[C320-list] Zodiac

[Arthur Gates]

I agree that 2hp is not enough and the 3.5hp Tohatsu would be good.  2hp
will not cut it against current.
Rollie  #182


> [Original Message]
> From: WindSwept <c320_windswept at sbcglobal.net>
> To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Date: 12/19/06 8:40:10 PM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Zodiac
>
> 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
>
>