Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

[serzyk_kepin]

Hello fellas,<br />I just got an inflatable boat 9.6 feet, rated for 8HP. Just wondering what is the best motor(weight/power) will be for this boat? I consider Mercury 5hp(45 lb.) or 8hp-9.9 hp(75lb). Would you recommend one of the japanise outboards (Nissan/Tohatsu, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki), 2 stroke, up to 50-60 lb.? I'm planning to use the boat for fishing and weight of the motor is crucial. Please advice.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Go for the 8 hp that you can get serviced locally. Next priority may be price or weight, but being able to get service/warranty nearby is important.<br /><br />Apart from actually carrying the motor, weight doesn't mean much (in these ranges). The boat handles any 8 hp easily.

 

[Alex65]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Hi: If you're looking for a great 8HP engine with low weight, the Tohatsu/Nissan 8HP 2-Stroke is a beauty! It's being discontinued & you can score the engine for cheap ($1,180.00 US) I think the weight is around 58 lbs. <br /><br />I notice you're from Canada. Here's the link for a web purchase:<br /><br /> http://www.onlineoutboards.com/ <br /><br />They do ship to Canada. Tohatsu's are super reiable & they are inexpensive. Just go to www.tohatsu.com to see if there is a dealer near by who can service it! I'm in the market for the 9.8 HP 2-Stroke & these guys have the best pricing by far. I asked many local dealers to match the price & they simply said "no way" Isn't the Canadian dollar stronger @ this point vs. the US dollar? Maybe you'll make out even more. <br /><br />Also, on the website you'll notice Tohatsu & Nissan Marine outboards. They are all exactly alike just with different paint jobs & labels. Tohatsu makes all of Nissan's product. You'll notice the Tohatsu's will run about $20.00-$30.00 less. Hope this might help!<br /><br />Alex

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Serzyk,<br /><br />Curious to what brand/model inflateable. I just bought a 2004 Johnson 8 hp after doing some research (and it just took a shot in another post here ). I liked the 58 lb weight, compared to Merc's 8 @ 73 lbs. Go with the max. hp. You'll want to have some fun with it. I wanted the 45 lb'er but decided I wanted to go fast too so........<br /><br />The Nissan/Tohatsu get's some good reviews on this site.<br /><br />Honda only makes 4 strokes (search "transporting 4 strokes )<br /><br />Yamaha's are pricey but worth the $$$.<br /><br />Suzuki's I know nothing of. <br /><br />PS Check this link out........ <br /> Outboard Comparisons <br /><br />Let us know which one you pick.

 

[serzyk_kepin]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Hello Luna Sea,<br /><br />I've got 9.6 ft Achilles, which comes with 8 hp Mercury. Still have it and it's just great, will start every 1st pull. It's running great and she plane easy with two people and a dog. So far very pleased, but only my concern is about weght of the motor (75 lb.). I'm still looking for Yamaha or Nissan 8 - 9.8 hp for light weight (59 lb.)

 

[serzyk_kepin]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Luna, how is your 2004 Johnson 8 hp so far, it's only 56 lb. So, I can go for it, what is your opinion on it ?

 

[JB]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Johnson 8hp.<br /><br />Best power to weight ratio in a smooth running engine that can be serviced almost anywhere.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[serzyk_kepin]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Thanks JB, will go to find the dealer in here in Toronto.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Gotta bump these old posts for answers..... <br /><br />I love my new little Johnson 8hp, runs great, easy to carry, starts first pull, looks nice ....<br /><br />You won't regret buying one of these fine running motors. Should put the inflateable right around 20 mph. Good luck!

 

[serzyk_kepin]

Re: Best motor (weight/power) for inflatable boat

Hi guys,<br />I got Nissan 9.8 hp, brand new, for CDN$ 2100(taxes included), I was considering Johnson 8 hp, but dealers have them here in Toronto for $2150+ (before taxes) . So,I went with Nissan. I've started it and ran in a barrel for 15 minutes idling, oil premix 25:1 for breakin operation. Looking forward for tomorrow to get her on the water. I have to make 10 hr. for breakin ASAP. I will run it 25:1 with regular Castrol outb. motor oil. Should I go with Castrol Synthetic after breakin? Any advices greatly appreciated.