What Outboard and Rigging Fits My Needs?

[ben2go]

I am building a very unique boat that I designed my self.It is a flat bottom cabin cruiser with a bow like the old WWII landing crafts.The boat has a 30 foot hull length,27.5 foot water line.It's non planing and will be used in shallow lakes and rivers.No rough water or salt water.Estimated dry weight is around 4000lbs +/- 500lbs.I need economy and reliability.My issues stem from the length of the boat, weight,and horse power requirements.I need a unit that can be lifted out of the water and also controlled by the helm or by hand.So here's my list of questions.

1)Do I really need more than 50HP?Remember planing and high speed are not happening with this boat.

2)What is the best control system for an outboard that's roughly 22 feet from the helm?Main concern is steering and shifting.

3)What would be the best method of lifting the engine out of the water?Hand,full trim system,or other?Keep in mind this is a non planing shallow draft hull.

4) Is there an out board that can be operated by hand and by helm control?

5) Since speed and planing aren't an issue,what would best fit my needs?2 or 4 stroke?4 stroke seems to have more torque at low rpm than 2 stroke.


This boat will be used for my family and me for weekend outings on local lakes and rivers.I am giving serious consideration to used units.Any advice or opinions would be great.Thanks in advanced.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What Outboard and Rigging Fits My Needs?

you are building a barge, actually a boat that size, to be able to control it, i would put twin 50's on it. one on each side of the transom as far out as you can mount them. that boat is going to be extremely hard to control docking, or trailering. with the twins you can power steer using forward and reverse thrust of the motor. the only way to control them in 2 places is with dual helms. power tilt to me would be a necessity. the reason i say 2 50's is that is what it will take to control. now that you need that much for crusing.

 

[jevery]

Re: What Outboard and Rigging Fits My Needs?

I?d think Mercury?s Bigfoot or Yamaha?s T series would be best suited to your application with the gear ratios to swing big low pitch props.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: What Outboard and Rigging Fits My Needs?

As a kid I spent a lot of time on large older multi engined boats. It is still hard to get used to not having that as a option.

T-Daddy is right about handling, especially in tight spaces, rivers with a strong current, and windy conditions.

It is the low speed maneuverability, not the high speeds, that multi engine boats offer that I miss most.