T&T: Outboard motors

[Robert Deering]

On 5/1/09 5:34 AM, "Ricky L Carroll" <rlcarroll at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

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).


What's wrong with oars?

If you're going to settle with running a small boat at hull speed for short
runs, why not just outfit yourself with a proper rowing dink?  A well found
rowing skiff is a pleasure to row - it's stable, light, quiet, simple, and
surprisingly fast. 

Consider the other benefits:

 - After a day behind the wheel most of us need a bit of exercise.
 - One less motor to have to worry about
 - No need to carry flammable gasoline onboard
 - Lower cost
 - More reliable

I will admit that a rowing skiff motor may also suffer impairment when too
much ethanol is blended with the fuel, but nothing's perfect.

Bob Deering
Juneau, Alaska