On Sun, 13 Jul 2003 13:28:08 +0200, "Jim Preston"
wrote:

Hi all

I'm very new to this boating hobby and have just bought an inflatable
Seahawk 500 boat. I see from the spec that a motor up to 3HP can be
attached.

I have one or 2 quesrtions relating to this :

1. Can I get away with fitting a Mariner 3.3HP Outboard Manual Start Short
Shaft or alternatively a Mercury 3.3HP Outboard Standard Shaft or is 3HP the
absolute max ?

2. With 2 adults what sort of speed would one expect to achieve with one of
the above motors ?

3. Endurance on 1 tank of fuel , any ideas ?

Sorry about these qu's but it would be nice to make contact with preple
who've been down this route before with this boat or similar.

Many thanks in advance

Jim


Jim- as to the "3.3's", I am sure that you would have no operational
problems, but you would be exceeding the hull rating. Law Enforcement
may, or may not, draw a distinction. I would never "recommend"
exceeding a hull rating. Why not give your local authority a call,
and ask them?

I'm not familiar with your specific boat, but I would expect a top
speed between 5 and 10 knots. Between jogging and running speed.

Endurance? ) You're not from the nifty 50, are you? Fuel
consumption in "liters/hour" will vary considerably on throttle
position. If your boat will "plane", your best fuel usage will be just
at or above planing speed. With a built-in fuel tank you should get
several hours operation at moderate speed. Check the manufacturer's
specifications for fuel capacity/usage.

Good luck.
noah

Courtesy of Lee Yeaton,
See the boats of rec.boats
www.TheBayGuide.com/rec.boats