dinghy electric vs gas

[csray]

I apologize if this has been asked already but couldn't locate in the past 6 months of searches.

I am leaning towards getting an electric but am concerned that their may not be enough battery time available vs gas, although I don't know what to expect from a battery. I am also concerned about getting the battery wet and battery acid on the dinghy

Do folks have dinghy electric motors here and do they like them? Do the pros/cons point more favorabley to one over the other. THanks

[marlinmike]

Unless you are on a lake restricting gas engine use I would not go the electric motor route, as a kid I had one and its marginal at best. Todays 3hp models are rather simple and quiet to operate in addition to being light, certainly lighter then a battery.

[marsea]

marlinmike - 9/9/2008 12:58 PM

Unless you are on a lake restricting gas engine use I would not go the electric motor route, as a kid I had one and its marginal at best. Todays 3hp models are rather simple and quiet to operate in addition to being light, certainly lighter then a battery.

MM is right
I have a portaboat that I used to use an electric motor & battery. PIA. Yore hands are full carrying the two. I now use a Honda 2 hp 4 stroke that weighs a lot less than the batt & motor (25 lbs) with an internal gas tank and my other hand is free to carry other stuff. (I hate making 2 trips)

[csray]

I am on the upper Chesapeake but was also looking at the versatility of a couple of electric only reservoirs/lakes

I have a 26' CC at a marina that is lifted in/out when used. I am kind of only equipped to somehow store the dinghy and motor on board the boat. I was concerned that a gas motor might be difficult or dangerous to store on board especially when the forks are lifting the boat and watching folks with dignhy's at anchorages at night, it seemed that the electric were virtually silent where the gas powered seemd noisy although I don't know the horsepower. Are my concerns valid?

If I go with the Honda with built in tank can it be stored laying down on board?

[GhostShip]

There was a thread, but I can't find it either. Yours sounds like an inflatable too. Floorboards? If not batteries will be a PITA.

Found it [img]../images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif[/img]http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=200229&posts=9&highlight=batt ery&highlightmode=1#M2083745

The small 4 strokes are pretty quite and can be stored on a specific side. I've borrowed a friends 3.3Merc 2 str and never had a problem w/ leakage and IT is loud. My Honda 8 kicker rides in the car for roadtrips, no problems. With a really small 4 stroke you could build a small mount that clamps to a coaming or such, to store it upright and secure.

[marsea]

I have brought my motor with me sometimes.Yes, you can lay the motor on its' side with the gas tank full. It has rubber feet on one side of the housing but none on the l/u so I wrap a towel around the l/u to protect the deck. Electric definitely wins the stealth category. You can hear me coming a mile away.

[csray]

Thanks for opining guys. I am going to steer my activities towards the 4 stroke. While electric seems great, I don't think it would be for me.

[marsea]

Check Defender marine.
they usually have some leftovers for a good price.

[monomoy74]

Talk to Charlie at Redline Marine in NJ. He's one of the top dealers for small engines like this.

[csray]

Thanks guys. Any recommendations for inflatable (dinghy or kayak) & motor package pricing-new or used?