On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 11:14:23 -0300, "Don White"
wrote:


"Bruce in Bangkok" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 5 Apr 2008 00:16:39 -0700 (PDT), Jay
wrote:

I'm not certain what I'm talking about her would qualify as
"cruising," maybe "slow cruising" but here's my query.

We have a 14' open aluminum boat that weighs about 195 lbs. (the same
style one sees for rowboat rentals at lots of marinas) and we never
have a total payload (passengers and gear) that exceeds about 480
lbs.

Most of our boating is putting around the lake about 3-5 mph
(depending on how much Sunny Delight I've guzzled before starting to
row -- lol), sometimes just dropping anchor and relaxing for a book
read or a quick nap.

So, the point here is that I'm getting tired of rowing and am looking
for a small outboard that'll shove that 14 footer around the lake at
trolling speed. No need to plane, just putting along about like we
did when I was rowing.

I understand that Suzuki 4-stroke outboards have a good reputation and
am trying to decide between the DF4 or the DF6. They both have the
exact same displacement motor and I would like to go with the 4HP
(less money) if it would do the job.

Remember now, we're talking about the first notch above rowing speed,
nothing more! Maybe I could even fit the DF4 with a propeller with
more of a low-end torque pitch?

So it's just between the two motors---the DF4 or the DF6? Anyone had
experience with either or both of those two specific motors and can
offer some insight as to the better of the two for our very limited
purpose? Thanx.

-Jay

One of the most common outboards on cruising yachts are 2 HP engines.
A 4 HP will push you boar at walking speed quire easily.


Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct email address for reply)

A good high thrust outboard suitable for displacement hulls would do.
Too bad the British Seagull people went out of business.
I have a 14.5' open aluminum boat with a 25hp Johnson, but will carry my 54
year old 40 Plus as a kicker. (3hp)

I hate to sound like an old man (even if I am) but in my younger days
a 5 H.P. motor was considered a "fishing boat" motor. A fishing boat
being a well built (i.e., heavy) wooden 14 - 16 foot boat. Now 'a days
it seems to take at least 50 H.P to push he same boat -- maybe the
horses are getting smaller?


Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct email address for reply)