Newbie tender question

[rikk]

Hello folks,

My wife and I have just purchased a 2012 Ranger 27 and are trying to figure out what would be the largest zodiac/motor combination for her. Please provide any direction you have from prior experience. BTW, I think we are the most easterly owners, located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Thanks

 

[knotflying]

Suggestion, don’t go with a length wider than the beam of the boat. This will avoid issues while docking if you are using it inflated and stored on the swim platform. Dingy size and manufacturer limits will determine max engine size. Keep in mind the more HP the engine the heavier it will be and you will have to muscle it around. My engine is a 3.5 Tohatsu. Then you can always go electric as some owners have done. It all comes down to your needs and personal preference after that.

 

[colleysails]

I offered this suggestion in response to an earlier query. . .

"You might want to consider the Achilles HB-240 LX, a lightweight (86 lbs), hypalon rigid inflatable. With 16" tube dia and 5' beam it is very stable. The real plus for R-25 and R-27 owners is that the LOA is 7'10" which means that it fits perfectly on the swim platform without worry of scraping when going thru locks. I have one on my 25 using Weaver davits and have been quite pleased with that arrangement. It is rated for up to a 6hp outboard; I use a 2hp Honda which has been more than adequate."

colleysails
ADAGIO

 

[sportner]

You could also look at the Zodiac Cadet 250 RIB. It's 8'4" long, 5'4" wide, weighs 84 lbs.,takes up to 6 hp motor, and with its fiberglass bottom provides a little more depth. It comes with a case and it's folded size will fit in my short bed 3/4 ton Chev truck. I haven't used it yet so I can't report on its performance and I haven't mounted it yet. I think I will have to remove the carry handle on the port side to mount the weaver pad. You can look at this unit at Defender Marine online.

 

[Bruce Moore]

You might want to take a look at the electric Torqeedo motors many of us use. You'll find lots of discussion in the forums. Quiet, easy to stow on board, and no gasoline.

Here's a quick link.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[baz]

To add to Bruce's post... http://web.me.com/barrysharp/Barrys_Site/Torqeedo_Motor_Sea_Trial.html

 

[tedwhit]

I used to have the most easterly Ranger wrapped up - another superlative dashed on the rocks 🙁 Congratulations and welcome to the family.

 

[rikk]

Well folks, I went with the zodiac 250 rib/8hp yamaha 2 stroke - for a good combination of size, weight and power. Many thanks for your help in the selection!