outboard motors

[burrman]

Before we go on our week in the San Juans I need to get a motor for the dinK.
I'm planning to get 9.9hp but not sure which brand. The Honda is probably the best but it tips the scales at just over 100lbs. The lightest is the Tohatsu, 81lbs, which I think also builds the Nisson and the Merc. The prices range from $2100 for the Honda to around $1650 for the Tohatsu.
I'm leaning towards the Tohatsu.

Any thoughts.
thanks in advance,

[Randygh]

I have a 3.5 Nissan that I use infrequently with my inflatable. It's a two cycle and I've been very pleased with it. I store it with Stabil mixed in the fuel and after setting all winter, it usually starts on the third or fourth pull. I appreciate how quiet the 4 cycles are, but too heavy for my use and I didn't want to worry about storing it in a particular position with oil in the crankcase.

[3788sam]

I'm with Randy,
We have 96 2-stroke Nissan 5hp. It stays in our bilge (salt water boat) and only get uses a few times a year.
Pull it out, couple of pulls and it starts right up. Hell, I haven't changed the impeller in 5 years and it still streams out of the tell tale like new!

[Go Aweigh2452]

Tohatsu is a reliable motor. Great for the price. Speaking of dinks. I forgot I bid for one on ebay and won it today. Its a Baltik 8.5 with a wood floor. Inflatable 8.5 w/wood floor (http://stores.ebay.com/Affordable-Inflatable)Too bad I don't have it for this trip. I'll use my 4hp Johnson for that one.

Anyone want a Walker Bay 265? RIB with tube kit and installed davits specifically for the walker bay? Too big for my 2452. Used once to check out my brand new 4 hp Johnson.

[sunnydude2]

Doug...you won't be disappointed with the Baltik. I have the air floor of yours and this is second season with it.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Sunny, thanks for the info. Due to the price, I was a bit skeptical but read a lot of the feedback and it seems OK... My previous inflatable was a roll up with slats and I thought I'd try the floor model since the dog dislikes non-solid floors...

I have a 4hp and that should be good for this size dink as well...

[sunnydude2]

I have a 4hp that is mounted to the dingy on the adventure marine swivel and it works just fine pushing my family around.

Only thing bad about the dingy is the grab line on ours came apart at the stern but that is a fairly easy fix.

[Randygh]

Doug--I purchased my 7.5' inflatable from the same outfit that you purchased yours. Good price and very pleased with it. It is PVC and I store it deflated. It has the same inflatable floor with a wood slat beneath it. I purchased Weaver Davits and it is easy to snap on and tilt up. I apply 303 Aerospace protectant to it twice yearly. I think the Baltik is a generic Zodiac made by the same Korean outfit that makes Zodiacs.

[Go Aweigh2452]

I think the Baltik is a generic Zodiac made by the same Korean outfit that makes Zodiacs.

I looked at Zodiac yesterday and the oar and transom plates are identical to the Baltik so you may have a very valid point. I have most of the weaver davit system from the old boat and just need to find the right size stand off's and new inflatable pads to glue on. Another project when we get home...

Mike came by yesterday and checked out Go Aweigh To. He convinced me to head out via Everett and around Deception Pass to Roche. Should be done here around 11 and on the water (via WestMarine stop for a new CMAP chip on order) by noon. Probably looking at 2 hours with good seas and 'slow' go until the new engine hits 10 hours... ;)

[SomeSailor]

I spoke to Ken yesterday afternoon as well. On your way out you should turn into the Everett Marina and see if Ken is on his boat. They're heading out this afternoon and heading south. He's on the end of A-Dock. Bob and Pam are also out this weekend I believe too. Look for his big white Ford at the ramps.

Really good seeing you guys Doug. Your wait and patient searching definitely paid off. That's the most well-appointed 24 ft Bayliner (2452 or other) that I've ever seen. You had DEFINITELY got some gadgets on there! NICE boat!

Have a safe trip and shoot an email from parts north if you get the time.

[3788sam]

Went by the ramp but must have missed the Go Aweigh II.
Left Friday morning about 9:30 after having to wait for Spud to finish fueling :)

[SomeSailor]

Left Friday morning about 9:30 after having to wait for Spud to finish fueling :)

I'm surprised they're not rationing after fueling his rig :)