T&T: Outboard motors

[Ricky L Carroll]

john brees wrote:
> <snip>
> 
> What does the list say; would I get enough
power form a 6 HP 4 stroke? Or do
> you think I need to go with the 9.8 or
larger?

I use a 6hp Tohatsu on my 12' Portabote.  It will only plane that
boat with two on board and no additional load. Even then, it is barely
planing, running about 11kts per the GPS. I understand inflatables require a
bit more oomph for planing than my folder.

On our last trip (RV) to Florida, 
a friend who keeps a Mainship there dropped his dinghy off at our waterfront
campsite. It was a 12' RIB powered by a 25hp Merc 2-stroke. It was fast, a
little too fast. When my friends teenage son came by, we let him make some
timed runs for us. He was hitting about 35mph and spending much of the time
airborne. I think 15-2-20hp is about right for that boat and 25hp is too much.
I would suggest you look hard and finding an good late-series 2stroke 15hp or
more, or you should just rebuild your current motor. 15hp 4-strokes lack the
"hole shot" ability of 2 stroke models, so you may have to go to 20 or more
4cycle HP to guarantee the ability to plane with 4 folks onboard.  Otherwise,
do what we did and go with a small, dependable 4-stroke, like the Tohatsu, and
exchange speed for fuel economy and light (relative) weight My 6hp only weighs
55lbs and the newest models even have the ability to charge. You are limited
to hull speed most of the time, so the only problems are when you encounter
high currents (or winds).

I bought my boat from Portabote, btw, and they had
great prices and free shipping. I think they carry motors up to 15hp or more.
Ricky
Still a blo-boter
Texas