New dinghy... Really small...

[beaverliner]

Hi everyone,
I just got a farely new Saturn SD230 (7ft 6in) to use as a dinghy for my 26ft deckboat and mostly for the kids to play with... For now we are powering it with a 45lb trolling motor but eventually we might like to get a gas outboard... Rated hp is 2.5...
I am having trouble finding one locally (used) but there are several 4hp
Is a 4hp too much for this little thing? Wuld it even plane with a 2.5?? Really never had anything this small and not sure if 1.5 extra hp wold do to it... Unfortunately I cant water test them in the boat to see it before buying...
Thanks for the advise

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: New dinghy... Really small...

Try to find a Tohatsu 2 strokes 3.5, as both 2.5 & 3.5 are same size & weight, much lighter than same 4 strokes models. Will doubt will plane such a small sib with a 3.5, too much hull drag to overcome fast. Just expect fast displacement speeds and that's all. A minimum 320 size would have been more suitable to go for.

Happy Boating

 

[beaverliner]

Re: New dinghy... Really small...

Try to find a Tohatsu 2 strokes 3.5, as both 2.5 & 3.5 are same size & weight, much lighter than same 4 strokes models. Will doubt will plane such a small sib with a 3.5, too much hull drag to overcome fast. Just expect fast displacement speeds and that's all. A minimum 320 size would have been more suitable to go for.

Happy Boating

Thanks!! I thought so by the videos i was seeing in youtube of similar set ups... I think i will stay with the electric trolling motor for now... The boat and motor came for free, so really no complains on the size & power
Thanks!!!