Dinghy Power

[bhanchett]

Hi all,

 

In the midst of a snow storm now but spring is close so just getting started on my Spindrift 10 dinghy.  I've been thinking of it as a small boat which it is, relatively.  I put together my work table yesterday, 4' X 12', and that looks huge so I guess the Spindrift is more of a project than I thought.  

 

Anyway, I intend to put a sail rig on it but will use mechanical power part of the time.  I have a 30# thrust Minn...... electric outboard.  Will that push the dinghy at 2-4 knots or is a small gas outboard a better option?  I doubt I'd ever use the dinghy for more than 8 hours at a time so wouldn't use the battery's full charge.  I'm 250 lbs so either option wouldn't put me on plane.

 

Thanks for your opinions,

Michigan Bill

[Garry]

I've used a 30# trolling motor and it works fine. I don't know how long it will run but I doubt 8 hours unless it would be at slow speeds.

[Scott Dunsworth]

I built my brother a 10n and he uses a little Johnson two hp with tank on the motor. It pushes it around at a pretty good clip and is lighter than a battery and trolling motor.