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Hey Frank, I looked up my motor and battery combo. I have a Minn Kota Riptide 40 S, it cost $220 at Wally Mart and weighs #21 at shipping with the box and packing material. I use a 12V battery which came with a 110volt charger, the battery weighs about #8 and cost $45. Total weight #28, total cost $265. I will admit shaving 2 pounds is no big deal, but the cash savings are around $435. Also you move it in two pieces so it is easier. I got the optional carring bag for $28, I stow it under the rear berth on the starboard side as I rarely use it. The battery I charge at home, but I could recharge it from my portable Coleman power source if needed. I ferried folks around Whites Cove, Catalina with it for three days last season and it read 4/5 on the built in battery meter on the last day.

NiceAft wrote:Jasper,

Is there a reason you want such a small HP motor?

I have a 9' Achilles inflatable with an inflatable hull and sole. I use a 6HP Mercury 4 stroke. It has served me well and when I need to, it takes off. There were times when I had to travel five miles over the water in the Achilles. That 6HP picked up and took me where I had to go The boat is rated at a 8HP, but the six is easy to pick up and carry.

Ray

The inflatable boat is rated for up to 2.5HP and is only 7.5 foot. I don't need speed just servicability. My anchorages are within 300 yds of haulouts/tie-ups for the inflatable.
I figure that if Coast Guard stops me with a motor higher than rated I will get a ticket.

Jasper, James V,

Thanks for the explanation.


Ray

David Mellon wrote:... I have a Minn Kota Riptide 40 S,
... I use a 12V battery which came with a 110volt charger, the battery weighs about #8
... I got the optional carring bag for $28, I stow it under the rear berth on the starboard side as I rarely use it.
... with it for three days last season and it read 4/5 on the built in battery meter on the last day.

Thanks David ... I've always seen the saltwater versions quoted at more than double that price you paid, so that's the first eye-opener. Second, I never imagined you could motor around like that with less than a full-sized, Group 24 battery.

A third, big advantage is safe stowage of the entire package, below decks. In the case of a a gasoline kicker, I'd prefer to avoid stowing it in the cabin. Finally, that $400 in savings could take me half-way to an onboard Honda 1000 generator. Like I said, a real eye-opener.

You bet Frank C. I should add that this is not for racing other dinks. I do not get to planing speed, I barely leave a wake. It is faster than rowing with plastic oars, but I get nowhere in a hurry.

I have the tohatsu 3.5-- only a reasonable 40 pounds and can realistically push your mac if your big motor breaks down. I also have a 4 horse tohatsu which weighs a big 57 pounds but also has reverse-- also too good a motor, can't justify parting with it.
R

I have the Nissan 4HP 4-stroke which is probably identical to Rolf's Tohatsu.

On the transom bracket it can push the Mac at a decent clip in an emergency, and it does quite a good job pushing our West Marine RU460 inflatable dink. However, 57 lbs is far too heavy to wrestle on and off the dink on a regular basis, so I can't recommend it.

Rolf....is that 3.5 a four stroke?....we are often on Tahoe so we must meet the emission standard. Also, a few of the newest 2-strokes qualify. Could you push the Mac at a couple knots or so in an emergency?
Jack

Rich's old outboard pooped out last time we sailed together so I rowed us into Fatcats for breakfast...more out of sympathy as I realised he was going to have to row himself out AND back after I left...how were those pecs that weekend Rich?? That was a long way to row....

I chose a gas outboard because I can possibly get bit of gas from another boater if needed, but probably not a loaner battery. if a battery runs down, you are stuck rowing.

Consider buying the brand that is easiest to find a repairman for in your area. The littlle outboards are all very reliable, but there will come a time when a part will need to be found or adjusted, or a mystery solved.

TJ,
The 3.5 is indeed a 4 stroke. Tohatsu trimmed 17-19 pounds off their 4 horse model by redesigning the powerhead, and losing the reverse. Great little motor, pretty easy to handle. About $900 new.
Rolf

Do you mean outboart or outborat?

I have had three great seasons with my Briggs and stratton 5 hp engine . Since you are on Lake Tahoe it would be a good engine . Easy to service and parts for engine are readily available

Briggs and stratton is a fresh water motor. I have heard bad thing about this motor in salt water.