inflatables and hp

[peter ash]

I have a 30hp suzuki 2stroke and an inflatable which has a max of 20hp can i still use it and what effect will it have other than more fun

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: inflatables and hp

Depends..is it the same weight or close to as the 20 hp engine it's rated for? Is it leagal to over power where you live?<br />What's the condition of the inflatable...many different variables....Is it a hard bottom or soft bottom boat? (hard will take much more abuse) Is insurance a concern?<br /> 'Memeber...it's a home built boat when you do this and the responisbility is on you for safety. An experinced operator would have no problem with this setup, a beginner is asking for BIG trouble...

 

[suzukidave]

Re: inflatables and hp

Is the 20hp rating for a tiller or remote steering set up? Sometimes the hp rating increases for remote steering.<br /><br />If not then, apart from "fun"<br /><br />-You will be stern heavy which may flip your boat, especially in rough weather<br />-your bow will probably stick way way when off plan up so you can't see forward<br />-It may damage your hull which may not be thick enough to handle the extra speed and bouncing (especially if it's a soft bottom).<br />-it will be tricky to trim down right and may tend to plow under in bad weather.<br />-It will void any insurance you might have<br />-It will get you a fine or get your boat impounded if you are caught<br /><br />For my money, trading it in on a 20hp is more fun.

 

[peter ash]

Re: inflatables and hp

i havent bought the boat yet and i live in the uk so no restrictions<br />no insurance (pay your money and take your chance) <br />ive seen boats with airdecks and the max engine weight is the same for a 20 as a 30<br />the dealer wants me to buy the dearest one and i dont

 

[suzukidave]

Re: inflatables and hp

Weight is not the only factor, especially with inflatables. If it were, then boats would have maximum transom weight ratings instead of HP ratings. An extra 10 hp will translate into extra speed. Your boat may not be designed to go faster than a 20hp will push it, especially if it is a tiller steer. It may be unstable at higher speeds and the extra bouncing may destroy the fabric.

 

[peter ash]

Re: inflatables and hp

ok dave your ruining my party now<br />if i dont open the throttle like a mad man will you let me buy it<br />flyboy tell him please

 

[Spidybot]

Re: inflatables and hp

Peter<br /><br />If it's a soft bottom inflatable, you may experience it sucks itself down (try pushing an inflateble mattress on the water). It this happens when your running flat out, you may be in for a very quick swim..<br /><br />Another thing is, that if you use your mind and administer the power, there should never be a problem. Let's have the details of the boat - it could have other ratings on other markets.

 

[peter ash]

Re: inflatables and hp

the boat i want is a suzumar 360a it has a removable aluminium floor,inflatable keel and a maximum load of 823kg

 

[Spidybot]

Re: inflatables and hp

The extra strenght in this keel should solve the 'suck' problem. Anyways, each and every site says max 20 hp. The boat weight is 49 kg / 98 lbs. and as such doesn't need the extra power. It looks pretty good, but the stress from the motor really is a vast stress on it.<br /><br />If you do it, do it gentle. I'd say a swap for a 20 might make you just as happy and even put a pound or two in your wallet. <br /><br />I think a responsible attitude would solve the problem also (if you want it and want to keep the motor). Under best conditions the extra power certainly will provide extra fun..

 

[peter ash]

Re: inflatables and hp

thank you at last i have a yes <br />the reason i dont want to give up my 30 is i bought it in 1990 and then a bargain evinrude 50 came along for my other boat so the 30 had nowhere to go and its only had a few hours use but it would not trade in very well because of its age<br />im going to see about it tomorrow and weather permiting ill try it in the next 2 weeks if you dont here from me again you know not to try it<br />see you later?

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: inflatables and hp

Apparently you have some boating skills...be conservative in your use of the higher HP motor since you have it already('zuki 20, 25 and 30 HP are all the same engine), top speed should only be about 5-7 MPH more, jus' easy does it on the hole shots. Laws in your area are of no concern apparently......Have a blast....Jus' make sure the boat is in real good condition.

 

[marcmccain]

Re: inflatables and hp

peter ash,<br /><br /> Small inflatables can flip easily if you're heading into a wind and you don't have any weight in the bow. Almost happened to me in a Zodiac I used to have and I had two small kids in the boat with me. And my motor met the ratings of the boat.<br /> Also, overpowered inflatables tend to sideslip in turns which can result in a skip and flip. Seen it happen several times here in Spain where city folks visit the lake with overpower small Zodiacs.<br /> Winter months are a great time to pick up a second-hand inflatable in Europe. Try to look for a bigger inflatable; one rated for your motor. You could be taking a big risk by overpowering a superlight boat. Sure you may be able to handle it; but, someday someone else could be at the tiller day and .....<br /> We all have insurance in the event of an accident. I cringe to think that I could be doing all the right things and have an accident caused by the other boat and the resulting investigation revealed that I had a boat with a motor that exceeded my boat's rating by 50 percent.<br /> 30 years in the Air Force taught me many lessons, one of which is that there isn't a right way to do a wrong thing.<br /> For what it's worth.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: inflatables and hp

Peter,<br /><br />I guess all agree about being careful about it. But as you do know the basics and obviously are aware of what you're involving yourself in, I think you can do it safely.<br /><br />Like driving a fast car, it is a matter of controlling yourself.<br /><br />Must say, though, that looking for a slightly larger inflatable sounds very sane as well. Good point from Warhorse on prices around (Southern) Europe and remember purchasing inside the EU has become extremely easy.