What engine would you suggest for a 2.8 air deck??

[snoopay]

Hi guys

Thinking of getting a little 2.8 quicksilver tender for a bit of fun but wondering what size people would recommend? 4hp 2 stroke? Or do you reckon I'd be massively underpowered? Any help appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[willk]

You should have a look at this - your question addressed.

[Cookasaurus]

8-10hp 2stroke (2 cylinders) would be well suited. Then you can adventure on a plane with another person. And it'll still be light as to carry and lift!

[Max...]

I'd go with the standard answer as above - a 9.8 2 stroke. But (and there are loads of topics on this recently) - I would go for a 3.4m (or at least 3.1m), that extra 1/2m makes a heck of a lot of difference and is a more practical size on the sea. Other stock answer is always buy a used complete rig from the dozens listed each week on eBay - let someone else take the huge depreciation hit! This is a nice inbetween size 3.1 with an 8hp:

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

There's a SIB with Tohatsu 9.8 on the forum for sale at £1250 too - engine is worth around £800.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Max...

There's a SIB with Tohatsu 9.8 on the forum for sale at £1250 too - engine is worth around £800.

Does he say what age that one is Max...? I didn't see where, it could be getting on - still very clean though!

I'd agree about the size too - if the SIB is for regular use and to venture forth with more than one POB, the extra space would be a bonus and the 9.8hp would still give good performance up to 3.5m (ish).

For one man deployment and handling, the smaller setup is very good.

[Max...]

It's the grey one so early 2000's?

eBay is the place though, all this for £800:

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

This was the best I've seen though, £400?!:

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

I really like this one listed yesterday, beautifully original Hypalon Avon and all complete:

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

[raymillard]

I find this a difficult one. A 2.8 dinghy is light and portable; easy to launch almost anywhere single- handed, and easily thrown into the car boot at the end of the day.

However, to go above waterline speed you need a decent sized engine. At this point you lose the whole portability thing. Light boat , heavy engine.

I've got an S60 with a Tohatsu 3.5. Take it anywhere to launch. So slipway fees, mooring costs, Great. But slow! Never been asked for a river licence either.

Interestingly enough, though, if I put the same engine on my 311, I goes a couple of knots faster! Something to do with 1.5 times the square root of the waterline length, or whatever....

I reckon that to go fast and far, go for bigger, less portable, and less convenient. And if you can afford it, get a little lightweight boat and engine for spur of the moment boating.

Compromise?? What's that?

[willk]

Originally Posted by raymillard

However, to go above waterline speed you need a decent sized engine. At this point you lose the whole portability thing. Light boat , heavy engine.

How do you figure 26kg (Tohatsu 9.8hp) as heavy? With a handle, this is a one hand carry over moderate distances - suitcase weights.

A very nice match to that QS tender too - assuming it's the airdeck, not slatted floor...

[ferryden]

That 800 quid package was a bargain Max..well worth it just for the engine!
Good spot... wish I'd done the same... I picked my kit up separately, wasn't getting the right performance...and never knew whether it was the boat pressures or core engine compression...indeed better to get whole rig like this if poss..

[raymillard]

26KG is half a hundredweight in real money, and I'm a wimp. Couldn't carry one very far..........