Buy dingy motor in bahamas

[beetlejuice30]

I'm heading to the Bahamas in the next few weeks. I was thinking purchasing a two stoke in bahamas may be a good choice for my dingy.
How much?
bad idea?
how much HP for a 10 foot dingy? details aluminum floor, inflatable keel, about 100 lb.


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[Boatguy30]

I would get a merc 8 in Nassau as they are same motor as tohatsu available in Caribbean but few if any Tohatsu dealers in Bahamas.

Yamaha 15 is standard go to, but a bit big for your dinghy. The 8hp enduro 8 is a really only design and little parts availability.

[beetlejuice30]

would I regret getting something smaller like a 2.5 honda four stroke found one used for decent price

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[Vasco]

Originally Posted by beetlejuice30

would I regret getting something smaller like a 2.5 honda four stroke found one used for decent price

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yes if you're going to cruise the Bahamas.

[beetlejuice30]

meh! Alright well I don't have a dingy crane and I'm not going to install one so I need something light so I can hoist it my self.
why wouldn't the 2 hp work just curious

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[barnaclejim]

We bought an 8HP 2 stroke Yamaha in Georgetown about 6 years ago after our Tohatsu broke and we absolutely hate it. Really loud and torquey which is a pain in close quarters. Runs great but we hardly ever use it and it was about double the price from the states.
when under way you dont notice the noise but it it an embarassment to come into an anchorage or onto a beach, unless you love the sound of a screaming chainsaw. Apparently there is not much to do as restricting the exhaust will overheat the engine.

[redsky49]

8-10 HP seem about right. In my experience in the Bahamas, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki seem to have the top three spots, with various other manufacturers represented.

I am still using my 1995 vintage 6 HP Evinrude 2-stroke, on a 10 ft. Achilles. It will plane with two adults, but struggles to plane with three.

In some spots in the Bahamas you will travel long distances in your dink. The ability to plane will be much appreciated. It will cut your travel time by 60-70%. A couple extra horsepower will be appreciated, particularly if loaded down with jerry jugs of fuel and water.

P.S. My 2-stroke is quieter than many 4 strokes.

[beetlejuice30]

Thanks redsky sounds like solid info

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[Suijin]

I have a Yamaha 8 2 stroke and love it. Bullet proof, will plane two adults and stuff in a 10' hard bottom, and i can wrangle it on and off the boat without a crane. If it were 10 lbs heavier or I was 10 years old it would be a bear. I believe that the 2 stroke 8 is just a detuned 15 hp (or was a generation of motors or two ago), so when you go to buy check on the weight difference. More HP never hurts if there is no weight penalty.

As noted, if you're using your dink for anything other than putt putting around a harbor, you're going to want enough horsepower to get you and whatever you're carrying up on plane.

[redsky49]

Let me add that, in general, a two cylinder engine will run smoother than a single cylinder engine. When bolted to the transom of a RIB, the engine vibration transmitted throughout the hull can be bothersome.

Something to consider.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by beetlejuice30

meh! Alright well I don't have a dingy crane and I'm not going to install one so I need something light so I can hoist it my self.
why wouldn't the 2 hp work just curious

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It will work just fine, so long as you never have an intent to plane.
In fact in my opinion if no intent to plane exists, then get the lightest motor there is, but I would want a Suzuki 2.5 I think.
I would think a tiny motor is less likely to be stolen?

Lots of goodness in being able to jump onto plane and travel drier and get somewhere in 1/4 the time, sometimes.

[Caliber40]

Get a crane and the 15 Yamaha....you won't regret.....it's a once in a lifetime purchase you'll have to live with for years....purchased my 15 last year in Nassau for $2400. Weighs 75 lbs....doubt the 8. Weighs much less.

If u have long trips to explore or buy groceries, and you will, you will not regret your choice.

Greg
Sv Ti Amo

[beetlejuice30]

well my dingy max motor says 10 hp but 100 pounds. they recommended a 8 for it however I can only purchase four-strokes in the USA. which puts a 8hp at almost 90 lb dry way to much to lift after a few beers. Not going to pimp out my catalina 30 with davits and crane when I already want a different boat. Don't really wanna put almost 100 lb on my Stern rails either. I might just be supper slow unless I find a good 2 stroke used.

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[Caliber40]

Sorry.....thought your original post said you were purchasing in the Bahamas where u can purchase 2 strokes.

[cofc]

Originally Posted by beetlejuice30

I might just be supper slow unless I find a good 2 stroke used.

Do you intend on spear fishing or snorkeling?

We have an inflatable dinghy with a 6hp Tohatsu that works fine for getting into the beach or dock. However it's absolutely awful for exploring fishing/snorkeling grounds.