Zodiac 4.2 Fr outboard advice

Andy1970 · 24 September 2012, 19:45

Hi, new to Ribnet and boat ownership, thanks to eBay I now own
a 4.2 zodiac futura FR and would like a bit of advice on engines.
I would like to know if a 5hp would cope with pottering around lake
Windermere with 3-4 adults on board, not looking for speed just explore
the lake and at other times the non tidal parts of the Thames. I want to go
small as poss as it would have to go in boot of car.
Would a short sharft be ok?
In the spring I'm looking to get a 25 -30hp tiller control to pull the kids
On a ringo, what would be the drawbacks from using a short shaft outboard?
as having searched and read that a long sharft is recommended,
I do have a trailer for when the larger engine is used.
Thanks for any bits of advice and look forward to meeting up with some
of you next year for some sibbing, would love to do I o w trip one day!
Andy

Boatnomad · 24 September 2012, 20:00

You would get around with a 5hp,but obviously very slowly.If you are carrying 3-4 people with that engine,weather would need to be watched closely.
Welcome to RIBnet

spartacus · 24 September 2012, 20:22

I know the FR model is the air floor version, but double-check the specific model. The MkIIC uses a short shaft (15") but the MkII (4.1m) uses a long shaft (20"). More details on Zodiac's website: Zodiac Marine

These are the new Zodiac Futuras that have the oversized Tubes. Could be you've got an earlier version? If you use the wrong shaft size, the boat will struggle to plane, or cavitate, etc.

Regards engines, then ideally I'd look for something a little bigger, possibly 8hp. 3-4 adults is a big ask for 5hp, fine if it was just the two of you on board. Also, if you go 4-stroke, then the engine has to be transported a particular way to avoid oil leaking into the cylinders.

Main engine 25-30hp is fine if it's being transported on the transom and trailered. You can use a transom saving device to support the outboard skeg etc.

Good luck.

Andy1970 · 24 September 2012, 20:37

Ok thanks guys, it's 2005 or 06 and not over sized tubes, maybe a 6hp will
cope better, just want ease of use as don't want to use a trailer all the time.
I have a large estate so have a bit of space to play with, boat will go rolled up on
Converted towball mounted bike rack thingy.

ppenman · 24 September 2012, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy1970

Ok thanks guys, it's 2005 or 06 and not over sized tubes, maybe a 6hp will
cope better, just want ease of use as don't want to use a trailer all the time.
I have a large estate so have a bit of space to play with, boat will go rolled up on
Converted towball mounted bike rack thingy.

Hi,

I've got a mk2c (3.7m). I used to own a 4hp 4-stroke which would 'cruise' at 5kn on the zodiac. Not exactly a ball of fire but quite relaxing and coped ok. Remember
, that's the same speed as the max for most yachts and they tend to cope ok with tides, currents etc., you just need to be aware of what these are where you'll be boating. I'm not too sure if going for more than a 6 is worth it unless you're going for a 15 or above as my 9.8 2-stroke doesn't make much difference. I also have a 25hp 2-stroke which goes great on the boat. A 25hp 2-stroke is light enough for you not to need a trailer but if you have to get a 4 stroke it'll be a heavy beast. Unfortunately my boat uses short shaft engines and I don't know what's better for yours.

Landlockedpirate · 24 September 2012, 23:14

5hp will work fine on Windermere. We had a Futura Sport in the late 90's, it had a 50hp main engine and a 5hp back up. Quite often used the back up to potter up and down the lake, did about 5kts from memory.

Locozodiac · 24 September 2012, 23:21

If wanting more fun and move more load than a 5 HP, go for a 2 stroke Tohatsu 9.8 engine, weights same and has same CC as any 6-8 HP engine.

Happy Sibbing

d1ve1n · 25 September 2012, 11:16

Hi
i have a 4.2m inflatable and wouldnt like to inflate and put away each time i use it

there is a lot of work doing that much better to use a trailer

Andy1970 · 25 September 2012, 18:03

Cheers for all advice, looks like I'm after a two stroke 5 or 6 outboard then and maybe a sail for when the wind really blows across Windermere!
Regarding using boat without trailer, iv yet to find out how much hassle it is as no outboard to use boat yet. Once iv brought a 25-30 next year I guess it will live on
the trailer( in storage in Medway) as have no safe storage at home, I will keep searching ribnet for sale site and eBay as going to the lakes for Christmas

Andy