HopCar
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 5,308
- Vessel Name
- Possum
- Vessel Make
- Ellis 28
I'm often asked how big an engine do I need for my dinghy. I'm trying to come up with a rule of thumb answer. If you are happy traveling at displacement speeds, it's surprising how small an engine you can get away with.
The problem comes if you want to get up on plane. How small an engine can you get away with and still be happy with the performance?
It seems to me that most inflatable dinghies need at least 70% of their max rated power before people are happy with the performance on plane.
Tell me about your dinghy / engine combo.
Do you feel the need for speed or are you happy at displacement speeds?
What kind of dinghy do you have, Hard, Hard Bottom Inflatable, Fabric Bottom Inflatable?
How big is your engine?
What is the max HP rating for your dinghy?
Are you happy with the power you have?
The problem comes if you want to get up on plane. How small an engine can you get away with and still be happy with the performance?
It seems to me that most inflatable dinghies need at least 70% of their max rated power before people are happy with the performance on plane.
Tell me about your dinghy / engine combo.
Do you feel the need for speed or are you happy at displacement speeds?
What kind of dinghy do you have, Hard, Hard Bottom Inflatable, Fabric Bottom Inflatable?
How big is your engine?
What is the max HP rating for your dinghy?
Are you happy with the power you have?