Best Engine Choice for 5.4 Searider?

[colcreate]

I'm struggling to decide what engine/s to fit to my SR5.4 (that's if I finish it sometime soon). Searider 5.4 Project

Choices available:
1, A brilliant 80hp Selva ELPTO low hours (3 seasons use) and a selection of s/s props. I know some people don't rate Selva's but I've used them for years and know them better than most. (actually have 3 x 80's so plenty of bits).

2, Twin 40hp Mariners ELO (long shaft) low hours and mint condition. Pity their not PTT.

3, Sell Mariners and put another couple of grand or so in the pot to buy whatever you guys recommend.

So what's the consensus of opinion; single two stroke max hp, single four stroke max hp, twin 40's 2 stroke or twin four stroke hp?.

I like the safety aspect of twins, but still want to be a boy racer. Will the lack of PTT on the twin 40's be a problem? I could be carrying 2 or 3 divers plus kit or will want to do 60mile plus trips (20 odd miles from shore).

What's the ultimate set up?

[chewy]

Yam 90.

[Pikey Dave]

I'd discount the Mariners, you'll end up with 60hp ish equivalent + the extra weight, which is at a premium on your boat. The fact that they aren't PTT is the clincher for me. I don't know Selvas, but if you're happy with them go for it, unless something better turns up.
Lights blue touchpaper & stands well back

[colcreate]

Chewy - person of few words, why Yam 90? How about Mariner 90?
Pikey Dave, I agree no PTT on the twin 40's is a factor but I wonder what the performance penalty will be. If it's not much less the safety aspect and added stability might be worth it.

[C-NUMB]

Not much experience yet on my new set-up as was out on Sunday first time with my SR 5.4 and Yam 90. Based on that would say PTT is essential. It makes a big difference in handling and speed how you trim the engine. In slower speeds maybe not that important. What goes for the engine power would say that 90hp seams like optimal, responsive but yet does not feel unsafe. If You enjoy speed, sell the twin engines an try to get a 90 hp 2 stroke. The hull itself is not that big, so as mentioned weight is an factor to consider.

[willk]

Chewy is right.

Yam 90 is light and reliable, sounds like a bag of spanners in a tumble dryer. The Mariner 90? I dunno, I don't hear much either way!

Pikey Dave is being generous (bless), 60 hp equivalent is yer lot.

I'd go the 90 Yam and stick a nice 6hp Aux on for a rainy day. Or that loverlee 9.8hp 27kg Toohotsue I posted, if the 22" shaft is long enough....

[chewy]

Originally Posted by willk

Chewy is right.

Yam 90 is light and reliable, sounds like a bag of spanners in a tumble dryer. The Mariner 90? I dunno, I don't hear much either way!

Pikey Dave is being generous (bless), 60 hp equivalent is yer lot.

I'd go the 90 Yam and stick a nice 6hp Aux on for a rainy day. Or that loverlee 9.8hp 27kg Toohotsue I posted, if the 22" shaft is long enough....

Willk beat me too it.
Alot of people run Yam 90's on the 5.4's, it seems widely agreed that this is the ideal setup.

[doggypaddle]

My choice would be
yam 90/85/80 etc (pretty much all the same)
tohatsu 90
followed by any other two stroke 90 in no particular order other than Merc Mariner, etc being near the top and Force, Selva etc at the bottom.
in fact no, I would sooner have a fourstroke 50 than a selva or even a set of oars.

The yam is the best choice because its the best power to weight ratio 90 you can reasonably get. and ultra reliable.

seriously though if you have a reliable selva 90 and a load of spares, and know them inside out then why not? may as well use what you have.

[doggypaddle]

I just used "reliable" and "selva" in the same sentence

[willk]

Originally Posted by doggypaddle

seriously though if you have a reliable selva 90 and a load of spares, and know them inside out then why not? may as well use what you have.

Yes, but why has he got spare Selvas?

No axe to grind wiv Selva, btw, just curious...