Engine Capacity for Zodiac FC-470

[SIBRider]

leave and learn. Naturally I already got battery. Although for some reason my engine manual specifically spoke against AGM type battery. I got dual purpose (deep cycle/starting) group 24 battery.

[captnjack]

Odd, normally AGM and flooded batteries are interchangible.

I overtopped my current flooded but sealed starting battery when I stuffed the bow in a wave. Fortunately it was freshwater and survived. I wish I'd gotten a dual purpose, although I have yet to flatten the mere starting type anyway.

Group 24 is plenty big enough.

[F470]

Is this meant for a through bolt or a clamp on motor mount? Is there a security device for clamp mounts?

Originally Posted by captnjack

Mine is older and I suspect a different brand, but one of these goes on an ouboard bolt and in theory prevents unbolting the outboard.

WEST MARINE High Security Bolt Lock at West Marine

UK thieves seem to just chain saw the transom, but I haven't heard of such a thing over here. I suspect our theives are more oppotunists and less of an organized gang.

[whisper]

Hummm, how about this.....


MotorLocUSA: Clamp Lock

[SIBRider]

That might work. Prob less secure in our setup, thieve can just unscrew backing plate and slide motor off transom. Buy looks of it we need to raise motors high enough clamps will be of no use.

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by SIBRider

That might work. Prob less secure in our setup, thieve can just unscrew backing plate and slide motor off transom.

Not sure what you mean exactly, but the clamps should be tightened down very tight. So even if the metal compression plate were unscrewed the motor isn't moving.

Originally Posted by SIBRider

looks of it we need to raise motors high enough clamps will be of no use.

Then you need a shorter shaft.

[Projectile]

Here are a couple of videos of F470s with the multifuel Evinrude 55 hp engine, which probably weighs about as much as their current ETEC 40-50-60 line up give or take 10-30 lbs, which shouldn't make a difference.

If you get a rigid floor, you should be fine with these heavy ETECs. The second video seems to show an air floor.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i74i3N_Qod0

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=r...&v=XGbAtnrl6Nk

[SIBRider]

Originally Posted by captnjack

Not sure what you mean exactly, but the clamps should be tightened down very tight. So even if the metal compression plate were unscrewed the motor isn't moving.



Then you need a shorter shaft.

Well they don't really come in 18" shafts, normally. Vid from Projectile shows same issue cavitation plate is way below transom. Unless it's normal that's what I'm trying to figure out. IBS people thought it should be higher. If I raise engine 2" seem like clamps are going to barely hold on to edge of transom. 15" shaft is way too short on the other hand.

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by SIBRider

That might work. Prob less secure in our setup, thieve can just unscrew backing plate and slide motor off transom. Buy looks of it we need to raise motors high enough clamps will be of no use.

If they really want it, they'll chainsaw the transom.

Master has a clamp lock as well. West Marine has them.



jky

[SIBRider]

Well came back from week long vacation. Motor didn't get stolen. 25 four stroke Zuk certainly proved adequate. In most cases my family except my oldest didn't want me to go past half throttle. Seems pretty economical. From coast went up about 8-10 miles on Alsea river, run aground on low tide in the bay coming back, bobbed around some high mountain lakes and even boated inside a volcano. Last one was fairly taxing on motor. At 7000 ft above sea level it took it some time to get boat on the plane. All of this less than single 6 gal tank. About 3/4 maybe.


Got a leak in a keel, have to pump it up daily. Need to work on seating for passengers. Maybe get some Zodiac benches. Need to raise that motor couple inches for sure. Lots of splashing on transom.

[GrantG]

Sounds like a fun trip!!!

My keel does the exact same thing. I just make sure to pump it up before I take my boat out. I'm going to have my tubes latex sealed soon, which should solve the problem...

Originally Posted by SIBRider

Well came back from week long vacation. Motor didn't get stolen. 25 four stroke Zuk certainly proved adequate. In most cases my family except my oldest didn't want me to go past half throttle. Seems pretty economical. From coast went up about 8-10 miles on Alsea river, run aground on low tide in the bay coming back, bobbed around some high mountain lakes and even boated inside a volcano. Last one was fairly taxing on motor. At 7000 ft above sea level it took it some time to get boat on the plane. All of this less than single 6 gal tank. About 3/4 maybe.


Got a leak in a keel, have to pump it up daily. Need to work on seating for passengers. Maybe get some Zodiac benches. Need to raise that motor couple inches for sure. Lots of splashing on transom.

[GrantG]

I'd be happy to take you out on my 470 with a 35 hp Evinrude. There is actually a 35 hp Johnson, with short shaft tiller, which I saw yesterday on Craigslist in North Portland.

Originally Posted by SIBRider

Well came back from week long vacation. Motor didn't get stolen. 25 four stroke Zuk certainly proved adequate. In most cases my family except my oldest didn't want me to go past half throttle. Seems pretty economical. From coast went up about 8-10 miles on Alsea river, run aground on low tide in the bay coming back, bobbed around some high mountain lakes and even boated inside a volcano. Last one was fairly taxing on motor. At 7000 ft above sea level it took it some time to get boat on the plane. All of this less than single 6 gal tank. About 3/4 maybe.


Got a leak in a keel, have to pump it up daily. Need to work on seating for passengers. Maybe get some Zodiac benches. Need to raise that motor couple inches for sure. Lots of splashing on transom.

Originally Posted by F470

I'm leaning towards less (30 or 40 versus 60) If I can find it. There would be a few occasions where I would be heavily loaded but as long as its moving I'll be happy. I'm not a speed demon. Also seems like a rope start saves some weight. So you think the FC-470 could handle 270lbs without reinforcement? Seems like a lot.

[GrantG]

Here is a 25 hp 4 stroke short shaft with tiller near Olympia, WA. Would be worth the drive to get it if 25 hp will do for you...

Suzuki 25 hp 4 stroke short shaft Outboard Motor

Originally Posted by F470

Is this meant for a through bolt or a clamp on motor mount? Is there a security device for clamp mounts?

[SIBRider]

Originally Posted by GrantG

Sounds like a fun trip!!!

My keel does the exact same thing. I just make sure to pump it up before I take my boat out. I'm going to have my tubes latex sealed soon, which should solve the problem...

Mine had two patches. One was leaking. I replaced it other seemed old but ok. Either my first try at glueing hypalon didn't work or old one gave way. I'll work on raising motor soon I'll check

[prairie tuber]

Beautiful photos, SIBrider! Thanks for sharing.

[GrantG]

F470, Here is a combo you could buy to get the motor and then sell the boat and trailer. Or even keep the trailer if it is better than what you have now...

Zodiac Boat W/30HP Johnson

[SIBRider]

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

Beautiful photos, SIBrider! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks. Boat certainly gives another degree of freedom you can't enjoy with other means of transportation.
Here is a vid of us going up Alsea river

Alsea River F470 - YouTube

We enjoyed finding nice landing spots not easily accessible otherwise. That's somewhere up on a mt lakes.

[SIBRider]

Originally Posted by GrantG

F470, Here is a combo you could buy to get the motor and then sell the boat and trailer. Or even keep the trailer if it is better than what you have now...

Zodiac Boat W/30HP Johnson

That's not a bad deal even bunks are pretty much on the right spot. I built mine with dual levels though. Outside for main tubes and 3 1/2" lover inside for Futura tubes.

[F470]

Great suggestion! I contacted him to see if he would part with the motor.

Originally Posted by GrantG

F470, Here is a combo you could buy to get the motor and then sell the boat and trailer. Or even keep the trailer if it is better than what you have now...

Zodiac Boat W/30HP Johnson

[F470]

It sold. I found another Thompson locally but its only 20hp.