A few questions (boater for 2 weeks)

[seasprite79]

First where would you find the Max HP of an outboard your boat an handle?

What size of a gas tank should one get if they are running an 85hp?

Which kind of tank should I get plastic or metal?

Has anyone switched the hand throttle to a foot throttle?

Is there a place to get a cheaper universal hand throttle?

I'm sure I will have more but this is bout it for now.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: A few questions (boater for 2 weeks)

The max HP is on a rating plate usually near the helm of the boat. Should be a yellow tag that says USCG certified. It will tell you the max capacity of persons and gear as well as the max HP.

The size of the fuel tank will be dependant upon how much time you spend running the motor, how you boat (lots of trolling, watersports, WOT running, etc.) what kind of boat you have (V-hull, pontoon, tri-hull, bass boat, etc.) I would want an 18 gallon tank at least personally.

I would recommend a plastic tank over metal... less maintainence.

As to the hot foot versus hand control... Couldn't tell ya!

Check eBay for a new helm controller.​

 

[steelespike]

Re: A few questions (boater for 2 weeks)

HP rating Normally on a plate on the transom.
Gas tank? An 85 uses approx. 8.5 gals. an hour at Wide Open Throttle. (WOT).Two or more Smaller tanks are easier to deal with than one large tank.
Filling,portability etc.
With two tanks you could distribute their weight to balance the load better.
Gas tank, Plastic is less expensive, lighter and doesn't leave rust stains or get rust in the system as it ages.
You may find a Throttle here at iboats. You may want to ask for opinions
on best throttle for the money rather than cheaper throttle.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: A few questions (boater for 2 weeks)

With a HotFoot throttle (pedal) thay have some advantages and some disadvantages.....

Advatages - both hands stay on the wheel to help steer
- normally used on bigger engines (bass boats)

Disadvantages (my opinions) - in rough water it can be hard to keep steady throttle and if you are in rough water you only have one foot to help steady you.

The Hot foot is costly for looking cool and you still need a hand shift control..... for an 85hp I would tell you to save $$$$ and not go with it.

Plastic is cheaper and easier to use. Remember that in hot weather the plastic is more prone to expand and swell where the metal tank will not.

If you can not find the max hp plate look harder. I found one mounted behind my throttle contol on an old boat. If I had not decided to re-wire I would have never known it was there.

Oh yeah..... take a boating course! They are usually free and absolutely worth it.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: A few questions (boater for 2 weeks)

One thing to be careful with portable tanks, especially plastic ones. A static electric charge can form on them. A static electric spark is as dangerous as any other king of spark