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Post by cobrakev on Sept 11, 2016 11:35:28 GMT -1
Hi Guys, I was wondering if anyone has had any EXPERIENCE of using a seagull engine on 3 metre sib ? I am aware that seagulls come in various versions and horse power ratings, I am also aware that it depends on where the sib is being used ie. on a canal or 3 miles off shore in the North sea. How many horse power is considered to be an acceptable minimum when at sea ? Being an old git I am aiming to keep things as lightweight as practicable. Thanks for your replies ! Stay safe, Kev.
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pike
valued Member
Posts: 131
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Post by pike on Sept 12, 2016 5:10:18 GMT -1
I have 2 motors a 2hp Yamaha over 40 year old pushes my 2.9mtr along ok on fresh water and a newer Suzuki dt3.5 that's only about 30 years young gets me about on the sea ok. I wouldn't feel comfortable with the 2hp on the sea.
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Post by cobrakev on Sept 12, 2016 15:19:55 GMT -1
Thanks for the info Eddie, it is reassuring to know that I won't need a 10 hp as they are very pricey . Kev.
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pike
valued Member
Posts: 131
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Post by pike on Sept 12, 2016 15:48:55 GMT -1
3.5hp will get you where you want to go eventually. Cheap motors on eBay some good and some seen better days is it worth taking a chance. I bought 2 one needed an impeller +carb clean brilliant motor the other went in the bin. Bill higham marine has quite a few secondhand motors not the cheapest but reliable and with short warranties
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Post by philpot on Sept 25, 2016 17:40:26 GMT -1
This is a bit like saying how long is a piece of string. There is NO correct motor size for a sib, it depends on the waters you are going out in, distance to be traveled and size/weight of the boat.
I have had so many sibs and ribs over the years using them on fresh and salt water and unless you are fishing in very sheltered waters, a small 2/3.5hp motor is not something I would use if there is ANY possibility of a change in water conditions. So many times I have gone out on a mill pond only to have a chop and white horses to follow hit me and from nowhere. I use the maximum power engine every time so that I have the means to get back to shore FAST and also when you have a full load, the extra power is more than handy.
I have 15hp engines and a 2.5hp which is only used on fresh water and whilst this is perhaps a higher cost than you may want but please believe me, it is worth every penny. Apart from having more power when needed for safety, there is always the fact that you may need to launch a few miles from where you are wanting to fish, the bigger outboard will give you that cruising speed to enable you to reach more distant marks.
The Seagull was designed as an engine to use on displacement hulls, not sibs although the smaller ones will be fine but the 5hp is a long shaft engine and not suited at all. I have used a little 2hp Seagull on one of my old sibs but whilst they are charming little engines, by today's standard, recoil starter manually fed and no clutch is a pain in the rear but will keep on going forever.
There is no easy way to get the right engine without spending a bit more cash so if cost is the main issue, please think long and hard about where you intend to use the boat and buy carefully. If I can be of any help, just PM me and we can chat at length.
Phil
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Post by cobrakev on Sept 29, 2016 16:58:37 GMT -1
Hi Phil, having recently spent many hours trawling through the various web sites regarding sib and engine combinations it has become obvious that when going out to sea, a 10hp ( plus ) engine would be the ideal size, however, having to carry an outboard of that size up and down the beach, as sometimes I will be on my own, is not an option. At the moment I am seriously considering a new 4 stroke 6hp mercury / mariner / tohatsu, as trying to source a second hand (in very good condition) 2 stroke engine is proving to be difficult. I would prefer a 2 stroke for the obvious weight benefits. Thank you for your experienced input. Stay safe, Kev.
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Post by philpot on Sept 30, 2016 11:22:51 GMT -1
I have just looked at the weights of the Mercury 6hp, 25kg and to be honest Kev I would just hold back as we are at the back end of the season so you might be able to pick up a two stroke 10hp for similar weight. One really big thing to consider is that different manufacturers use the same engine block for several engines but this can vary amongst the companies so it is REALLY IMPORTANT to check the engine data from all manufacturers to see who produces the lightest weight engine at a given size. Suzuki have been making their engines lighter over the past few years and would be worth looking at. Also bear in mind that one company can build in part or fully engines for other companies such as Yamaha who make basic engines for a number of companies. This is the best time to do your research because new models will be coming out therefore good deals may be available but also some people swap their engines for the new model and some decent second hand ones come available. Keep on the lookout for a Johnson 15hp, 2 stroke, short/standard shaft because they are only either 31 or 33kgs so not much heavier than the 6hp you were looking at. One other point, if you can launch where there is a slipway or decent beach, why not use launch wheels to move the fully fitted boat into the water (sounds like I am trying to teach my granny to suck eggs, sorry). My boat and engine has a nose weight of only 4.5kg when on it's launch wheels which is no heavier than carrying a gallon of petrol. There are some wheels from the US which are balloon tyres and will go over just about anything and don't dig in the sand/mud, they are called Wheeleez, not cheap but fantastic, here is a link. www.wheeleez.com/I am really careful about moving engines around at almost 65 in a couple of months, I find I do not have the strength I used to have (old tart) so I made a very simple dolly cart to move the engine around in and out of the car. It is simply a piece of plywood covered in foam with four heavy duty industrial castor wheels. Take the engine out of the garage on it's stand/trolley, lean it into the car ensuring the engine block sits on the cart, now with the weight firmly taken up on the cart you can use the prop end to move it anywhere around the car boot (mine is an estate car). This is superb, no strains or damage to my back and when you get to where you are going, simply slide the engine back out. It is surprising how easy it is to lean the engine down and back up again, no real weight at all even on heavy outboards. You could even take your engine stand/trolley with you to move the engine to where you want to go. Let me know if I can help at all and I have a few friends who may be able to locate a good engine for you. Phil
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