Powering a Dingy

[Packrat]

I have a 8 ft Fattyknees and they call for a 2 hp engine. I am wondering if I can put a 3.5 hp on it? The 3.5 is about the same weight as a 2 hp. Also the top portion of the mast has walked off. Any ideas for a replacement? Thanks for any help.

Ron

[camaraderie]

The weight is only part of the issue. The additional thrust will cause the transom to drop and flood the boat UNLESS you are careful not to turn the throttle all the way up.

[speciald]

Don't try it without fins on the cavitation plate and even then don't accelerate too quickly or the boat may pitch-pole backwards.

[dealweb]

Is the 2 HP listed as the max HP on the capacity plate? I know where I live you can't exceed the max HP on the capacity plate. In doing a quick check with google there isn't a federal law but apparently each state might have different regulations so you might want to check with your local state laws.

[Packrat]

I actually think I would be OK with the 2 hp but a neighbor suggested it may struggle in a little weather. He indicated it would be hard to push myself, my wife and some gear. I certainly wouldn’t go out in big weather in a 8’ dingy anyway. There is no capacity plate on it but the brochure called for a 2 hp. I was thinking of a 2hp Honda or a 2.5 mercury. Again my neighbor was telling me the 3.5 is only a few bucks more and would be the way to go. Any more feedback about strength motoring in from anchor?

[camaraderie]

You will have NO problem powering the Fatty Knees with a 2hp engine in any normal weather.

[AlanBrown]

A 2 hp. Johnson (2007) moves my 8' Achilles inflatable around the anchorage quite nicely. Had a 5 hp. Nissan before the Johnson, but the extra weight became a nuisance. As I have no need or desire to roar through the anchorage, lighter is better than faster.

[SVDistantStar]

Ive got an 8' Yankee Boat Works dingy that calls for a 2hp motor on the plate. I use it with a 3hp motor all the time with no issues. Just do what i did and adjust the throttle of the motor to not go over about 3/4. It never needs more than 1/2 throttle anyway or it just makes a huge wake.

This is the dingy.

[Packrat]

OK, thanks. I think going with a 2 hp is the way to go. No need having an over powerer dingy a family member will abuse. Thanks for the imput! It's great having the feedback.
Ron