Biggest recommended for 9.8 hp?

[gobigkahuna]

I've decided that the biggest motor I can afford (and carry) will be a Tohatsu 9.8 hp 4 stroke outboard. What is the biggest soft bottom inflatable you'd recommend for that motor? I'll usually be carrying 2 people (total weight about 360 lbs) and will mostly be operating in the sounds and waterways here in Eastern North Carolina.

On a related topic, I'm considering either the Baltik or Saturn or West Marine 11' or 12' boats. I'm tempted by the lower price of the first two, but have had great after sales service with WM so may go that route instead. I've read some recent posts from people who have recently bought Baltik /Saturns, but how have they held up over the long haul? Mine will be stored deflated and indoors when not used, so UV won't be an issue. But how well do the seams hold up?

Thanks.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Biggest recommended for 9.8 hp?

I'd guess that a 12' boat with two people might be a bit much for the 9.8hp. It'll probably plane, but it will be quite underpowered. 10 footer will be better. If you never carry any gear with you though, the 12 footer would do okay, not fast, but okay.

I've got a Saturn 14' going on season 2 and no sign of failure yet. It's a strong boat and the seams are very well put together. I also have a West Marine 8' Zodiac"ish" boat and it too is very sturdy. If you plan on towing your inflatable behind another boat, I like the WM version's D-ring attachments better. I like the fabric on the WM boat better too. Not really stronger, I just like the texture it has better.

Anyway, both good boats. I'd buy either one. Or both.

 

[bob lloyd]

Re: Biggest recommended for 9.8 hp?

The weight difference between the 10' and 12' is negligible. I'd go with the 12'.

I'm going into my 3rd season with a Saturn 12' and ran a Nissan 8HP 2 stroke on it until I upgraded to a Merc 15 toward the end of last season. At first the 8 would not plane two large adults (almost 400lbs). I then dropped down to a 7" pitch propeller from a 8.5". Huge difference. It planed nicely and ran about 15MPH. The 15 goes 24MPH.

My Saturn is still like new. I keep UV protectant on it and keep it out on the sun as much as possible. The boat is nice quality but the pump that comes with it is crap. Get a decent pump and a pressure gauge.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Biggest recommended for 9.8 hp?

I agree that the weight difference is not that big. The problem is that soft hull inflatables have a tremendous amount of drag, particularly trying to power them up on plane. That 2 feet of extra hull to pull out of the water is significant.

Anyway, something to think about.

 

[gobigkahuna]

Re: Biggest recommended for 9.8 hp?

Next question: I will need to pump and deflate the boat after every use. Besides going with an inflatable floor, what would you say the largest boat I should consider if I'll need to pump it up before using it? I had a 10'2" West Marine a while back and it wasn't an issue at all. I also pushed it around with a 2.5 hp engine, which was fine considering I never ventured outside of the "no wake" zone anyways. How much bigger of a hassle is it to lug and pump up an 11-12 boat is it?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Biggest recommended for 9.8 hp?

You won't even notice.