On Sun, 29 Feb 2004 21:33:50 -0000, "Ian Kay"
wrote:
I'm looking for a small (5 or 6 hp) 4 stroke to power a 3 metre inflatable.
Anyone have any recomendations, warnings or observations, reliability is
absolute. The boat will be carrying two adults and maybe 50 lbs of
equipement. What sort of performance can I expect with such a motor, not
that I'm looking for a speed machine but it would be nice to know. How long
will a 12ltr tank last at say half throttle. Ive heard that you have to be
ultra careful handling 4 strokes (only lay them on one side etc or the sump
will drain), is this a concern or are they getting better.
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If it were my choice, I'd probably opt for a 2 stroke which is a
simpler, lighter engine, and easier to service in my opinion.

That said, the Yamaha and Honda 4 strokes have good reputations. You
should be able to run 6 to 8 hours at half throttle on 12 liters of
fuel with a 6 hp motor.

With 6 hp you may be able to run on plane with one person on board but
problematic with two and some gear unless both people are light
weight. I have a 3 meter inflatable with a 15 hp 2 stroke. It will
plane 3 adults at about 15 kts but not with 4.