which boat /motor

[harrison]

Hey sonny,
Sounds cool. Assume your fitting the 420 out with console, remotes and seating then if considering a mahoosive 40.

[sonny1]

oops is a 40 not available in a tiller steer option , because er no i wasnt thinking of a centre console ,although now you mention it!!!!

[sonny1]

just read "peterm,s" post .forget every thing ,back to a 20

[harrison]

Merc/Mariners are available in 40hp with a ‘big tiller’ option. Aimed more at the US market where lunatics go boating.

An open deck 420 with a tiller steer 40 is gonna be scary.

If open deck don’t go above 25/30hp. In fact even stick to a 20hp as that will be more than adequate.

[sonny1]

thanks harrison, feet firmly back on the ground

[PeterM]

However.... if the 20 weigh the same as a 25 etc go for the biggest hp for that weight....

[harrison]

Merc/Mariners are available in 40hp with a ‘big tiller’ option. Aimed more at the US market where lunatics go boating.

Guys,

Mercury will even sell you a 200hp motor with tiller option...how insane is that.

I want one!

200 gee gees all at your fingertips!

[harrison]

Hey sonny, I'm back to stick my oar in, yet again

Now we've established you're going open deck and generally 2 up then yes a 20hp motor is going to be more than adequate and safe. However, if funds allow, personally I think a 25/30 would be a better long term match for a 420.

The 15/20hp motors are popular as they are the biggest motors at 45 - 50kg you can truly term as portable...a major consideration where motors are lifted on and off transom and boat packed away between uses. We generally dont run 25/30hp motors (some larger sibs are rated for these) as at between 60 - 70kg are just too heavy to manhandle singlehanded for mere mortals. When your boat lives permanently on a trailer and motor stays nicely mounted on transom, then the weight restrictions become less critical and a whole new range of motors may be considered.

Whilst a 25hp motor probably wont add a large increase in top speed over a 20hp, the extra 200cc and third cylinder will make a big difference in more torque for hole shot and effortless mid range cruising. Another advantage of the extra cyliner will be slightly less vibration, particularly at lower revs.

Personally I'd be looking at one of the battery less efi jobbies from Suzuki, Tohatsu/Merc/Mariner. There is also a new lightweight 25 from Yamaha, although slightly down on cc's and two cylinder only. As tiller steer I'd probably also stick with manual start only, saving the need for a separate battery, unless looking to power electronic kit when a charging circuit would be useful.

Hope all this seemingly conflicting advice isn't proving too confusing. In the end, only you know what you want from your boat, and what suits. Happy shopping.

[kaman]

Hey sonny, I'm back to stick my oar in, yet again

Now we've established you're going open deck and generally 2 up then yes a 20hp motor is going to be more than adequate and safe. However, if funds allow, personally I think a 25/30 would be a better long term match for a 420.

The 15/20hp motors are popular as they are the biggest motors at 45 - 50kg you can truly term as portable...a major consideration where motors are lifted on and off transom and boat packed away between uses. We generally dont run 25/30hp motors (some larger sibs are rated for these) as at between 60 - 70kg are just too heavy to manhandle singlehanded for mere mortals. When your boat lives permanently on a trailer and motor stays nicely mounted on transom, then the weight restrictions become less critical and a whole new range of motors may be considered.

Whilst a 25hp motor probably wont add a large increase in top speed over a 20hp, the extra 200cc and third cylinder will make a big difference in more torque for hole shot and effortless mid range cruising. Another advantage of the extra cyliner will be slightly less vibration, particularly at lower revs.

Personally I'd be looking at one of the battery less efi jobbies from Suzuki, Tohatsu/Merc/Mariner. There is also a new lightweight 25 from Yamaha, although slightly down on cc's and two cylinder only. As tiller steer I'd probably also stick with manual start only, saving the need for a separate battery, unless looking to power electronic kit when a charging circuit would be useful.

Hope all this seemingly conflicting advice isn't proving too confusing. In the end, only you know what you want from your boat, and what suits. Happy shopping.

Yup I concur whole heartedly with Harrison synopsis - excellent advice.
Couldn't have summed it up better myself.
I'd be more than happy using the 420 with a 20hp on tiller for your described application.
However as mentioned a 25 / 30 hp would be preferable for the extra grunt if the engine is going to be permanently mounted.
A 40hp tiller would be overkill.
I've got a 10 year old tohatsu 20hp 4 st and believe me I have put it thru it's paces covering thousands upon thousands of miles in my Honwave Sibs.
As long as the 20hp is serviced and cared for you ain't going to burn it out working it that little bit harder.
Either way 420 on 20 or 25 / 30hp tiller on a suitable roller trailer is going to be a cracking lightweight manageable rib for you to enjoy and launch single handedly
You lucky beggar!

[sonny1]

van booked in for tow bar fitting, friday may 3rd. next phone call is to order my boat (sorry martin, gotta go with my heart not my head) !!!!!! if only i could decide which motor! ,ill sleep on it till monday,wish me luck