Little motor (e.g. Suzuki 2.5) on a big inflatable (e.g. Achilles LSI-330)

[Junglebike]

Hi all,

We're looking for a tender for our new-to-us 42' trawler. This is SoCal cruising; no long-distance work anticipated, just anchorage to shore and around the harbor.

We are 2 adults, 3 girls ages 6-12., and a greyhound. Despite this, I'm trying for light and simple. The existing davits are not super-strong, and there's no good spot for carrying a dinghy on the deck.

Hence, I'm giving up on planing, and am thinking that even a small 2.5hp motor should be able to push a dinghy at displacement speeds - heck we had one on our 4000lb sailboat. Going from 30lbs (2.5hp) to 60lbs (6hp) is a big jump in bulk.

The dinghy sales guy suggested that 2.5 was just too small, but then said a Torqueedo would work, which surprised me. I don't really want to spend $2k on a tiny motor.

What are your real world experiences with this?

Thanks!

[oldersalt1944]

We have a Suzuki 2.5 and a 9.5 foot Avon inflatable. With 2 adults we can make about 4-5 knots, no problem.
olderswlt

[Junglebike]

Originally Posted by oldersalt1944

We have a Suzuki 2.5 and a 9.5 foot Avon inflatable. With 2 adults we can make about 4-5 knots, no problem.
olderswlt

Thanks - is it a rigid floor or air?

Dinghy sales guy told me that the air floor dinks are less efficient so benefit from more HP. I'm also looking at the HB-315LX which has the same capacity as the LSI-330 but rigid floor. It's 40lbs heavier, but I'd rather have the weight in the dink than in the motor and one less thing to deflate is always good. Not sure how often I'd stow the dink fully.

[Junglebike]

Anyone else? I just ordered the 330 air floor, now need to decide on a motor.

Candidates are:

Suzuki 2.5
Suzuki 6
E-propulsion Spirit 1.0

Thoughts?

[kmacdonald]

Go with the light Suzuki 2.5. The heavier 6 HP is not worth the trouble.

It's much quieter than the Honda 2.3.

[Reefmagnet]

Small motors will push a displacement dinghy fine. Never used a 2.5, but plenty of experience with a 3.5 and these will push a dinghy along quite well. And whilst the 6hp motor will let you pop up on the plane with a light load, a bit of extra weight will have you in displacement only mode quick smart anyway. Depending on hull shape, it may be possible to plane one up with a small payload with the small motor if you connect a bit of pvc pipe to the tiller so you can move forwards to get it over the hump and onto the plane.

[Junglebike]

Thanks guys, that makes sense. I'm inclined to go for the Suzi 2.5 for the light weight, low cost & simplicity.

[akopac]

Watch the wind though,...