Thanks all for the comments about the 2 HP Honda. The issue about the dingy motor mount modification stemmed from a conversation I had with the dealer from whom I bought our Zodiac. He indicated that with a long shaft outboard, I would need to space up the longer shaft so that the motor would work correctly (possibly a water intake issue as I remember). Over the years it never made sense to me. The only thing I could possibly come up with was that the longer shaft would have more overturning torque if it was cranked up when turned at 90 degrees to the centerline of the dingy. Does anyone know if this long shaft issue with a dingy mount is fact, myth, or personal misunderstanding?
My Zodiac 260 is suppose to support a 4 HP motor, but the existing exchange of the 2 HP motor from the stern rail of a bigger boat to the dingy mount was always a defining moment for how the day would go! The extra mass of a 4 HP motor is just that much more to deal with. At any rate, if there ever was any truth to the water intake issue, it would not be a problem for the Honda 2. Currently (I will put on my NASCAR hat and say) I am running a Honda "big block" 7.5 HP motor. It runs great, quiet, reliable, and fuel efficient and all that; but it is just a beast to heft up to the transom. With a Honda 7.5, Johnson 4.5, and a Johnson 2 in my quiver of possibilities, I would like to consolidate motors and come up with one to accommodate the M17 and Zodiac. At first glance the Honda 2 would seem a little underpowered, but it might make a great compromise. Steve Shenkel M17 263 _/) <>< Arizona -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] .com] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:11 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: M_Boats: Outboard Motor selection In a message dated 9/15/2005 8:53:24 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: A kicker for a dingy? Are there any mounting modifications necessary to utilize the long shaft feature on a dingy motor mount? Well, on second thought a long shaft on a short shaft transome sure would put the prop and lower unit at risk. However, I think it's doable if the Honda was tilted up a bit, sort of running like the larger motors in the "shallow water drive position." The Honda 2hp is a bit noisy, considering it's output. I think it's because of the air cooling and that it's a single cylinder, which may make it vibrate more than a twin cylinder. "IF" you've alrady got the need for the 2hp on you Monty I'd certainly give it a try on the dinghy. The concern I would have is regarding the sailing area. Bill _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
