Help need complete novice!

[LouiseM]

I wonder if anyone has the patience to answer my three questions!
I have just bought a Maxxon 2.6m inflatable dinghy. My first question is:
1: What outboard motor do you recommend? I don't want to go silly fast I just want enough poke with two adults on board to go up and down the Thames between Henley and Maidenhead. Oh and as quietly as possible. Oh and under £300.
2: Is electric better than petrol?
3: Talking of the Thames, do I need a license? As there are only a few months left of good weather can I get a short one?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help answer!

[Scarlet-Jester]

Originally Posted by LouiseM

I wonder if anyone has the patience to answer my three questions!
I have just bought a Maxxon 2.6m inflatable dinghy. My first question is:
1: What outboard motor do you recommend? I don't want to go silly fast I just want enough poke with two adults on board to go up and down the Thames between Henley and Maidenhead. Oh and as quietly as possible. Oh and under £300.
2: Is electric better than petrol?
3: Talking of the Thames, do I need a license? As there are only a few months left of good weather can I get a short one?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help answer!

Hi.

I am no expert but this would be my suggestions.

I would by a petrol motor. Use Google to find some local chandleries and see what they have for sale. If you are a beginner it would be good to get one that is backed with a service record or warranty of some sort. Look for a 4 stroke as this is easier as you do not have to worry about mixing fuel.

You do need a licence to use rivers and canals in the UK – here is a link. License It - British Waterways
Have a poke around there and see what you can find. Given that your boat is small it looks like you may not have to pay. Give them a call and see what they say.

Good luck and happy sibbing!

[Poly]

Originally Posted by LouiseM

1: What outboard motor do you recommend? I don't want to go silly fast I just want enough poke with two adults on board to go up and down the Thames between Henley and Maidenhead. Oh and as quietly as possible. Oh and under £300.
2: Is electric better than petrol?!

You won't find an electric outboard with enough poke to push against the river current with that boat/load for your budget.

Is there a speed limit in that bit of the river? The defacto position on ribnet is to recommend the biggest engine the manufacturer "permits" - that is because they are all speed freaks here. If there is a 5 or 6 knot limit this normal mantra may not apply however. Something ~4HP would probably be fine if you don't want to plane - and if you shop carefully you might be able to find something second hand in budget and still in OKish condition. For quiet you want 4stroke (but not the small air cooled hondas) but for lightweight and practicality in handling you want a 2stroke.

[LouiseM]

Thanks so much for your replies, you've both been invaluable! It's 4hp for me then!

[KPnuts]

I have two outboards a 15hp DT15 Four stroke for the Sea and a Honda 2.3 fourstroke for the Thames, Plowart is spot on when he says they noisey being air cooled but mine has been bullet proof and uses next to no fuel plus I hate two stroke mixing
One of the big plusses also has to be you don't have to worry about weed blocking the water intake which is a problem on the stretch I do most Lechlade - Castle Eton