Zodiac engine query

[scubadec]

Hi all,
Can you help me with a query?
We have a small inflatible Zodiac Mk2 Touring boat, which we used to power with a 15Horsepower, 2 stoke engine, which has now gone to Engine Heaven, as a stop gap measure we were using a 4stroke, 10 Horsepower, long shaft Honda engine which is not as powerfull as the old engine and very heavy for the Zodiac, as with just one person in the boat, all the weight is in the back and the front used to rise up dangerously. What engines do ye use, or reccomend. Id like to get a Honda and I think that they only come in 4strokes any more.
All comments appreciated.
Thanks in Advance,
Dec

[David G]

You may find a wider amount of experience/advice if you post on All about rigid inflatable boats -- for RIB enthusiasts and all rigid inflatable boat users discussion forums too.

Regards,

David.

[scubadec]

Thanks, That was my first post! Wasnt sure where to put it!

[Richard Mason]

Originally Posted by scubadec

Hi all,
Can you help me with a query?
We have a small inflatible Zodiac Mk2 Touring boat, which we used to power with a 15Horsepower, 2 stoke engine, which has now gone to Engine Heaven, as a stop gap measure we were using a 4stroke, 10 Horsepower, long shaft Honda engine which is not as powerfull as the old engine and very heavy for the Zodiac, as with just one person in the boat, all the weight is in the back and the front used to rise up dangerously. What engines do ye use, or reccomend. Id like to get a Honda and I think that they only come in 4strokes any more.
All comments appreciated.
Thanks in Advance,
Dec

How big (ie long) is it?

I have a 4.3m (14ft) inflatable, it has a 30hp Yamaha 2 stroke on it, which is balanced very nicely, I originally had it on a 3.8m and it was a bit snakey.

Ok, so it's a 14 footer.

It sounds like you are very underpowered. If it's underpowered, it won't get on the plane properly, which means that the bow will stick up in the air. Once it gets on the plane, the transom is lifted out of the water, forcing the bows down and then the boat will accelerate to top speed; it takes some getting used to, as the temptation is to back the power off if the bows jump up, when really, you need to pile it on.

Also, your long shaft motor could be a problem, these inflatables need a short shaft as they have a very low transom, so the extra drag from the longer leg could be slowing you down a fair bit and with a 10hp, you probably haven't got much to play with..

The max engine weight on that one will probably be around 70kg and it says that the max power is 40 hp, which means a 30 will be ok too.

Your problem will be low power to weight ratio with 4 strokes poorer than 2 strokes, although they are more fuel efficient. I'd be trying to track down a good second hand 2 stroke, as I understand that sale or importation at least has now been banned by Your Rulers in Brussels. Might be worth ringing round the dealers to see if they've anything left in stock too.

[David G]

Originally Posted by scubadec

Thanks, That was my first post! Wasnt sure where to put it!

That wasn't meant as criticism, just a suggestion where there may be more knowledgeable people in that field................

Welcome to YD by the way.......................

David.