My first SIB

williamhorace336 · 31 October 2012, 14:05

I have just brought my first SIB.

Compelled too as I've moved the family 100 miles to Portsmouth and always loved being on the water a child. Now I'm giving my daughter the same oppurtunities that I had, so she becomes an appreciator of the sea.

I have just brough a Zodiac Fast Roller 310 Acti-V.

All I'm after is some advice on an engine.

I was told a 6hp would suffice for general use up the Hamble but read that it could struggle if I want to play out of the beaches on Hayling or Southsea.

I would go as big as a 10hp but understand the weight jumps dramatically from 6/8hp to 10hp.

To that end would I be better with an 8hp opposed to a 6hp?

Needs to be 4 stroke and light enough to be transported in a smal MPV.

Thanks Chaps, all constructive comments appreciated!

manonthemoon · 31 October 2012, 18:58

Hi William

As a relatively newish SIBBER, I have a 6hp merc and it's fine for what I need. I think you'll find that whether you go for an 8 or a 10 the weight will be the same as it's the same engine block. I can manhandle my 6hp with little problem as it weighs about 27kg. However, the engine block for the 8 or 9.9 is around 38kg and that is a significant weight difference if you're carrying it any distance and it's an awkward shape to carry easily.

I know the 2 strokers will be along to convince you about the merits of those engines.

Cheers
MOTM

lockieboi · 31 October 2012, 19:03

Easy choice, 15hp 2 stroke

John Kennett · 31 October 2012, 20:20

You know it makes sense

JCW · 31 October 2012, 20:58

William,

I owned the 3.4m version of your sib for a number of years. I had a 15 hp 2 stroke mariner, weight 34kg. 34kg was as heavy as I could manage lifting out the back of a car etc. performance was good and you don't have to worry about oil spills during transportation. I sometimes used my auxiliary 6hp four stroke outboard, weight 25kg. Performance was ok with two persons but no comparison to the 15 hp 2 stroke.
If your mind is set on a four stroke then for a 9.9 hp the weight will be approx 37 kg depending on the manufacturer. I would advise you get some launching wheels as you do not want to be lugging that weight far.
Best of luck with your choice.

zurk · 31 October 2012, 22:49

you cant go bigger than an 8HP on that boat. get an 8HP.

JCW · 31 October 2012, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by zurk

you cant go bigger than an 8HP on that boat. get an 8HP.

I believe 10hp is the max hp for the 3.1m.

willk · 31 October 2012, 23:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCW

I believe 10hp is the max hp for the 3.1m.

Yup! While the OP doesn't want a 2 smoke motor - patently I have the ideal 26kg motor for his SIB

bingosucks · 01 November 2012, 10:11

strap a 15 on the back and hold on!!! some 3.1m sibs are rated for 15hp others not

williamhorace336 · 01 November 2012, 10:28

Thanks guys,

My main concerns are the weight issue and fuel economy.

Therefor I'm now looking for a 6hp 4 stroke with a view to up-sizing in a year or 2.

Again thank you for the advice.

bingosucks · 01 November 2012, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by williamhorace336

Thanks guys,

My main concerns are the weight issue and fuel economy.

Therefor I'm now looking for a 6hp 4 stroke with a view to up-sizing in a year or 2.

Again thank you for the advice.

you`ll use a lot more fuel if you cant plane!! but i hear you on weight i would seriously reccomend a 10

williamhorace336 · 01 November 2012, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingosucks

you`ll use a lot more fuel if you cant plane!! but i hear you on weight i would seriously reccomend a 10

Makes good sense, hasn't thought of that.

Thank you, will keep pondering!