Outboard Motors:

Tgintl,
I was once told by an experienced fisherman 30 hp
is needed if going off-shore any appreciable distance as this allows you to run
for home if the weather blows up.
Regards
Macka

The size of the motor is restricted by:
a. your wallet; b. the maximum for which the hull is rated; and c. the weight you can lift (since you will be handling it a lot). Never go above the recommended max for the hull. Think of kneeling on the stern seat of a dinghy and holding the motor over the transom to attach it, and you will find that what you can lift may well be too heavy to handle in those circumstances. After you have worked that out, then you restrict your activities in the boat to what you/it are capable of handling. 15 hp should be enough for two people in any tinnie for occasional use... If you want any more you will need a bigger truck. have fun Ken

darn, it'd be good if you could edit your own message... I meant to add that 10 hp should get you aroung perfectly well on non-exposed waters ie stay close to shore at sea or large lakes, and stay out of tidal rips!!! Ken

Thanks Ken, The 9.9 and the 15 weigh the same. I was curious whether many were using 4s and 6s. The 4 eliminates the need for licensing as it is assume you can't go over 10 kts. I have a deposit on a 15 2-stroke Yamaha for $2290.00. Thanks, tgintl/jay

G'day Depends on the max. your hull will take. 15s are manageable weight wise and have the grunt you might well need in high currents. The Daly and Victoria rivers flow fast on the runout and a 15 can do the job very well on the right hull. If it is for a car-topper you won't be venturing far from shore I take it. For what it is worth, Marina/Mercury have the gear shift on the tiller on their 15s - a real plus when in tight places. Retreiving an errant lure or dragging a reluctant barra out of its home can require some interesting tiller manouvers while still playing the fish. A tiller shift comes into its own in these circumstances. Happy decision making. Myles

I think the 15 is a great choice enough grunt, not to heavy,cheap to run, I have one for my 12ft tinny and works fine, two up flat water 25knts one up 33knts. P.S had the Rhino baot loader fitted yesterday what a smart bit of kit. Graham

tginti, I have a 5 HP Honda four stroke which will get my 3.1m Bermuda Tailor up on the plane with one-up and a bit of gear. It won't plane with two-up. A 9 or 10 HP 4 stroke would be ideal for me, and, I believe the performance is about equivalent to a 15 HP 2-stroke. My next tow vehicle looks like being a V8 Auto Cruiser, so, I'll have a one fuel rig. Unleaded for truck, Honda outboard and Honda 2kva generator. Regards,................Rob.

Rob I think someone is having a lend of you on that performance comparison..... Myles