Advice on first motor

[CuriousMe]

Hi

I recently got tempted and bought a second hand 3.1M Zodiac fastroller in order to take my kids out on the water, now I have to spend some more money on getting an engine. So I have signed up here to beg advice.

The plate on the boat says 6 min to 10 max HP, with absolute max 16HP (which I found a bit confusing to be honest). It would used to coastal fishing with my kids (only a few 100yds from shore) or occasionally pootling around the rivers near home.

So my questions are:

What HP would you recommend? Would 4HP be too underpowered? I'd like to keep it light as I'll be shifting it myself. Does 2 v 4 stroke have much impact on weight?

Is it safe to buy second hand off ebay? As I'll have kids on board I'd like to feel confident I can make it back against the tide without having to row.

Anythings else you think I should know or consider? I spent a lot of times fishing and diving off small boats with outboards years ago but could benefit from any pointers.

Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers

C

[Max...]

Hi welcome to the forum. I probably won't be the only one to say (parrot fashion): Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke, Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke, Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke, Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke, Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke...

Check a search for more but for a huge number of people this is the often recommended circa 3m SIB engine. Why? Reliable, very light, super simple to service, great pick up, quiet, burns virtually no fuel, etc, etc.

As for where to buy, eBay is probably the best bet to find one at a good price (second to buying from a fellow RIBnet member) but you really want to (must) see an engine started and running before you buy it. Buyer beware as always.

[CuriousMe]

Hi

Thanks, that looks like a great solution, relative low weight with a lot of power. The only catch is that they seem to be like hens' teeth, I can't find any for sale new or second hand and they seem quite pricey.

If anyone has one going cheap (Yeah, long shot I know)

Cheers

C

[Max...]

Not that rare really, more here, post #5:

Wanted - >10HP SS 2 Stroke OB

[CuriousMe]

I'll keep an eye on Ebay then.
Do you think a lower powered motor would do for the boat? If so, how much lower?

Cheers

C

[willk]

I think that 10hp is a sensible minimum for your boat and load. The wee toohotsue is very handy to haul about. An older unit will be cheaper.

[Fenlander]

I wonder how old the kids are... just wondering if they're small an 8hp might be enough which will increase the choice a lot?? Plenty of Youtube videos of 8hp's pushing 3m SIbs really well on the plane.

See this and perhaps have a word with Ben to see how his went with an 8hp?? If you are just one adult with two kids it makes a big difference.

Tohatsu 8hp

[willk]

Get a 10. They'll grow into it - lol

[Max...]

I spent a couple of hours out today in a choppy slight/moderate sea - purely for experience as once again the forecast let us down and having made the effort to get out early had to have a go. Kind of fun in a choppy way but would not really have wanted less power.

My 9.8 hits 15 kts with 2 adults and 2 kids. Me + 1 child = 17kts, me alone it will nearly make 18 kts if a really flat sea, that's 20mph so more than enough in a 3.4m rubber tub.

[Max...]

If you do go for an 8 HP, be quick and here is a chance of a 'free' engine.

inflatable boat and 8hp outboard | eBay

It's a giveaway price - split the package, sell the boat, wheels and bits for the purchase price and bingo! - one free 8HP!

Another chance here to do the same, if not free it could work out very cheap indeed - boat/wheels are nearly worth the starting price alone.

ZODIAC INFLATABLE BOAT 8HP ENGINE | eBay