Factory dingy with 4 horse Yamaha vs 6 horse

[Mike and Sarah]

I’m looking for some input on speed and handling with Ranger tugs factory dingy. What speeds do you get with a 4 horse Yamaha and also 6 horse Yamaha? Thanks Mike

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I can’t comment on the difference in handling but those engines are basically the same. Just a different carb unit. Same weight. Might as well get the 6hp no?

 

[serpa4]

I can’t comment on the difference in handling but those engines are basically the same. Just a different carb unit. Same weight. Might as well get the 6hp no?

Usually are the same, except the price.
I just bought a 20hp Tohatsu. Same identical engine as a 10, 15, 20. Bore, stroke, injectors, exactly. Just more programing and more price. Didn't see the point in buying a 10hp when a 15 & 20 are the same weight and no physical difference. More HP is usually better.

 

[Heronboy]

I have a 2019 9.9 Mercury 4 stroke on mine; the max rated hp. With just me it will get up on plane with the gps saying I’m moving at 15mph or so.

However, two issues. One, it takes longer to get up on plane than I feel it should. I need to move the fuel can and/or myself forward to get on plane in a timely fashion. Although I’ve never had a passenger onboard, I suspect it might actually plane faster with one in the bow. With 225# of me and a 90# outboard it’s transom heavy.

Two, the handling on plane is twitchy. It really feels like you are one sneezing spell from being ejected over the side. The boat is only marginally safe at that speed in my opinion.

Semi-planing and off plane, the boat handles well and pivots quickly. I find myself frequently using Merc’s quick friction adjuster. Loose at low and semi-planing speed for maneuverability, tight at high speed for safety. The ergos of sitting on the tube and using the tiller are a bit tight for me (6’2” and over 200#). If you have shoulder or mobility issues in the back it won’t feel great. Definitely not as much room as a little fishing boat with the same hp.

The takeaway? If I had to do it again, I would get the 6. Save 30#’s, get a low cost hp/weight upgrade over the 4, keep the boat closer to its happy zone of performance (even if it meant it was now only semi-planing), and make loading the engine on the dinghy from the Tug transom safer. Plus, a built in fuel tank. Which is another issue with 8’s and 9.9’s. There is no storage on the Tugs for the tank.

 

[FlyMeAway]

Whatever you get, get dole fins or similar hydroplaning fins. They will make a huge difference getting onto a plane, probably more than pure horsepower (and associated weight). For best planing, you always want the most HP in a given weight class -- so I'd go with the 6 (that said, a 2.5hp can get an 8 ft dinghy on a plane).