V12 outboard size

[ks8]

4 hp 4 stroke may be very heavy. My Merc with gas is 80 lbs! I don't know if you will find less than 4 hp in a 4 stroke, and once you go 4 stroke, it may have forward and reverse also, and option for an alternator, all of which contributes to it being built heavier and with more parts. You see what I did to the Caravelle transom to keep it and my heart from failing with that heavy beast on there... it is designed originally as only a simple panel of plywood, thicker for a heavier engine. I built it thicker first but it still bent much with the heavy engine until these other changes were made (not marine ply but cheap acx)

Jacques had also recommended that I biax in the aft seat risers because of the heavy engine, rather than using cloth weave tape as on the plans...

the v12 may also need a minor change for such a heavy engine... or the change may be to use more minor of an engine....



Then there's the 4 stroke or 2 stroke debate...

I prefer the 4 stroke for several reasons, but I really hate the weight of the beast, and despite my preferences, will likely put a 2 hp 2 stroke on the Caravelle for daily aux power (not likely to be used often, stinky n noisy), 4 stroke if just going fishing (quiet and fuel efficient).

You can get a very light 2 x 2 and keep an extra can of premixed gas if planning a longer distance than the small on-engine tank would provide.

ks

[Rick]

4 hp 4 stroke may be very heavy. My Merc with gas is 80 lbs! I don't know if you will find less than 4 hp in a 4 stroke

Don't forget the Quintessential Little Engine That Could, the Honda 2HP 4-stroke. It weighs 28 pounds dry, and still has a F-N-R gearshift. I saw five San Juan 21 sailboats at a wooden boat show that all had Honda 2s as their auxiliaries.

http://www.honda-marine.com/bf2_specs.htm

[PJPiercey]

Go with the Honda.

Paul

[ks8]

Nothing like a timely reminder.

[JohnD]

Thanks KS,

4 hp 4 stroke may be very heavy. My Merc with gas is 80 lbs!

I handn't really thought in terms of weight...

I just looked at the specs for the Suzuki 4hp & its 55lbs. I'll look for the honda dealer tomorrow at the show, I just hate to pay such a premium as they usuall command.