[goldilocks]

OK, so it seems like the time has come to upgrade our dinghy, and I'm thinking that a 9 ft ab aluminum dinghy is my best bet.

But I'm not sure about the HP. It's listed as max 15hp. There are generally only two of us, but if we have any extra weight from groceries or there's a bad chop, we have trouble planing with 6 hp in the Caribbean.

Anyone have any experience with a similar dinghy? Clearly we need at least 10 HP, but should we go for the extra weight and gas of a 15 HP?

Thanks for any input,
John

 

[ReefMagnet]

We have 9.8 Tohatsu 2 stroke which works great on our 9ft fibreglass rib. In fact, I'd say it's overpowered one up as it becomes very twitchy. With two up (and we're not lightweights!) it's perfect. With two up and filled to the brim with stuff, as in really filled to the brim, it won't plane.

Having said that, my favourite outboard which I use most of the time is a 5hp Yamaha 2 stroke. It planes with me and a small load just fine if I use a tiller extension (which I need to use with the 9.8 anyway for balance) and I don't find puttering around at sub planing speeds too much of a disadvantage when loaded up, although it certainly doesn't have the fun quotient of the 9.8!

 

[TQA]

Well I have a 9 ft rib but a heavy GRP one. I have a 18hp Tohatsu 2st which rarely gets used above 1/2 throttle. But it does need full throttle three up to get it on the plane.

It is worth noting that in the Eastern Carib the Tohatsu 18 hp is cheaper than the 15 hp despite them being essentially the same engine, same weight etc.

I have had a 8 hp that would not plane my old hypalon bottom dink until I fitted Dolphin Fins, they do work!