Outboards

[Timbob]

Hello everyone
I have just bought a sib and I'm looking for a outboard with the most grunt for the money.
I have no licence and was wondering what the rules are for maximum hp (just using in the sea) without breaking the law as I've been told there isn't any but google tells me different. Could someone please clarify this for me. Thank you ��

[fastasfox]

There are no law's to tell you what hp to hang....stick a W16 Bugatti Veyron engine on if you wish.
There should be a manufacturer's plate on the transom and it will tell you the max hp the boat is rated for....let's say it's 10hp, you can stick a modern four stroke 10hp on. But if you want a bit more power then you could go for a two stroke motor...they are more powerful than four strokes but are much lighter so in theory you could push that hp to 15hp by going for a two stroke outboard.
Where do you plan on using your boat?

[Timbob]

Transom is rated to 15hp. Going to be used in the uk sea no further than a mile out. Thank you for your reply

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by fastasfox

But if you want a bit more power then you could go for a two stroke motor...they are more powerful than four strokes but are much lighter so in theory you could push that hp to 15hp by going for a two stroke outboard.

If you plan to insure your sib and outboard, you will need to have an OB no greater than the max plated HP. If you need to make a claim, it could be a bit iffy!

[Timbob]

My plate says max 15hp so technically I can run a 15hp with no licence in the sea?

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Timbob

My plate says max 15hp so technically I can run a 15hp with no licence in the sea?

Yes you can. However, I think I'd be doing a lot more research on the kit that's advisable to have, think about some training - PB2, and maybe get the feel of your sib and outboard on non-tidal water before venturing out onto the sea.
Use the search function on the forum, it will answer most of your questions.

[Timbob]

Thank you for clearing that up for me. And I'll look at whats advised to take and learn before venturing out.

[Fenlander]

Welcome to the forum. To advise it would be helpful to know the SIB model and size , how many folks you'll take out and what you want to do with the outings i.e. go to a fishing mark, blast about in the waves or go to a destination or beach. Also if this boat is to be on a trailer or be set up each trip as weight of the outboard can be important.

10/15hp motors are always very popular and rarely cheap unless very old or an unloved brand, I assume you are looking used? Going to sea the best reliability for your money is as important as power.

To get a feel for prices go on Ebay and select sold items.

[tinker]

This looks perfect, be quick though won't be available for long if its any good.

Outboard motor, 9.9 hp,
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/o...-hp/1471680891

[beerbelly]

Originally Posted by tinker

This looks perfect, be quick though won't be available for long if its any good.

Outboard motor, 9.9 hp,
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/o...-hp/1471680891

what shaft length is that lt looks quite long

[Fenlander]

What will limit the sale of that Tohatsu 9.9 to folks that know is it's heavy at 41kg, more than any other 2-stroke 10/15hp as it's based on the 18hp. The 9.9 can be upgraded to a 15hp with a new throttle cam and sometimes a timing reset. You can't take the 9.9 to an 18 though as the 18 has a bigger cylinder capacity.

[tinker]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

what shaft length is that lt looks quite long

I'm not sure tbh

[tinker]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

What will limit the sale of that Tohatsu 9.9 to folks that know is it's heavy at 41kg, more than any other 2-stroke 10/15hp as it's based on the 18hp. The 9.9 can be upgraded to a 15hp with a new throttle cam and sometimes a timing reset. You can't take the 9.9 to an 18 though as the 18 has a bigger cylinder capacity.

Interesting point about the weight.

[Fenlander]

Yes it's something I became acutely aware of when looking for my first Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke being surprised to find they did a model which was easily confused given the small HP difference yet was 50% heavier than the 9.8.

If you were running something like a GRP dory left on a mooring/pontoon at the coast the more robust larger capacity 9.9 where weight wasn't an issue would be a better motor... but not for sibbing.

[Dry_Doc]

Originally Posted by Timbob

Thank you for clearing that up for me. And I'll look at whats advised to take and learn before venturing out.

Steve has pretty much summed it up. If you don't have much experience, please get some training before going to sea.

My suggested minimum equipment list:
Powerboat Level 2
Anchor & chain/rope.
Bucket or baler.
Flares.
Handheld VHF (you can use this in an emergency without a VHF licence)
Lifejackets.
Fire extinguisher.

This is a bare minimum IMO. There's lots more you could (and probably should) add.