What engine hp or type should I be looking for my wifes dinghy which gets her out to her yacht?

Question

My wifes has got a 17ft twin keel boat but at the moment i am the one who has to row out to it.

This restricts her use and she can not go out with her friends and daugthers. I just want to make it easier for her.

I am looking to get a small engine for her little avon which is about 5ft seats three at a push. I am clueless as to what to get

Answer 1

Get a nice V8 dragboat to use, it would be lots of fun then.

Answer 2

Look on the label on the transom and it should indicate the max h.p.  That's a starting point.  Beyound that it's a matter of price weight and speed needed.

Answer 3

Contact the boat's builder and ask or perhaps the US Power Squadron or similar "non-commercial" organization.

Answer 4

This is your wife's dingy?

What's wrong with the oars?

So her friends row out, her daughters row out, they will figure a way.

2hp Johnson, Evi, Merc, or Yamaha.

Answer 5

Probably a lesson in rowing may be the way to go but just be gentle as it is always advisable to have an alternate source of power. Meanwhile looking for engines.... boat shops will be able to advise as you need something small and easy to operate so that you can all do it

Answer 6

I had a small Avon dinghy, probably like yours, no solid transom.  First I had to get a device that fits on the stern to hold the engine, then, I used a 2.5 Tohatsu engine.  This worked fine.

Currently, I have an Avon with a solid transom, I use a Yamaha 8 hp.

Answer 7

You need no more than 2 to 3hp outboard engine. A Honda 2.3hp is a good engine.

Answer 8

If you get a 2hp,2.5hp, or 3hp outboard engine she won't have to worry about or deal with a fuel caddy. These outboard engines all have integral fuel tanks and are powerful enough to do the job you require.

However, your wife, her daughters and friends all should be schooled in how to row because engines break down. It maybe that the engine breaks down after their sail, so they would be stranded on the mooring.

May I suggest that such a small dinghy should only be used to transfer 2 people at any one time (with some kit) and that they always wear a lifejacket when transiting between sailing vessel and shore.

If more than two people are going to the boat, then the dinghy should make more than one trip.

Answer 9

for something that simple get an electric motor cheaper in the end an just as good