Motor advice please for a Valiant D-300

[Floridian]

I have a Valiant D-300 (9ft-9inch, 88Lb) with a max 10 hp rating.
I had been running a 2-stroke 15 Hp motor on it, which was obviously overkill, but the motor was recently stolen so I need to repower.
I'm getting a 4 stroke this time (I have an F225 on my larger boat and love it), but wanted to go as light as possible without underpowering it.
My question, does anyone know if this boat will perform well with a 4-Hp (weighs under 50 lbs) or do I need to go higher?
The next size up weighs significantly more.
Thanks in advance.

[Daniel TD5]

Valiant D300 Dynamic rib

engine shaft type short
Max engine 10 H.P.- 8.0kw
Recommended engine 8H.p.- 5.9kw
Minium engine 6 H.P.-4.4kw

Maximum engine weight 50kg

i would say don,t go over the max Weight 50kg and four stroke are much more
weight than two strokes. 4hp is under the recommended engine go for a 8 hp

dan

[Phil Davies]

Floridian

Forget the 4hp unless you plan to use it in a large pond. Take a look at the recently launched 'lightweight' Mercury 9.9 4-stroke which weighs in at 38kgs. Some of the other manufacturers' 8hp 4-strokes weigh more than this and you'll get the advantage of a couple of extra horses, too.

Having said that, you should be aware that small 4-strokes don't lend themselves to being chucked in the back of cars due to potential problems with sump oil drainage. Added to which, even 38kgs is a hell of a lump to carry very far when you compare it to a 2-stroke Tohatsu 9.8hp which weighs 27kgs. This is the lightest 10hp on the market and is used extensively on small tenders due to its excellent power to weight ratio. The large 4-strokes' advantage of low noise levels is also much less relevant in the small outboard sector and even fuel consumption differentials will be fairly negligible.

[Mennojsh]

the f4 is a pain in the ass horrible sound 1 cilinder 4stroke

the f 6 is a relative new engine model very very quiet 2 cillinder and strong enough
for you boat too come on plane with 2 persons

the bad thing of the small four stoke engines
is that you have too store it the right way if you do not the engine oil will
go out or on top off the pistons
other bad thing is that they are a little heavier

have fun menno

[Floridian]

Thanks for all the good advice. I think I'll go with the 8hp.
I hang the boat & motor on a davit in my boathouse so I would very rarely have it laying sideways, makeing the oil situation less of an issue (but that is a very good point you made).
The boat is so light I had hoped to go with a lighter motor, and the 8 is still manageable. I've sworn off 2 strokes (hate that oil stink & rougher idle).

[Mennojsh]

you will love that engine
you only hear the water coming out of the pee hole when it is running
and it is strong enough