dinghy motor size

[dreamer*65]

I'm taking delivery of my 2013 R27 soon, and was looking for recommendations, advice, experiences regarding the size/brand of motor I might use for my dinghy (standard 8' RIB issue with the R27). Also, will probably use my dinghy for some fishing in protected waters. Thanks. I've reviewed as many of the Tugnut comments I could find, but am always open to more ideas!

 

[Red Raven]

It depends on if you want your dinghy to plane and how much effort you want expend to move the engine to the dinghy. To get it to plane you'll need a 5 or 6 hp and even then it will only plane with one person aboard or two fairly lightweight persons. We have a 6 hp Yamaha on our standard 8' RIB and it will plane with one of us aboard. I think it would plane with up to about 300 lbs aboard if you get the weight way up front when digging out of the hole. A throttle extension would help. I like to go exploring when we are at anchor and the planing capability makes it really fun. You may appreciate the planing capability to get to and from a fishing hole.

The 6 hp however weighs 65lbs so it is somewhat of a beast to move to the dinghy. I am still in my late fifties and don't find it a problem but I can imagine it being an issue for some. In the future I may rig up a davit to lift it if it becomes a problem. Several others have done this. It is also added weight on the transom port side as well which adds to the typical list to port of the tug. I have added offsetting weight to the starboard forward V-berth.

If you don't need it to plane then save some money and your back and get a 2.5 hp or a torqueedo. You should be able to do about 3.5 knots or so (hull speed) no problem.

Curt

 

[BradOwens]

We have a Suzuki 2.5 hp for our dinghy, and couldn't be happier. The fuel tank is built in on top of the motor which makes it very compact. In addition to tender duty, we use it for fishing and dropping crab pots. It works great.

 

[Les Blackwell]

I am presently installing an inflatable dinghy from Ranger Tugs and have research the subject of an outboard suitable for our use. Our present need is to get from adagio (R-25SC) to shore or dock. No long or fast speeds needed. My wife and I are also in our eighties and have lost some strength.

So we ordered a Torqeedor 1003S electric outboard for our use. It breaks down to three parts each of which is easy for either of us to handle. It is quiet and there is no oil or gas to worry about in our Tug. Since we plan to dock much of the time we will be able to recharge using the AC in the Tug.

The downside is that they are expensive. However, at my age I just want to enjoy being on the water. And I don't need to go fast. After this coming summer's use I'll have more data to share.

As an afterthought for those who already have an outboard, a question for you to solve. Our Tug is named adagio and the dinghy is named lento. Can anyone see the connection?

 

[BradOwens]

Adagio and Lento both mean slowly. Most often used in music terminology, but are appropriate names for slow boats as well.

 

[stwendl]

Just looked at the rangertugs.com.au site. Not sure if it is me or the site but all the images of the boats running in the water looked like they are photoshopped. For instance there is one where a tug boat is on a plane but just what seems to be a few feet awy from a shoreline. There is no way that boat can get that fast on a plane that close to a stone wall

The description for the r27 also refers to a "combination 12v or lpg stove/oven. I guess the batteries in the Australian model must have a much higher capacity to power a stove/oven.

Interesting to note is also that all dimensions are metric but the anchor rode length is still in imperial among some other length measurements.

In the gallery which shows several images of ranger tugs, picture #5 is upside down. But that makes sense since Australia is on the lower half of the planets and everything is upside down right?

 

[Markl]

If a 6hp won't plane that well I'd go small. The Suzuki 2.5hp is only 29 pounds plus add a bit for the fuel.

 

[aculverwell]

I would also highly recommend the Honda BF2.3 -- which I used happily on my R27 RIB. While it certainly won't plane, it is super light, Honda reliable and does the job. I am personally questioning my recent decision to get the Yamaha 9.9 for my new R31 RIB as it weighs close to 100 lbs. Having wrestled this beast onto my RIB under calm conditions and concerned about what it will be like under rougher conditions, I am now a strong advocate for "weight" before "power".

 

[Brian B]

I have an older 2HP Honda on our Achilles. It is more than adequate, we had 4 adults in the boat one time and traveled a few miles. For me the engine weight would be a major factor. Even the lightweight Honda can be tricky maneuvering it onto the dinghy.

 

[stwendl]

To big can sometimes be a problem too. I recall a situation where one of my fellow boaters maneuvered in a small 9' dinghy with a 8hp 2 stroke. He used the other hand that day and instead of throttling down he accelerated. The bow of the dinghy went up and the whole boat flipped over as the engine revved up. Luckily none was hurt by the prop spinning. Eventually the engine came off and was just held by the fuel line to the floating dinghy. Water got into the engine and stopped it

After drying the engine out it was still running tho. I think it was an older mercury 2 stroke

 

[Les Blackwell]

BradOwens

You win the prize . When playing around for a name for our new R-25SC we came across adagio and being an ex-music teacher it felt at home. Then when we wanted to name the new Ranger dinghy I was surprised to find that lento meant "slower then adagio". With this new Torqeedo electric motor I suspect this will be true. When we met up I pay up. Thanks for the fun.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

the two small engine choices are the honda or suzuki

honda 2.3 is air cooled and louder but less likely to have corrosion issues its basically a lawn mower
suzuki 2.5 is water cooled and quieter brand new design and I think* can be stored lying down in some directions and super light
suzuki is my choice with no e85 fuel and a stabaliser and let to run dry before each shutdown

pretty good deal at onlineoutboards.com not sure what you can get in the defender sale this week

 

[dreamer*65]

Thanks everyone!

Honestly, one of the great things about owning a Ranger/Cutwater is the family of Tugnuts! After much deliberation and consideration of everyone's input, I'm going with weight over power. I'm 65 but am sure I could go many a round with a 50 pounder--Ha. Nevertheless, I've got a dealer in town who carries the Suzuki 2.5. I checked it out and it looks pretty sweet. And I can buy local. I'll keep everyone posted once I get my boat in the water and check out the motor with the digny.