Zodiac 340 rib, which engine?

SpearRib · 15 March 2014, 23:37

Its rated to 25HP, but Ive seen plenty with an 15hp on them which plane easily with 2.

There is a huge price jump between 15hp and 25 and 30.

Any recommendations for a basic no thrills budget outboard that will get us going with a load of sub 400lb?

steco1958 · 15 March 2014, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

Its rated to 25HP, but Ive seen plenty with an 15hp on them which plane easily with 2. There is a huge price jump between 15hp and 25 and 30. Any recommendations for a basic no thrills budget outboard that will get us going with a load of sub 400lb?

You could do a lot worse than having a tohatsu 9.9 which has been upgraded, this gives out same power as the 15hp

Strange that I have one for sale £850

steco1958 · 15 March 2014, 23:48

I hate this bloody app, just seen your in oz , shipping costs would be a little steep

Locozodiac · 16 March 2014, 19:11

Go for a Tohatsu 18 HP which weights same as 9.9/15 HP. Plenty of powr, you can even upgrade to a larger boat in near future.

Happy Boating

J@mes · 16 March 2014, 23:26

I used to have a Zodiac Yachtline 3.4m rib (open tender rib, no console) with a 25hp Yamaha outboard, which was the max HP allowed. The two suited each other down to the ground, and it was a nippy little rib for its size. Used to pull ringos with it often and skiing too! (though I did have hydrofoils on it to help get on plane quicker).

I would say you need 15hp minimum if you want to comfortably plane with 2 people, especially against a strong wind/tide etc. Though if you can stretch to a 25hp motor then I don't think you will regret it at all, depends what you need! Though that said if you are removing the engine daily, then carrying 52kg is not much fun, trust me! Though it is doable!

kubcat · 17 March 2014, 20:37

I have a Yamaha 20 and a Yamaha 25. I can't really tell the difference but I suspect the previous owner of the 20 upgraded it to a 25. As mentioned, great motor and great rib, well suited to each other.

J@mes · 17 March 2014, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by kubcat

I have a Yamaha 20 and a Yamaha 25. I can't really tell the difference but I suspect the previous owner of the 20 upgraded it to a 25. As mentioned, great motor and great rib, well suited to each other.

My Yam 25hp was a 2000 or maybe a 1998, cant quite remember lol but I do remember the 20/25/30hp outboards were all 350cc and weighed about 52kg depending on the model. I think the only difference power wise was the carb, so easy to upgrade the 20 & 25hp engines

The Bass Stalker · 17 March 2014, 21:04

With mariners which I think are similar to the yamahas, 15hp can be upgraded to 20 and 25hp can be upgraded to 30. Don't think you can go from 20 to 30. I'm sure someone will point out if this is wrong. Go easy!

kubcat · 17 March 2014, 21:53

SpearRib, not sure where you are but I am in Sydney and I have a 15hp Mercury from my SIB and the 2 Yamahas, 20 & 25. You are welcome to take them for a whirl to help you decide.

J@mes · 17 March 2014, 23:20

Wow, great offer that!

SpearRib · 18 March 2014, 04:45

oh kubcat if i was local that would be a really kind offer, thanks man.

so far im deciding between a suzuki 15hp and a seapro merc 25hp. the suzuki is $1800 less than the merc but the merc is near new.

kubcat · 18 March 2014, 08:22

My 20hp Yamaha is probably about 15 years old, but always starts and runs perfect. Set me back $1000 and a service. My 25 is a bit newer and was about $1500 purchased from a retired boat mechanic that was getting to old to go boating, looks almost new, also runs perfect. Nothing wrong with well looked after older engines, deals are out there.