Which outboard should I choose?

fordtrbo · 17 April 2017, 00:53

Looking to purchase a new Suzuki 4-stroke for my 330 m inflatable. It says the maximum hp is 15. Is that based on weight or torque or both? The reason I am asking is because the 9.9, 15 and 20 hp Suzuki's are all 97 lbs. I would like to go with the 20 because down the road I may buy a larger inflatable/aluminum boat.
Price is not the issue, just trying to get the best bang for my future considerations!! I do not want to compromise safety, so what do you think guys?

Yabadabadoo · 17 April 2017, 10:21

Usually ratings are given based on stress to boat by power of outboard and the ability of the boat to carry/perform with the weight, a combination of both

Lighter weight four strokes are being produced now so maybe your boat maker assumed that a 15hp would be a two stroke up to a certain weight, contact the manufacturer if possible

Others will be along with better info soon I'm sure

thestig1973 · 17 April 2017, 10:44

Even though I doubt using a modern lightweight 4 stroke 20hp would be unsafe, it'd be wise to check that it wouldn't invalidate your insurance policy

office888 · 17 April 2017, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by thestig1973

Even though I doubt using a modern lightweight 4 stroke 20hp would be unsafe, it'd be wise to check that it wouldn't invalidate your insurance policy

Boat insurance is not required in the states.

However, HP in excess of the capacity plate MAY get your boat seized by the USCG if you get stopped & boarded.

Fenlander · 17 April 2017, 16:14

In general I would always keep within HP limits on the data plate. In particular if it is an older SIB and/or one with a thin transom like the Zodiac leisure range.

jeffstevens763@g · 17 April 2017, 18:38

I would trade the old boat and buy the 20 hp with a suitable boat you will probably get a deal on a new rig with a cost saving leaving a bit of movement on the sale of your old boat IMO

lightning · 17 April 2017, 18:48

97 lbs that's one heavy lump to put on the back of a 3.3m SIB.

Have you considered the Tohatsu 9.8hp two stroke, it only weighs 26lbs and will push our 2.85m Zodiac up to 20mph with two of us on board.
lt gets on the plane almost instantly and cruises happily at 14-15mph using about 2/3 max rpm

Can you get this engine in the US?

thestig1973 · 17 April 2017, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightning

97 lbs that's one heavy lump to put on the back of a 3.3m SIB.

Have you considered the Tohatsu 9.8hp two stroke, it only weighs 26lbs and will push our 2.85m Zodiac up to 20mph with two of us on board.

lt gets on the plane almost instantly and cruises happily at 14-15mph using about 2/3 max rpm

Can you get this engine in the US?

Tohatsu 9.8hp.... 26lbs? ..... are you sure it's not 26kg?

jonp · 18 April 2017, 03:34

If you are considering an upgrade in the future then why not bite the bullet and do it now with hopefully all the good weather ahead of you.

Once I get that upgrade feeling I don't seem to settle untill it's happened.

fordtrbo · 19 April 2017, 03:09

thanks for the feedback guys. The Tohatsu 4-stroke 9.8 weighs 82 lbs and the Suzuki's weigh 97 lbs. My only concern is will a 9.8 or 9.9 move my 330m fast enough with 3 bodies? I just sold my 1997 Zodiac Fastroller yesterday and tried it once with a 9.9 2 stroke Mercury, was not impressed with the speed. I realize the 380 is approximately a foot and a half larger.....but, would that difference slow down the boat with 2-3 persons on board?

fordtrbo · 19 April 2017, 03:17

My buddy bought a 13 ft Saturn and put a 4-stroke 20 hp Suzuki on it. The boat says its rated up to 30 hp? Isn't Saturn a Chinese inflatable? No disrespect, but I was surprised it had a max rating so high. Its 2 feet longer than my 330, seems a bit strange.

Fenlander · 19 April 2017, 10:20

You can only assume the makers have good reason for their ratings and be guided by them. Bear in mind the ratings on plates are maximums. Zodiac give the maximum for SIBs in their brochures... and an advised rating with is often 5hp less.

If you have a rating on yours for 15hp that's what I'd get... you are right to think you might be disappointed three up with a 10hp.

fordtrbo · 19 April 2017, 13:38

Thanks Fenlander, I appreciate your post. I have decided to purchase a new 9.8 Tohatsu since it weighs only 82 lbs. A used 2-stroke (9.9) here in the States, sell for about 500-600 dollars depending on its age and condition and weighs 77 lbs. Enjoy reading all the threads on this forum, learned a lot through the years.

willk · 19 April 2017, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightning

Have you considered the Tohatsu 9.8hp two stroke, it only weighs 26lbs...

26 kilos or 57 lbs.

willk · 19 April 2017, 14:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordtrbo

Thanks Fenlander, I appreciate your post. I have decided to purchase a new 9.8 Tohatsu since it weighs only 82 lbs..

You'll be lucky to get three adults on the plane with that.

fordtrbo · 23 April 2017, 16:03

Fenlander and Willk, you are spot on. I tried a 9.9 Mercury 2-stroke and its just ok with 2 people. 3 persons onboard? Too slow. I have now changed my mindset and I am purchasing the 15 hp Suzuki at 97 lbs. 20 lbs heavier than my old 2-stroke but I see the emission laws ever changing in California. Thanks again everyone.