference between lifting it or not. Our combo planes with one person on board but if you add a crate of beers it just won't get up. Yeap, decissions and more decissions.