I will be purchasing an outboard motor or electric motor for an Achilles LEX-96 (9'-6 X 4'-9) inflatable. What size outboard is appropriate (rated as 8 HP max)? What are the advantages or disadvantages of a battery powered electric motor? What size should be used. Your help and suggestions would be most appreciated.
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Mark
It Depends
The appropriate size motor really depends on how you plan on using the dinghy. If you want a motor that will get you up on a plane you would probably need 6HP or more. But if you don't plan on traveling far in your dinghy a lighter outboard is a good way to go. Since I use mine just to go to and from shore while anchored close in, I use a 3hp with integral gas tank - makes stowage and rigging the motor in place easy for one person. Sorry, but I don't have any experience with an electric motor. Mark
The appropriate size motor really depends on how you plan on using the dinghy. If you want a motor that will get you up on a plane you would probably need 6HP or more. But if you don't plan on traveling far in your dinghy a lighter outboard is a good way to go. Since I use mine just to go to and from shore while anchored close in, I use a 3hp with integral gas tank - makes stowage and rigging the motor in place easy for one person. Sorry, but I don't have any experience with an electric motor. Mark
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Bob Camarena
Compare Weights
Make sure to compare motor weights. I know that when I bought my 8hp Nissan, it was approximately the same weight as a smaller HP Nissan since they were essentially the same engine except the 8HP had a larger bore.
Make sure to compare motor weights. I know that when I bought my 8hp Nissan, it was approximately the same weight as a smaller HP Nissan since they were essentially the same engine except the 8HP had a larger bore.
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Mike DiMario
All good advice
Pete, It's my belief that you got good advice. I have found that the type of bottom that you have on your dinghy can be a big factor. Also, the size and weight of your gear/crew. Some engine manufaturer's use the same block and different carburation for higher h.p. ratings. So the weight factor can vary from manufacturer accordingly. Opinions are great, research is the key. I would try to find someone who has the same dinghy before making a move. Your dealer may be able to turn you on to some. good luck, Mike D
Pete, It's my belief that you got good advice. I have found that the type of bottom that you have on your dinghy can be a big factor. Also, the size and weight of your gear/crew. Some engine manufaturer's use the same block and different carburation for higher h.p. ratings. So the weight factor can vary from manufacturer accordingly. Opinions are great, research is the key. I would try to find someone who has the same dinghy before making a move. Your dealer may be able to turn you on to some. good luck, Mike D
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Gail Moorehead
Merc with neutral
If you are considering an electric motor I will assume that you are not expecting high performance. I am very satisfied with the Mercury 3.3 It is light weight, has neutral and cost less than $600 new in 2001. It does not have a twist throttle which takes some getting used to but how much is a twist throttle worth to you.
If you are considering an electric motor I will assume that you are not expecting high performance. I am very satisfied with the Mercury 3.3 It is light weight, has neutral and cost less than $600 new in 2001. It does not have a twist throttle which takes some getting used to but how much is a twist throttle worth to you.
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Les Murray
Nothing more than a 6HP
I've got a Caribe C-9. I used a Merc 8 couple of years ago but found that too heavy. This past seaon I bought an Mariner 5 hp and found that much better and easier to handle. About a 25 lbs. difference. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
I've got a Caribe C-9. I used a Merc 8 couple of years ago but found that too heavy. This past seaon I bought an Mariner 5 hp and found that much better and easier to handle. About a 25 lbs. difference. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
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Chuck Wayne
merc with neutral
Gail's right-I've got one on my 7 foot little roll-up, and it's great-always starts, plenty of power, and the neutral is real handy for docking/coming alongside-you can load/unload without shutting it down
Gail's right-I've got one on my 7 foot little roll-up, and it's great-always starts, plenty of power, and the neutral is real handy for docking/coming alongside-you can load/unload without shutting it down
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John H380 1999
Merc 3.3 works for us
It has neutral, weighs all of 28 pounds and runs all season on less than 4 gal of gas. Lists at site below for $730 but find a local dealer with a new one that is a few years old and sitting around and you should get a good deal on it. Mine was $400 new after haggling three years ago.
It has neutral, weighs all of 28 pounds and runs all season on less than 4 gal of gas. Lists at site below for $730 but find a local dealer with a new one that is a few years old and sitting around and you should get a good deal on it. Mine was $400 new after haggling three years ago.
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