Outboards

sarbog

Member
Aug 22, 2008
135
Emerald Isle NC
Boat Info
'05 340 Sundancer
Garmin 7610xsv
1951 Penn Yan 9' Aerodinghy/2018 AB 9vl w/ 15 hp Evinrude 2-strk
Engines
Twin 8.1 Horizons v-drives
So, I made the decision on dinghy and davit system. Placed deposit on an AB 9 vl (9.6’, 106 lbs.). Hurley H2O davit system with 36” arms.
The boat is rated for 15 hp max. but “manufacturer recommends 10hp” which means 9.9. Can someone explain why this recommendation for using less hp.?
The difference in weight on the engines I am considering is only about 10 lbs, 84lbs. Vs 94 lbs., if I recall correctly. Price differential is about $550.
I don’t want something I really don’t need but also don’t want to find myself wishing for more in the hp. department.
My use is primarily 2-4 people going to marina from a mooring or to the beach from anchorage (100 yd trips). I guess I might use the dinghy on its own (I have a trailer) to run to shoal islands, etc., on days we just feel like messing around in the ICW.
 
Provided your happy with the weight difference go the most hp you can (15 hp in your case). I presume the lower hp is for max service life and lower weight. My 9.6 came recommended with a lower hp than the max too.
 
Get the max rating. I’ve never heard this boat has too much hp.
 
Definitely get the 15HP. It will cost more than $550 to upgrade once you realize it doesn't do what you want. I have a 10'2" with a 15HP 2 stroke and it does 22MPH with two adults and two kids.
 
That'll be a lot of weight to hoist up onto the H2O. I have an H2O with probably about 50 lbs less than that on my 8'6" aluminum rib and 6hp motor. My swim platform is just barely above the waterline which also helps. It's about the limit for me to pull up the dingy on my own. Hopefully you are big, strong, or have platform that lowers down or have a helper to pull it on.
 
The difference in weight between a 9.9 and a 15hp 2 stroke is not much but the power diff is huge. 9.9 will be enough for short trips but if you need to go 20 mph for longer trips with the dinghy full of people you will want 15.
 
I have the similar (10VL with 15 HP) with the H20 Davit. You will definitely need 2 people to pull this up with their winch as well. Not as easy as you think, I believe you have a high platform 20" plus off the water.
 
I’ve got a 130 lb. 10’6” and 9.9 4 stroke Mercury. It will move nicely with two people on it if one sits on the bow to keep it down.
I bought both brand new last winter.
IMHO: The 4 stroke motor is too heavy for the boat.
It’s a PIA with one because the bow comes all the way up and the stern digs too far down. Sitting all the way forward and stretching to reach the tiller helps but is very uncomfortable.
At the end of the season I ordered a different pitch prop but haven’t tested it yet.
If I were to do it all over again I would look around for a good used 2 stroke rather than buying the new and much heavier 4 stroke.
I think the 4 strokes are too heavy for the inflatables.
I’d probably opt for a smaller and lighter inflatable too.
I’ve got a set of “Dinghy Ramps” that my current combo fits nicely on but it’s really heavy and two strong people are definitely needed to pull it up. It’s enough of a PIA to run and to get on and off of my platform that I mostly leave it back at the dock.
Honestly, if you aren’t looking to speed around, you’re probably best off with the lightest boat and motor that will suit your needs. I think the lighter 2 strokes are the way to go.
 
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From a guy using a 3.5hp on a 10'6" dinghy ferrying a family of 5 - get the 15hp if they are that close in weight but also don't plan on being able to manage the dinghy yourself.

I love being able to toss my 4 stroke around single-handed but man am I slow. Good thing we're never in a hurry. It's a one beer trip into town on the backwaters. Well....sometimes two. Slow and steady.

If you want to be able to easily handle the dinghy yourself I'd say that 10hp will even be too much for a platform 20" off the water. Mine is about the max I can handle and my platform is a lot closer to the water than yours.
 
The totals weight of boat and 15hp would be just shy if 200 lbs. 9.9 only saves 10lbs. My platform is just over 20” above the waterline. I never single hand the boat so there is always at least 1 and usually 3 others aboard for loading on the H20. I am a pretty strong and fit 62 yo who runs and lifts regularly (230 lb. retired Marine), heck I deadlift way more than 200 lbs. Still, it does concern me being able to load onto the davits with a modicum of ease with the 36” Davit arm. For a number of reasons I don’t really want to go to the H30 and a winch.
 
We have a 10'6" fiberglass floor AB inflatable. Originally we had a Yamaha 9.9 2 stroke on it and it rode well. After getting the raft I had the hp increased on the 9.9 Yamaha to 15 hp and its a huge difference!
I agree with the earlier comments that you should look for a good used 2 stroke. It might take a few months but if you can find a 15 hp 2 stroke it's the same weight as the 9.9 so go for the extra ponies. You won't regret having the extra hp especially when you have 4 people and gear aboard it.
 
Thanks all for the advice. I have located a 1989 15 hp 2-strk Evinrude. Just serviced and runs well. 20 lbs lighter than a 4 strk! I also checked with mechanics and parts readily available and easy to work on.
 
That’s a needle in a haystack! Congrats on the find
 
I have a 10' RIB w/ a 15hp 2 stroke. I installed maxi marine lifters on it (best hundred bucks I've spent ) I also built my own swivel davit w/ a worm winch that I drive with a battery drill.
 
Thanks all for the advice. I have located a 1989 15 hp 2-strk Evinrude. Just serviced and runs well. 20 lbs lighter than a 4 strk! I also checked with mechanics and parts readily available and easy to work on.
That’s a great find!
 
I have a 10' RIB w/ a 15hp 2 stroke. I installed maxi marine lifters on it (best hundred bucks I've spent ) I also built my own swivel davit w/ a worm winch that I drive with a battery drill.
Ditto. Highly recommend the Maxi Marine lifters. Here is a video of my RIB with me at 220 lbs and my son at about 160.
 
The Evinrude 15 hp 2 strk is only 74 lbs. That keeps total weight of boat and motor at 180 lbs. I’m comfortable loading that, and as I noted, it would be rare (if ever) I’d be loading by myself.
 
Thanks all for the advice. I have located a 1989 15 hp 2-strk Evinrude. Just serviced and runs well. 20 lbs lighter than a 4 strk! I also checked with mechanics and parts readily available and easy to work on.

You're going to be very happy with that combination. I have the same dingy with a 1998 15 hp 2 stroke Evinrude. With just me the boat flies at 25 mph. I can carry me and my 2 kids and still plane. I use it to tow the kids in a tube all summer.

I think the recommendation for a 10 hp has to due with the weight of current 4 stroke engines. More strain on the transom and the stern tends to sink down, making it harder to get on plane. I was lucky to find a 2 stroke engine, because I think it would be very hard to regularly mount / dismount a 15 hp 4 stroke.
 

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