Performance Zapcat with a 4-stroke

Wave · 16 November 2006, 20:15

What would be the performance of a Zapcat with a 4-stroke engine, a Honda BF50 (92 kg) for example.

samt · 16 November 2006, 21:28

I think in America they race a equilivant class to zapcats with honda 45hp outboards, so performance with the 50 must be pretty good.

I'm sure it was 45hp, though doesn't seem honda make it anymore... Maybe its just avaliable in the US.

It wont be as lively as with the tohatsu 50, but it would still be good fun. The only problem is if you flip it, starting a 4 stroke again would be much more difficult than the 2 stroke.

Edit: I think I saw a video and website racing 'dux' boats with the hondas, but I'm not so sure now, was I dreaming???

craigdavis · 16 November 2006, 22:13

I cant see why it would perform just as well at top end speed as the tohatsu 50hp. It would be a nice engine to have on the back for leisure use

Cookee · 17 November 2006, 09:48

I think I would pay special attention to the difference in weights of the two engines!

matt h · 17 November 2006, 17:07

reckon if you dunk a four stroke, youl have problems for evermore!!

Tim M · 18 November 2006, 18:25

Might also be worth considering what happens if you flip the zapcat. A normal 2 stroke is going to be a lot happier being upside down than a 4 stroke....

Jimbo · 18 November 2006, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Might also be worth considering what happens if you flip the zapcat. A normal 2 stroke is going to be a lot happier being upside down than a 4 stroke....

Seems to be a popular consensus of opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by samt

The only problem is if you flip it, starting a 4 stroke again would be much more difficult than the 2 stroke.

I think the weight issue would be quite important - Zapcats are really all about power to weight, and correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that Tohatsu 50 is the lightest in it's class?

Tim M · 18 November 2006, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Seems to be a popular consensus of opinion.

Arrh yes. I didn't bother reading the whole thread.

Wave · 18 November 2006, 20:04

The only reason i should buy a 4-stroke should be te better fuel use.
Isnt the Tohatsu 50 2-stroke using 15ltr/hr?

fast fred · 20 November 2006, 09:48

it is NOT FAST, noone races them hear. slow, poor handelin, stay home, save your money.

codprawn · 20 November 2006, 16:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wave

The only reason i should buy a 4-stroke should be te better fuel use.
Isnt the Tohatsu 50 2-stroke using 15ltr/hr?

A lot depends on how you will use the boat - if you just want something for pottering around is a Zapcat really what you want? Then again you can still have fun without going to extremes.

To complicate things further Tohatsu do the new TLDi in a 50hp - a lot heavier than a normal 2 stroke - about the same weight as a 4 stroke but it uses the optimax type technology. Maybe the best of both worlds? Good fuel economy and a 2 stroke!!!

fast fred · 20 November 2006, 19:05

have used the tldi 50hp, made for a good set up, far better than a 4 s' , if you can get it with out the power tilt & trim, would be even better.

Wave · 20 November 2006, 19:14

With the Tohatsu 50 tldi don't you have the same problem with the weight of it? Its nearly the same weight as the Honda BF50.

I understand now that the responce of the 4-stroke Honda isnt the same as the quick responce of the Tohatsu 50 2-stroke

I think i have to buy a Tohatsu and have a lot of fun!

codprawn · 20 November 2006, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wave

With the Tohatsu 50 tldi don't you have the same problem with the weight of it? Its nearly the same weight as the Honda BF50.

I understand now that the responce of the 4-stroke Honda isnt the same as the quick responce of the Tohatsu 50 2-stroke

I think i have to buy a Tohatsu and have a lot of fun!

Yes you do have the weight problem with a tldi but you get all the other 2 stroke benefits with better economy.

Having said that anything less than a racing engine on a zapcat is like a diesel engine in a Caterham 7!!!

fast fred · 23 November 2006, 10:35

could just pull the hydro ram off the bracket, at speed the only trim move is out
or nose up, wich just made it want to flip, was cool in shallows.
i put them on , the tldi, as low as it can with out cutin any thing, pull the little zink off, put it some ware else. allmost 50mph with two guys.