Sailing an O'Day, 28 ft in the Great Lakes.....purchasing a used 10 ft dinghy with a 9.9 Merc outboard (package deal). Thinking this is too big of an engine (dinghy is rated to 12 hp) since most other boaters I looked at had 3.5-5 hp motors. Any thoughts on the motor size most of the sailing world uses. Is it ok to keep the motor on the stern of the dinghy as I sail or must I buy a smaller motor to mount on my stern pulpit? Also, any thoughts about a Merc (80's) vs Johnson (mid 70's)vs Yamaha (90's)?
dinghy outboard motor
- Thread starter vmaks
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As long as the dinghy is rated for a larger HP engine, the 9.9 should be fine. We have a 10'-2" Cadet Zodiac Air Floor with a 9.9 1990 Evinrude, is just great for getting up on a plane, which you would NOT be able to do with a smaller motor and more than one occupant.
Unless you're in sheltered water, I wouldn't leave the engine on the dinghy if you're towing the dinghy.
We have a Garhauer dinghy motor lift for the engine and keep it on the pushpit.
Unless you're in sheltered water, I wouldn't leave the engine on the dinghy if you're towing the dinghy.
We have a Garhauer dinghy motor lift for the engine and keep it on the pushpit.
I've towed dinghies some 10,000 miles last 6 years. Unless I'm moving from mooring to pumpout dock or fuel dock, very short distances, that engine comes OFF. All it takes is one nasty wake and you'll be looking at the bottom of the dinghy- and a drowned engine. Ain't worth it to me.
I have a Evenrude 2hp motor and find that its great for putting around as well as lifting by one hand on and off the dinghy. Although it won't get my boat up on plain I like the portability over speed. The bigger the motor the more weight that you may have to deal with.
I guess it depends on your region and custom. Most folks who tow dinghies here in SoCal (a minority, but a large one) do leave the motor on, both power and sail. I did not but after doing too many dinghy ballets even after building a crane, I decided to tow it with the engine on. I have been doing that for about five years. The dinghy actually tows a bit better with the weight aft. No close calls so far. Now, what you should know is: the dinghy is a cheap hard dinghy; I tow it with a two-line bridle; the engine is a light 3.3 HP two-stroke; I only use it for going from the dock or beach to the boat and I could handle the loss of either. I prefer the light weight Tohatsu clone I have since I take it off after cruising and always fresh water flush it. I have also field stripped it a couple of times because of bad fuel and a hung up shifter. That would not be my choice with a much larger engine!
Your results may vary.
Your results may vary.
Minimum HP needed to get a 10ft. dinghy up on a plane with 2 people and small load onboard is 8HP. 9.9+, etc. is OK as you dont HAVE to run full blast; its a weight issue. Planing is important when anchored offshore in heavy waves and you need to make it to shore without getting the dinghy swamped/pooped from the stern.
I use a 2hp Evinrude on my davit mounted dinghy. This is used for 'quiet water' dinghying. If I need long distance or FAST dinghying, I swap the 2HP for 'the brute' OB thats carried on the stern rail.
FWIW - The old Evinrude/Johnson 2 HP is a true classic workhorse that will be around for the next 30 years, and parts are readily available; many of these reliable & venerable 2HP OBs show up on ebay, etc.
If you have the choice, go with a 2 stroke for less 'finicky' carburetor, reliability, and lighter weight per HP output.
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Strongly recommend that one does not tow a dinghy with its OB engine mounted .... this is just plain foolishness. However, its OK to tow if you have the tools and expertise to immediately strip-down and dry-out the drowned OB when the dinghy becomes inverted during the towing. Just because the weather is benign does not mean that a testosterone loaded power boat jerk wont pass close by and with sufficient wake output to totally flip a towed (with OB) dink.
I use a 2hp Evinrude on my davit mounted dinghy. This is used for 'quiet water' dinghying. If I need long distance or FAST dinghying, I swap the 2HP for 'the brute' OB thats carried on the stern rail.
FWIW - The old Evinrude/Johnson 2 HP is a true classic workhorse that will be around for the next 30 years, and parts are readily available; many of these reliable & venerable 2HP OBs show up on ebay, etc.
If you have the choice, go with a 2 stroke for less 'finicky' carburetor, reliability, and lighter weight per HP output.
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Strongly recommend that one does not tow a dinghy with its OB engine mounted .... this is just plain foolishness. However, its OK to tow if you have the tools and expertise to immediately strip-down and dry-out the drowned OB when the dinghy becomes inverted during the towing. Just because the weather is benign does not mean that a testosterone loaded power boat jerk wont pass close by and with sufficient wake output to totally flip a towed (with OB) dink.
i would caution you vmaks, all this talk of wild abandon about "getting up on plane" in a dinghy is how you turn an avid sail boater into a somewhat light in the wallet motor boater.
I've used (gasp) oars for my whole life and can't see what the attraction of a (more gasping) gasoline motor could possibly be. My 8' oars weigh about 5 lb and store on the aft cabin wall. I have yet to preform any maintenance on them and the still start up great in the spring. They are easy to load and unload in ALL sea conditions. I find that my 8' "8-ball" sailing dinghy can go a mile in about 10 minutes with two adults on board. they are handy at repelling boarders.
I'll re-post this next spring when you ask how to re-commission your motor.
I've used (gasp) oars for my whole life and can't see what the attraction of a (more gasping) gasoline motor could possibly be. My 8' oars weigh about 5 lb and store on the aft cabin wall. I have yet to preform any maintenance on them and the still start up great in the spring. They are easy to load and unload in ALL sea conditions. I find that my 8' "8-ball" sailing dinghy can go a mile in about 10 minutes with two adults on board. they are handy at repelling boarders.
I'll re-post this next spring when you ask how to re-commission your motor.
My only concern with this mode of propulsion is that is very hard to drink a beer while paddling. Even harder to out run the local constable as well.....
Thanks for your input, however, my dinghy purchase I have spoken about in my post includes the motor as a throw in since it needs a little work (impeller) and tune up. We are just trying to figure out to "keep it" or just "sell it". I will take everyone's wise advice as I contemplate.
This is just something you need to work out for yourself. Personally, I have an Apex 9' roll-up and it's "rating" is 8hp. I have the following motors which have seen the transom. 2hp Honda, 6hp Johnson, 9.9hp Johnson. The 9.9 is the best choice in a true tender mode, covering modest distance at a fair clip. In dink mode, the 2hp is perfect getting, crew, and supplies from the dock to the boat in protect anchorages. The 6hp is the worst of both, weight of the 9.9, external tank and it will not plane. So what gets used the most? The 2hp 95% of the time. The ease of handling trumps the need for speed. If I were in the habit of anchoring in open roadsteads my choice may be different. In protect harbors my choice seems obvious to me.
RichH hit the nail on the head and carries the option on board.
I never tow in open water, period. its just bad JuJu. The bottom gets yucky, too. It takes 12 minutes, by myself, to hoist, deflate, and store the Apex lashed on deck with the motor on the pushpit. Interestingly, I have a hard dink with oars I use around home and storing the 8' oars is more challenging than the little 2hp Honda, on board.
One option is to service and sell your motor then get what you want. Good motors are like commodities, selling and trading fairly painlessly. I currently have the above mentioned, two 15s, and a 25 in the boathouse. I buy and sell all the time. I'm looking for a 4hp johnson with integral tank and F-N-R. I will sell a couple off to balance the stock.
Good Luck!
RichH hit the nail on the head and carries the option on board.
I never tow in open water, period. its just bad JuJu. The bottom gets yucky, too. It takes 12 minutes, by myself, to hoist, deflate, and store the Apex lashed on deck with the motor on the pushpit. Interestingly, I have a hard dink with oars I use around home and storing the 8' oars is more challenging than the little 2hp Honda, on board.
One option is to service and sell your motor then get what you want. Good motors are like commodities, selling and trading fairly painlessly. I currently have the above mentioned, two 15s, and a 25 in the boathouse. I buy and sell all the time. I'm looking for a 4hp johnson with integral tank and F-N-R. I will sell a couple off to balance the stock.
Good Luck!
Not a problem. Plus, offers a little head and face protection if the oars get out of control.My only concern with this mode of propulsion is that is very hard to drink a beer while paddling. Even harder to out run the local constable as well.....
http://www.idbarn.com/index.php?action=prodspec&itemID=933177551
Actually, there are some reasons
1. Needing to go longer distances than "just to the shore" from the boat
2. Safety - usually larger engines mean bigger dinghies
3. FUN!!!
There's no denying that moving a heavier engine is either work or requires a motor lift. We had a 1.2 HP Johnson engine on our old dinghy and it was a one-handed affair to put it on the dinghy compared to our 9.9 now.
The 1.2 would take us almost an hour to cover the distance from our favorite anchorage to the store for ice. One way in summer heat. Can do it in 10 minutes with the planing dinghy/engine.
I love sailing, but zooming around can be fun, too.
But there is also no reason to not simply row if you are close to shore.
Should also point out that in many many anchorages, you can't run on a plane anyway. Spa Creek, Annapolis, and Boot Key Harbor, Marathon , Fl come to mind. Ft Myers Beach is another.
All depends on where you sail and anchor.
We have a RIB with 15hp and have towed for 6 seasons. I've been nervous only twice in large following waves watching the dinghy surf sideways down the waves. It's also a heavier dinghy and more stable than air-floor and harder to flip by wakes. I also sail in an area that is very busy with power boats. A large percentage in this area tow.
I wanted something that we could go exploring the region we sail in after the anchor drops. There's literally 30,000 islands in the 30,000 Islands Region we sail in and lots to explore by dinghy. We also have a dog which means sveral runs to shore. I don't want to haul the motor onto the rail each time we drop anchor.
This is out in the middle of Georgian Bay on a calmer day.
We have a RIB with 15hp and have towed for 6 seasons. I've been nervous only twice in large following waves watching the dinghy surf sideways down the waves. It's also a heavier dinghy and more stable than air-floor and harder to flip by wakes. I also sail in an area that is very busy with power boats. A large percentage in this area tow.
I wanted something that we could go exploring the region we sail in after the anchor drops. There's literally 30,000 islands in the 30,000 Islands Region we sail in and lots to explore by dinghy. We also have a dog which means sveral runs to shore. I don't want to haul the motor onto the rail each time we drop anchor.
This is out in the middle of Georgian Bay on a calmer day.
Scott, a dinghy tow trick
Maurice Griffiths, an Englishman who wrote a slew of great sailing books, used to tow his dinghy all the time. His boat was almost as small as his dinghy!!! His trick was to tow a length of line from the transom of the dinghy to keep it from surfing down waves and banging into his boat's transom. Might be something to consider when towing in heavier following conditions.
Maurice Griffiths, an Englishman who wrote a slew of great sailing books, used to tow his dinghy all the time. His boat was almost as small as his dinghy!!! His trick was to tow a length of line from the transom of the dinghy to keep it from surfing down waves and banging into his boat's transom. Might be something to consider when towing in heavier following conditions.
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