Freshwater chugger

[Gazz0322]

I am looking at getting a SIB for pleasant day trips up our local canal or river with the Mrs...... I know absolutely nothing about OB's which is why I hope I can pull on the knowledge of others. I have my eye on a cheapish inflatable that can take up to a 9HP OB but that is way too much for me, so I am looking at a recommended best 2.5 or 4HP for freshwater use only, new or used. It will literally be on tickover as we cannot exceed the set speed limit so chugging is my aim. The OB would need to be carried in my car with the inflatable so likely needs to be stored horizontally. Any advice would be very welcome.

Many Thanks Gazz

[Fenlander]

A 4hp 4-stroke would be perfect. Will get you as fast as you need to go and no smoke or oily exhaust in the river and they will troll along at low speed all day.

Something like this recently sold OB...

Yamaha 4 HP 4 stroke Outboard engine Working order

Is that the sort of thing and price you had in mind?

Edit: A 3.5hp 4-stroke would be fine too and they do seem to be available quite a lot around £300 like this one...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCURY-3-...p2047675.l2557

[Fenlander]

There are many choices in SIbs that would then bring you up to your £1000 budget but I'd go for an air floor as they are easy to set up and a favourite of mine would be a 3.2m T32 Honwave. Like this one...

Honwave T32 IE Air V Floor Inflatable boat

Think carefully before getting an alloy or wood floor SIB as they have no advantage for river use and can be fiddly to set up.

[paintman]

If the small 4-strokes are as quiet as I've found the big ones to be then one would be my choice even with the which-side-do-you-lie-it-down issues.

[rossymtb]

Mines a 4 stroke. First 4t I've had within about 6 2strokes. It's a bit heavier and a bit more funny about which ways it's stored. But I love it. Ultra quiet, Seems to have more low down torque, frugle to run aswell. All days on 3 litres of fuel!
And it's starts easily enough.

Have a look at a 4-5hp parsun. I'm happy with the brand so far. And a bit cheaper than major named brands.

[Gazz0322]

Thank you so much for all the information. It seems like the 4 stroke will be the way to go for its quietness and ease of running, I just need to find out if they can be transported in the horizontal position. It would seem that there is loads to learn so I will be off looking around and trying to gain more experience. Thank you all once again.

[rossymtb]

Yes you can lay them on there side. They have a specific side stated on which engine you buy. Mine is the tiller side, front or upright.
But I do carry it over my shoulder any way I can for short distances.

[Gazz0322]

I note when looking at different suppliers for a 4HP four stroke, they mention short and long shaft outboards. If I intend to put this on the back of a 3.4mtr SIB for canal and local rivers, what is the difference? Sorry with all the questions but I would rather buy once instead of getting into a tizz and making a mistake.

[paintman]

Shaft length will depend on what the manufacturer of your boat advises.
A 'Search' on here will tell you about the differences.

[rossymtb]

Virtually all sib's I know of use and require a short/reg shaft 15"