[C320-list] Zodiac

[WindSwept]

I have a 1992 2 HP Yamaha (22 lbs) that I have used on a 8'6" inflatable 
without problems in wind and chop.  Not much experience with current though. 
This rig is called the "one-hour" dink.  It takes 1 hour to get anywhere, 
but if you are patient you will usually get there.

The new 3.5 HP models from Tohatsu, Nissan and Mercury all weigh around 40 
lbs.  They are all the same except for the name on them.  Since it appears 
weight is the over riding factor, this seems like a better choice.  You will 
have more power, no 2-cycle gasoline mixing, much less exhaust and noise. 
And a new motor with a 3 year warantee.

Check out www.onlineoutboards.com.  They have the 3.5 hp Tohatsu for 810 and 
free shipping.  I have a friend who purchased from this website with 
complete satisfaction.

I plan on buying the 3.5 HP early in 2007.

Larry
WindSwept C320 #246

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeff Church" <jjemail at comcast.net>
To: "C320" <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:20 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Zodiac


Greetings,

I'm going to purchase an 8.5 foot Zodiac inflatable and I'm wondering how 
small a motor I can use. I'll mainly use the zodiac when we go cruising Lake 
Michigan and need to transport the 2 of us around an anchorage. I don't 
intend to bother with davits or a crane.

I've got a few shoulder problems and I don't look forward to lifting a heavy 
motor off the dinghy transom and up to the stern perch. Anything much 
heavier than 40 pounds will probably be a bit uncomfortable, but I'm 
concerned that the smaller motors won't have enough power. A new 2 hp motor 
is around 27 lbs, 4 hp motors weigh about 55 pounds.

Do any of you use a 2 horse motor on an 8 foot zodiac? Is it strong enough 
to push through some wind and chop in an anchorage, or do I really need a 
3.5 or 4 horse to do the job? What minimum horsepower would you recommend?

The local Zodiac dealer has a 1996 Johnson 4 hp 2-cycle for sale. He wants 
$495 for it. I think it weighs 38 pounds. That puts it at about the same 
weight as a new 4-cycle 2.5 to 3.5 hp motor. It doesn't have a reverse gear, 
but that seems to be fairly common in motors that are under 5 hp. Maybe this 
motor would be a good choice?

Thanks and Happy Holidays

JeffC