I am considering the Tohatsu 6 hp 4-stroke motor to power a Hunter 25. My question is, can I also use this motor (with the long shaft) for a future Zodiak type dingy? I have read great reviews of this motor - any other feedback or options to consider. I am finding these motors on the net for $1200 shipped - hard to beat!! Also, is the electric starter worth the extra $$ (around $200-400)? Thanks!
using a long shaft outboard for a dingy
- Thread starter deeman7777
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Short shaft
Most inflatable dinks take a short shaft motor - if I remember right about 17". An electric start on a motor that size is really unnecessary and would just make the rig more complicated - wiring, battery, charging.
Most inflatable dinks take a short shaft motor - if I remember right about 17". An electric start on a motor that size is really unnecessary and would just make the rig more complicated - wiring, battery, charging.
Outboard Size
IMHO, 6 hp will not be enough for a Hunter 25 if you need to punch into some headwinds and waves, and you will need the long shaft. 8Hp is really a minimum, maybe OK on a small inland lake but for any open water I'd recommed 9.9hp with electric start and alternator for battery charging & running lights. Dingy motor could be much smaller, maybe 3 hp, short shaft.
IMHO, 6 hp will not be enough for a Hunter 25 if you need to punch into some headwinds and waves, and you will need the long shaft. 8Hp is really a minimum, maybe OK on a small inland lake but for any open water I'd recommed 9.9hp with electric start and alternator for battery charging & running lights. Dingy motor could be much smaller, maybe 3 hp, short shaft.
Thoughts
Electric start for 25 foot is worth it. No worth it for dingy uses as it requires a battery. The long shaft on a dingy may have a tendency to lift the bow an excessive amount. Just something to be careful of when excelerating.
Electric start for 25 foot is worth it. No worth it for dingy uses as it requires a battery. The long shaft on a dingy may have a tendency to lift the bow an excessive amount. Just something to be careful of when excelerating.
A few comments
The extra length of the motor shaft will cause the bow to ride high. It will also be a pain in shallow water.
The extra length of the motor shaft will cause the bow to ride high. It will also be a pain in shallow water.
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