F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

Hi,
I've just bought an Honwave T35 ae and now begins the minefeild of engine searching and sourcing, looking mainly second hand due to budget.

The Honwave's max is 20 HP, which when looking at the 4 stroke and some 2 stroke seem quite weighty.

I've been looking toward a 15HP Mariner or suzuki, however I see a lot of people talking about and/or using a 9.9 for such SIB's.

I'm a bit concerned at being under powered as I'd be launching from the Exe Estuary and the tidal pull there can be huge.

Typically I'll have 2 up. Is there anyone out there that uses their SIB in similar areas? Would an engine of half the bot's recommened power be able to handle these conditions?

Thanks

The T35ae is a heavy boat and you’ll be pleased of any extra HP once loaded up.
Most of the 9.9 to 20hp four strokes have the same weight throughout, though they differ slightly from manufacturers.
The king of the portables (imo) is without doubt the Suzuki efi range. 9.9hp to 20hp weighing in at 44kg as they all use the same power head. The Suzuki usually ends up being the driest of the outboards too in so far as transom splash back.

The Tohatsu is slightly lighter at 42kg. Slightly longer warranty on the Tohatsu too if memory serves me correctly.

Good but older 2smokes (2stroke) are getting hard to find, generically they’ve had their day unless you manage to find a well cared for one. The king of the two stroke portables was the 18hp Tohatsu but they’re like hens teeth now.

My advice would be look for a 15-20hp 4 stroke Suzuki.

Martin

Thanks Martin, I've been looking at around the 10 -15hp range but that's really helpful regarding the weight. Sadly at this stage I'll be looking toward the second hand market. There's a few of the Honda BF's 10 and 15hp 4 strokes down my neck of the woods at the moment; would you have any experience with them?

Honda make outstanding engines though they are usually the heavy end of the popular brands.
When you go to look at one, try lifting it and walking with it - you’ll see why most people avoid them - it’s certainly not a quality thing, purely weight!
Every extra KG after 40ish kg really starts to hurt

Martin

I've done it! I've gone for the new Suzuki DF20 AES Electric start.

Collecting next saturday. I'm VVVVVVV excited/nervous.

Good choice a friend went from a 9.8 2 stroke tohatsu to a suzuki 20 efi in late 2022. Loves it. He does need some thought and planning when it's lifted, but managed with thought and planning.

I know what you mean with the thought and planning. I’d tied 50kg up (some weights discs and kettle bells) with rope, in order to see what the weight would be like. Hadn’t quite prepared myself for the irregular shape of an outboard whilst carrying though. Definitely wouldn’t want anything heavier!

alot o scammers out there i have been done 3 time ,also watch for the guy tha says he needs a deposit £50 friggin chancer hes from wales but says he works all over , keep a way from Irvin boat club big man called paddy i was stung with him also and sso was my mate

PeterM wrote: ↑

21 Jan 2023, 21:09

Good choice a friend went from a 9.8 2 stroke tohatsu to a suzuki 20 efi in late 2022. Loves it. He does need some thought and planning when it's lifted, but managed with thought and planning.

Would that be Mr Moody by any chance ?

Martin

woodsa wrote: ↑

20 Jan 2023, 14:50

I've done it! I've gone for the new Suzuki DF20 AES Electric start.

Collecting next saturday. I'm VVVVVVV excited/nervous.

Oh wow, congratulations..
The Suzuki is a bloody brilliant portable and I’m sure you’ll be made up with it. Shocked to read you went for the electric start, what weight does that add ?

Martin