3.8m SIB - what size engine?

[Iwishiwasangus]

What size outboard for a Honwave 3.8m?

We are basically river cruising. Nothing too choppy.

What's everyone's thoughts?

[Pikey Dave]

I would say minimum 9.8hp, but if you’re going for a modern 4stroke, the 9.9/15/20hp tend to be the same engine, hence the same weight. You need to be more specific in your usage/budget/strength

[smallribber]

15 hp 2 stroke if you can get one

[Iwishiwasangus]

Originally Posted by smallribber

15 hp 2 stroke if you can get one

Currently eyeing a 15hp Mercury but it's a 4 stroke.

[Max...]

Most of us with circa 3.4/3.8 SIBs compromise with the most manageable and responsive engine with the best power to weight possible and generally that is a 15hp 2 stroke.

[Iwishiwasangus]

Originally Posted by Max...

Most of us with circa 3.4/3.8 SIBs compromise with the most manageable and responsive engine with the best power to weight possible and generally that is a 15hp 2 stroke.

That would be perfect however given the current climate, I think I'm going to be pushed to find a 2 stroke.

I've been offered a serviced 2012 Mercury F15 for £975 which seems a fair price. Plus I can leave the engine on the boat where I'm keeping it so the weight isn't a deal breaker.

[Fenlander]

That four stroke is up to ten years newer than if it were a two stroke and a bit cheaper too so if you are ok with the weight they are a decent reliable fairly easy to maintain motor. Worth checking if due a timing belt as they are often overlooked on outboards.

[Iwishiwasangus]

How big a job is changing the timing belt?

Expensive?

[Fenlander]

No idea of dealer cost but quite an easy job for a competent DIYer who can keep to a set procedure.

[Mikefule]

The OP says "basically river cruising." What are the speed limits on your local river? On my local river, the Trent, even a 6 hp would push that boat considerably faster than the speed limit.

That's not to say that speed limits are always observed or enforced, of course...

There are 3 approaches depending on your personal preference and finances:

1) Get the biggest engine you can afford that is within the manufacturer's limits for the boat. It will be expensive to buy and insurer, and heavy, and will only be used to its full capability for part of the time

2) Get something middling around 10-15 hp which is reasonably cheap, fairly easy to carry, and fast enough most of the time.

3) Get an egg whisk (3 hp or so) that is cheap to buy, insure, and maintain, easy to carry and store, good for pootling about, but may be a bit noisy.

I've had as much fun with option 3 as I have with option 2 (I have one of each). I've never had the funds or the inclination for option 1.

2 strokes are generally lighter, easier to maintain, but noisier.

The dirty/polluting aspect of 2 strokes is a bit of a misconception unless you are using it in a very sensitive ecosystem. For the very few hours most outboards are run each year, the extra environmental cost of manufacturing the 4 stroke outweighs the environmental cost of running the 2 stroke.

[Hwavet38]

Got a 2 stroke 18hp on my t38 and it goes well.
15hp honda 4 stroke also used and not much weight difference
Honda is in the classifieds if your interested.

[Pecheur Anglais]

Depends what you mean "river cruising".

I would suggest a 6hp 4 stroke will give you quiet, economical pottering about on a river without offending anybody or being over powered relative to speed limits.

However, 20hp could blast you across the Carrick Roads or round to the Helford, etc. on a calm day.