ouboard motor size what hp?

Submitted: Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 16:33

ThreadID: 84619 Views:5506 Replies:8 FollowUps:7

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Member - bungarra (WA)

I am trying to compromise between the weight of motor on the A frame of a van and the lifting and fitting to a dingy when needed........as against safety and convience when choosing a motor too low in hp

the dingy is a bluefin Varmint 3.8m in length and 95 kg. ...beam 1750....... hull depth 780...(max rated is 25hp)

I chose this because of its solid all welded construction and its depth......further out of the water than a shallow dingy........probably no safer from a cranky croc on a mission.... than if I was in a smaller one..but mind over matter will make me feel safer if it ever becomes an issue

occupancy 2 adults............the general area being the rivers/ estuary waters of the Kimberly's, NT and Qld........

in other words capable of running against the tides if it becomes necessary / required.........cruising speed to get from A to B is less of a consideration....more about being pratical and a safe compromise between over kill and under powered

appreciate some input from those who do fish those areas .........I am a reasonably experienced boaty with a larger FG runabout that will have to stay at home as it wont fit on the roof !

at this stage I am thinking a 15hp Mecury Super two stroke

Thanks

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Reply By: hazo - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 16:43

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 16:43

I've got a 3.8 Bermuda "V" hull with high sides and transom and I run a 15hp Merc (USA manufactured one) and would not consider any less power for that size dinghy.

Its around 28kg and I keep it in back of a troopy whilst travelling, just back up to the boat and slip it out and on.

AnswerID: 446637

Reply By: Member - Jason B (NSW) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 17:39

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 17:39

For that boat with two on board a 15hp 2 stroke motor is the best compromise. I wouldn't consider any brand other than Yamaha. (I have tried them all)

Have just ordered a Bluefin Trekker 3.45 and it will have a 15 Yamaha on it.

Also have 3 x Bluefin catfish punts coming that will be powered by 8hp Yamaha's.

Currently using a Quintrex 385 explorer with a 15hp Yamaha and it is fine with two up. It struggles with 3 or 4 on board, however it has a floor etc in it that adds weight.

All these boats are used commercially and are fine for this purpose with the hp mentioned.

Regards

AnswerID: 446642

Follow Up By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 17:43

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 17:43

thanks for that info..........you are obviously happy with Bluefin !.........

I have had 2 merc outbaords and never an issue....care to comment on the Yamaha preference?............I am completely open on brand at this stage

thanks

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Follow Up By: Member - Jason B (NSW) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 20:53

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 20:53

Mate

I am not in possession of the Bluefin's yet however when we were researching our replacement boats they stood out as good value and looked well made. Also we need a boat that conforms to the Maritime level floatation regulations and Bluefin fit the bill.

As for the outboards I have literally used every brand on the market and we give them a pretty hard time. Yamaha's are the brand that stands out as they give us the least amount of trouble and parts if required are readily available. We still use all of the different brands however 70 - 80% of our vessels are powered by Yamaha (and we don't get any better deal from them over the others). Most of our blokes (and all have opinions and favourite's) consider that Yamaha are the most reliable.

We also seem to get good resale on them compared to others when they are disposed of.

Regards

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Follow Up By: Member - Jason B (NSW) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 21:01

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 21:01

Also when ordering you motor make sure you get the correct shaft/leg length for your boats transom.

Also aim for an engine that will suit your worst case scenario. If you have the room and can carry a larger motor it will be less stressed and nicer over long distances.

We are going to re power our 385 explorer with a 25hp (up from 15hp) because it struggles with the load we regularly put in it. With just 2 on board and a little gear it is fine, however we find that we load it much more than that at the moment and it it a bit slow and tedious.

Regards.

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Follow Up By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 21:16

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 21:16

Thanks Jason

I will look seriously at the Yamaha......I purchased the long transom.......have never liked the cut away....and never quite worked out why they do it

Graeme

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Reply By: Isuzumu - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 21:10

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 21:10

Check out the 8 HP Yamaha 2 stroke was a great motor plenty of torque and quite a bit lighter than the 15 hp

AnswerID: 446669

Reply By: Member - Serendipity(WA) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 22:27

Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 22:27

Hi Bungarra

I have fished extensively in the tropical north - around Darwin mainly. My mate had a 15hp and while it went Ok with not many problems we found with two onboard and sundry fishing gear we did struggle on those large run out tides we had in the NT. We did manage if you stuck close to the shore.

If you are putting it on and off I think it is a fair trade off for weight and with just enough power to have a 15hp.

My boat I used extensively in Darwin and reaches has a 40hp mercury two stroke and that did just fine. Most of the fishers around Darwin would use around 40hp as it has more than enough power, can still be pull started, and can be tiller steered. Of course it would be way to heavy to take on and off.

I will agree with others and say most commonly the Darwin people I knew would have Yamaha outboards on their barra boats. They would even frown on the Mercury but I never had an issue with mine. The yamaha where lot more expensive - a bit like toyota with its reputation as to the cheaper nissan. The nissans still get to the same places.

Sounds like you are preparing to a big and fun trip.

Cheers

David

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Follow Up By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 12:23

Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 12:23

Hi David

will send email.......probably end up with a Yamaha 20........a sort of a compromise and an extra 7 kg on the 15 Merc

Thanks

Graeme

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Reply By: Wilko (Parkes NSW) - Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 09:51

Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 09:51

Hi Bungarra,

Ive got a 3.5 Horizon that weighs 82kg's. Its a deepish vee and its got a 15 merc powering it.

Its got plenty of power to get 2 reasonable fat boys up on the plain and it would be fine pushing against some of the fast moving tides.

Its not light but it wont bust your gut either.

Cheers Wilko

AnswerID: 446708

Reply By: Patrol22 - Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 10:01

Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 10:01

I have a 3.75 Quintrex traveller on my campertrailer and a 9.9hp Mariner that I mount on the A frame. Seems to be a pretty well balanced outfit for me and the Mrs but when I put a third person in .......well is takes about half a kilometre to get on the plane.

AnswerID: 446709

Reply By: BrownyGU - Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 11:21

Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 11:21

Bung,

Check out the Tohatsu range of OB's as well, I havn't owned one but have herd some good reports on them,

Also is there any weight difference between a 25 and a 15 hp Yammy or Merc or what ever?

Probably a silly question, but arn't some motors the same size weight etc but just tuned differently?

Cheers.......Browny

AnswerID: 446717

Follow Up By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 12:22

Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 at 12:22

Browny

usually the weight jumps from a 15 to the 20 / 25 by around 7 - 9 kg

The 20 / 25's usually share the same block but with each other but they get the extra hp from the carby alterations I think

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