2025 R27LE outboard

[Bruce]

We are the proud owners of a lightly used 2025 R27LE outboard. We would like add a kicker to the boat that can also be used to power an inflatable dinghy.

Due to size/weight restraints our preference would be a 6hp. Ranger specifies an extra long shaft (25"). First, will a 6hp be enough engine to get out of harms way?

Second, will a extra long shaft be ok on an inflatable?

Has anyone ever used an adjustable style kicker bracket with a short shaft motor?

Thank you for any suggestions.

Bruce

 

[Midwest Jeff]

I recently asked this question while looking at a used R27. Was told that the 9.9hp Yamaha that is often used as a backup kicker is a high output long shaft model. Plus you wouldn’t want to use a long shaft on a tender sized for a R27.

 

[Submariner]

I use a T9.9 kicker for the boat. That motor weighs 99 lbs. There's no way I'm moving that to a dinghy while out on the boat to relax.
I went with a Yamaha F2.5 for the inflatable dinghy I use. I picked the F2.5 because it's 38 lbs. It's still quite the circus for me to get it into and out of the dinghy. But it's doable by myself.

 

[Maggie Anne]

I think an electric motor would be a better choice for a dinghy. The Torqeedo, as one example, comes in several pieces which make it easier to transfer to the dinghy and then set up. As Martin says, moving a heavy motor in and out of the dinghy is not fun. Also, the electric motors dont have the issue that gas engines have of having to store them upright to prevent oil leakage.

 

[Bruce]

I use a T9.9 kicker for the boat. That motor weighs 99 lbs. There's no way I'm moving that to a dinghy while out on the boat to relax.
I went with a Yamaha F2.5 for the inflatable dinghy I use. I picked the F2.5 because it's 38 lbs. It's still quite the circus for me to get it into and out of the dinghy. But it's doable by myself.

Thanks to you all. All these issues come in to play ,hence the inquiry. The 2.5hp is an option but then of course, you need 2 engines. I am not a fan of the electric outboards but may find that be an option.

 

[Chimo]

I use a T9.9 kicker for the boat. That motor weighs 99 lbs. There's no way I'm moving that to a dinghy while out on the boat to relax.
I went with a Yamaha F2.5 for the inflatable dinghy I use. I picked the F2.5 because it's 38 lbs. It's still quite the circus for me to get it into and out of the dinghy. But it's doable by myself.

I really like Yamaha outboards but when I replaced the old (reliable) Mercury 2 stroke 2 years ago I went with the Suzuki DF2.5 based on weight of 30 lbs. Even 8 lbs less is easier to manage as I seem to be getting older.