Size of O/B For Dinghy

[Newtugnut]

This is a question which has no 'right' answer. This is more of a survey type question. What size of O/B are people carrying on their Rangers?

The Ranger we have on order has a factory dinghy on weaver davits which can handle a 9.9 hp motor BUT I am not sure I can handle the motor size, it would mean installing our old lifting crane from our present boat for lifting the motor on and off the dinghy.

Alternatively, we could get a 2 hp hand carry motor for motorized rowing. However, my wife mentioned this would not be a good 'take me home engine' if the Ranger engine failed/prop foiled etc.

Final question, where do people mount their o/b's when not in use? on the porch rail (which seems logical if this accessory is installed).

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts and opinions.

Dawn-Marie and Frank

 

[mspaugy]

I havent committed to a ranger yet but when I do not if I plan on putting the outboard on a swivel bracket on the dingy transom so I dont have to take it off the dingy. I cant speak at all for a get home engine obviously.

 

[knotflying]

Not sure what type or size dingy you have. Mine is 8'-6" with inflatable floor and keel. I use a 3.5HP Tahotsu with two of us and supplies it does the job. Remember the bigger the engine the heavier it will be. I wouldn't want to be trying to mount an engine much larger than the 3.5hp while on the water. A swivel bracket may be a diverent story for a larger engine.

 

[Bruce Moore]

You'll find another discussion of motors and mounts in this thread.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[fairweather]

Hi Bruce. your outboard thread doesn't work. Do have another way in?
Marc

 

[doke01]

We use a 2.2 HP Mercury outboard. I believe it was built in 1972. Tohatsu builds Mercury outboards. I like that it is easy to handle and relatively light with a self-contained fuel tank. It works perfectly well with my wife, son, me, the dog, and supplies. We have an 8' 6" inflatable with inflatable floor and keel also. I would prefer a fiberglass hull but there have been a couple of times when I had to deflate the dinghy and store it on the roof rack and the inflatable floor made it much easier. We pull the engine from the dinghy and hang it from the rail clamping it with a small piece of 2x4 and some bungee cords. It works well and stays in place, even in rough weather.

I fixed the link from Bruce below:

http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2496&start=0

 

[Bruce Moore]

I fixed the link from Bruce below:

http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2496&start=0

Whoops. Thanks Doug.