Outboard Opinions Requested.

[Bob Luby]

I've purchased a very lightly used Zodiac 285S as a tender for my 25D.

What's the best type of motor?

Is horsepower that important? Is a 5 much better than a 3.5?

There are 5's with integral fuel tanks and others with attached fuel tanks. Which is better on a sailboat with limited space? If you go with the integral tank, you still have to store your gas can. Or is it such a pain to shift the fuel that an integral tank is the way to go?

Finally, Are the advantages of a 4=stroke worth the added weight in this application? The motor will be shifted from tender to transom and back fairly frequently.

I await your replies.



Rluby@aol.com

[Ron Musk]

I've purchased a very lightly used Zodiac 285S as a tender for my 25D.

What's the best type of motor?

Is horsepower that important? Is a 5 much better than a 3.5?

There are 5's with integral fuel tanks and others with attached fuel tanks. Which is better on a sailboat with limited space? If you go with the integral tank, you still have to store your gas can. Or is it such a pain to shift the fuel that an integral tank is the way to go?

Finally, Are the advantages of a 4=stroke worth the added weight in this application? The motor will be shifted from tender to transom and back fairly frequently.

I await your replies.

Bob,
We push our Avon inflatable with a 4.5hp Mariner which is adequate.It has the integral fuel tank and isn't very thirsty.On longer trips we carry a gerry can lashed to a stanchion with fuel and oil mix but rarely have to tap it.I know some of the smaller outboards don't have reverse gear so you have to spin the motor around to head backwards-not to my cup of tea at a crowded dingy dock.Four strokes are cleaner quite and more powerful,but are a little heavier and cost more.
Ron Musk
s/v"R&R"
CD30



ccerre@massed.net

[Bill]

Good Morning Bob

Well I have a Johnson 3 on my hard dink and a friend has a yahama (I think) 5 on his inflatable and that little five will fly in comparision. Not too sure about the price difference and weight differance, but the 4 stroke would eliminate the need for mixing oil and save some money (not the price of the motor)/storage.

Bill

I've purchased a very lightly used Zodiac 285S as a tender for my 25D.

What's the best type of motor?

Is horsepower that important? Is a 5 much better than a 3.5?

There are 5's with integral fuel tanks and others with attached fuel tanks. Which is better on a sailboat with limited space? If you go with the integral tank, you still have to store your gas can. Or is it such a pain to shift the fuel that an integral tank is the way to go?

Finally, Are the advantages of a 4=stroke worth the added weight in this application? The motor will be shifted from tender to transom and back fairly frequently.

I await your replies.

cd25d@rhapsodysails.com

[Darin Bartram]

Have you thought about an electric? I bought a small one for my inflatable that I occasionally tow behind my CD26. I also bought a small gel cell battery to keep the weight down and to avoid concerns about battery acid. Overall, I'm very happy with the size and weight of the motor, and it stores in the cockpit locker without any risk of leaking. 30lbs of thrust pushes the dinghy along very nicely. (Admittedly, I'm not flying, but the reduced noice and maintenance of another outboard is worth it.)

I've purchased a very lightly used Zodiac 285S as a tender for my 25D.

What's the best type of motor?

Is horsepower that important? Is a 5 much better than a 3.5?

There are 5's with integral fuel tanks and others with attached fuel tanks. Which is better on a sailboat with limited space? If you go with the integral tank, you still have to store your gas can. Or is it such a pain to shift the fuel that an integral tank is the way to go?

Finally, Are the advantages of a 4=stroke worth the added weight in this application? The motor will be shifted from tender to transom and back fairly frequently.

I await your replies.

dbartram@bakerlaw.com

[Jim Hojlo]

I've purchased a very lightly used Zodiac 285S as a tender for my 25D.

What's the best type of motor?

Is horsepower that important? Is a 5 much better than a 3.5?

There are 5's with integral fuel tanks and others with attached fuel tanks. Which is better on a sailboat with limited space? If you go with the integral tank, you still have to store your gas can. Or is it such a pain to shift the fuel that an integral tank is the way to go?

Finally, Are the advantages of a 4=stroke worth the added weight in this application? The motor will be shifted from tender to transom and back fairly frequently.

I await your replies.

You will not want a four stroke if its more than 30 lbs.,and they usually are. Yamaha makes a nice 4hp+- and I've had three yamahas and four inflatables,Honda's are good but expensive and heavy. U.S.made motors tend not to stand up well or run smoothly and start easily,but the nissan's aren't much better. Yamaha!!!!



jhojlo@ultrablend.com

[Bob Luby]

I went to Defender's warehouse sale yesterday and bought a Nissan 5
(2-stroke) without the remote tank.

Fuel cost was not an issue - $5 per season? The clinchers were low cost and light weight. Price was roughly $900.

I ruled out an OMC engine due to the bankrupcy. Defender was making anyone who wished to purchase an OMC engine sign a release, since any warranty claims are voided by the bankrupcy. I wonder how many OMC engines they sold? The number zero does come to mind.



Rluby@aol.com