Motor for 3.8m

rich hand · 23 November 2011, 05:00

Ive got a Zebec 380A and choosing from a 15, 20 and 25hp motors 2 or 4 stroke. There will usually only be 2 people on board but maybe an extra person or 2 on occasion. What motor would you buy?

kubcat · 23 November 2011, 05:21

Not sure if this helps.

I have a Zodiac 340 Yachtline (aluminium hull tiller steer) that is rated to 25hp and I have an older Yamaha 20hp 2 stroke on it.

I think it is a great combination.

rich hand · 23 November 2011, 07:39

With 2 onboard could you handle more power?

kubcat · 23 November 2011, 10:02

The boat is built like an army tank and I think could easily cope with more power. Where I boat, there is usually waves or at least chop and the limiting factor is our comfort, not the engine.

With the second person and some gear on board it actually runs better as it is balanced.

Don't forget your boat is longer and I do not know if it is heavier.

bingosucks · 23 November 2011, 10:13

my best advice is go for the biggest you can, but remember the weight difference between a 15 and 25 is fairly large ..for me a 15 is tops on what is reasonably manageable by myself (i transport my engine in my car and store in my garage)

now a two stroke is lighter and you dont have to worry about transporting and oil leaking out.....people say they have more grunt too but obviously i`d be surprised if an older 2 stroke actually delivers the hp it says on the tin

a 25 would ensure you had the actual power you want, remember you don`t have to turn that dial lol....but i`m sure a 20 would be more than adequate with only 2v on board but bare in mind your own weight i`m 16 stone and wifey is 12... this is prob equivilent to an extra person ! now wheres those cookies gone

rich hand · 24 November 2011, 07:17

Well, ive found a 30hp Mercury 2 stroke which looks to be a fair way lighter than most 25hp motors. Would this be viable?

bingosucks · 24 November 2011, 07:29

i googled your boat and you can have up to 40, if you find your porpoising you can buy tiller extentions which would allow you to distribute your weight more evenly. go for it but do check the size first!! if it`s your first engine check the forum for advice on checking and buying, if it seems too good to be true it normally is

rich hand · 24 November 2011, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingosucks

i googled your boat and you can have up to 40, if you find your porpoising you can buy tiller extentions which would allow you to distribute your weight more evenly. go for it but do check the size first!! if it`s your first engine check the forum for advice on checking and buying, if it seems too good to be true it normally is

Thanks, were did you find the 40hp rating? In the boat manual it states max of 25hp.

Actually on the Zebec website it states 35hp

bingosucks · 24 November 2011, 18:04

Foldable inflatable boat: tender (outboard, plastic deck) - 380A - Zebec is the site i looked at but hey you gotta go by the manual though i wouldn`t worry too much about 5 hp

thornbackflound · 24 November 2011, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich hand

Ive got a Zebec 380A and choosing from a 15, 20 and 25hp motors 2 or 4 stroke. There will usually only be 2 people on board but maybe an extra person or 2 on occasion. What motor would you buy?

Most impotant thing of all is to look at the transom plate stamp,telling you what your sib transom will take?regarding outboard weight, 4 stroke dam well heavier then a 2 stroke,so its not just about going for the biggist outboard hp you can get.