Gin
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2012
- Messages
- 874
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-31 S
- Vessel Name
- Echo II (2019)
Hi all,
I know this topic has been covered a lot. I think I have read all the threads there are on it. I'm looking for anyone to chime in with ownership experience on the outboards I'm considering and also wondering if anyone here has any experience with the EP Carry electric, made in North Bend, Washington (read on -- I get to it towards the end of this long write up).
I've never had a dingy. But I think I am about to take the plunge. I am narrowing the options, and it will be an inflatable in a 65lb to 85lb weight range (likely either an AB or Achilles, with either a high pressure air deck or aluminum rib).
One of the biggest issues for me is having confidence I can retrieve and launch single-handed. I am reasonably strong for a light-framed woman in her mid-60s, but that still means I'm not all that strong, especially when things are moving and sliding about, as boats and dingies inevitably do. I need the lightest setup that my dingy use can justify.
If I go with a big enough outboard to get on plane, I will need to get at least a 5-6 hp, at 60 lbs or so, or more likely 8 to 9.9hp (at 90 lbs and up). Right now, my uses are more low key -- the option to anchor out and get to a nearby shore and back, and to explore back bays and channels in good or at least predictable conditions. If I decide in time I want to do more and that safety requires the ability to go faster or buck stiff wind and current, I could later invest in a bigger outboard, which in turn would mean adding a hoist (I like the Garhauer a lot) and rail mount for the outboard, and inject the complications of mounting on and off the dingy. So I'm going to start small and light.
Here's my short list of outboard options:
- Suzuki 2.5: quiet, water-cooled, affordable, and extra light at 30 lbs. Suzuki as a brand has a lot of detractors, but several on this forum seem to have had good luck with them.
- Tohatsu 3.5: heavier at 41 lbs, but a good gas option for about $240 more than the Suzuki.
I've tentatively ruled out the smaller Honda and Yamaha (2.3 and 2.5 respectively) because they are air cooled and more noisy, and have the weird requirement of turning the engine around backwards to go in reverse. I also don't think they have the option of connecting to an auxiliary gas tank.
As for electric outboards, they intrigue me. But the Torqeedo is SO EXPENSIVE, and I get uneasy every time I read through all the user experiences in other forums throughout the internet, some of which are fine, but many of which are on the very negative side.
But there is one other electric option I haven't seen discussed here: the EP Carry: https://www.electricpaddle.com It has less power than the Torqeedo, and all the limitations of an electric. But I love the ease of use, weight (15 for motor, 6 for battery), and what I think is top notch quality and support (user reviews on those scores are excellent). Like the Torqeedo, it is a much more expensive option than a gas outboard, but for casual and light uses, it would be so exceptionally easy to get on and off that I think it would maximize use of the dingy for casual excursions (even in and around the home port). I saw one at the Seattle boat show, and I was impressed. Because they were designed and are made in North Bend, WA, I'm hoping someone on this forum might know more about them and have some experience with them. Anyone?
I welcome any and all other input on outboard options and experience with any of the smaller, lighter outboards!
Gini
Echo II (RT 31)
I know this topic has been covered a lot. I think I have read all the threads there are on it. I'm looking for anyone to chime in with ownership experience on the outboards I'm considering and also wondering if anyone here has any experience with the EP Carry electric, made in North Bend, Washington (read on -- I get to it towards the end of this long write up).
I've never had a dingy. But I think I am about to take the plunge. I am narrowing the options, and it will be an inflatable in a 65lb to 85lb weight range (likely either an AB or Achilles, with either a high pressure air deck or aluminum rib).
One of the biggest issues for me is having confidence I can retrieve and launch single-handed. I am reasonably strong for a light-framed woman in her mid-60s, but that still means I'm not all that strong, especially when things are moving and sliding about, as boats and dingies inevitably do. I need the lightest setup that my dingy use can justify.
If I go with a big enough outboard to get on plane, I will need to get at least a 5-6 hp, at 60 lbs or so, or more likely 8 to 9.9hp (at 90 lbs and up). Right now, my uses are more low key -- the option to anchor out and get to a nearby shore and back, and to explore back bays and channels in good or at least predictable conditions. If I decide in time I want to do more and that safety requires the ability to go faster or buck stiff wind and current, I could later invest in a bigger outboard, which in turn would mean adding a hoist (I like the Garhauer a lot) and rail mount for the outboard, and inject the complications of mounting on and off the dingy. So I'm going to start small and light.
Here's my short list of outboard options:
- Suzuki 2.5: quiet, water-cooled, affordable, and extra light at 30 lbs. Suzuki as a brand has a lot of detractors, but several on this forum seem to have had good luck with them.
- Tohatsu 3.5: heavier at 41 lbs, but a good gas option for about $240 more than the Suzuki.
I've tentatively ruled out the smaller Honda and Yamaha (2.3 and 2.5 respectively) because they are air cooled and more noisy, and have the weird requirement of turning the engine around backwards to go in reverse. I also don't think they have the option of connecting to an auxiliary gas tank.
As for electric outboards, they intrigue me. But the Torqeedo is SO EXPENSIVE, and I get uneasy every time I read through all the user experiences in other forums throughout the internet, some of which are fine, but many of which are on the very negative side.
But there is one other electric option I haven't seen discussed here: the EP Carry: https://www.electricpaddle.com It has less power than the Torqeedo, and all the limitations of an electric. But I love the ease of use, weight (15 for motor, 6 for battery), and what I think is top notch quality and support (user reviews on those scores are excellent). Like the Torqeedo, it is a much more expensive option than a gas outboard, but for casual and light uses, it would be so exceptionally easy to get on and off that I think it would maximize use of the dingy for casual excursions (even in and around the home port). I saw one at the Seattle boat show, and I was impressed. Because they were designed and are made in North Bend, WA, I'm hoping someone on this forum might know more about them and have some experience with them. Anyone?
I welcome any and all other input on outboard options and experience with any of the smaller, lighter outboards!
Gini
Echo II (RT 31)
