Over the past few months I’ve yearned to get back into boating (and fishing), and with it the journey of upgrading from an old cheap boat to a brand new setup.
For the last few years I’ve owned a 3.6m aluminium tinny, with an old 8hp Johnson 2-stroke outboard. The hull was one I purchased years ago, while the outboard + trailer were hand me downs from my dad who no longer had a boat. This was an adequate setup for years of occasional boating either solo or with one passenger however due to a few reasons which I might explain in a future post, I thought it was time to opt for an upgrade.
New aluminium hull, 3.7m which is only slightly bigger but can feel a noticeable difference in handling. Powered by a 15hp Suzuki four stroke outboard which I’ve wanted to make the switch for a while now. Many debate over 2 stroke and 4 stroke but for me the simplicity of not mixing fuel has converted me – along with the reduced emissions and not tasting exhaust fumes in my mouth after a day on the water.
I’m still in the first few hours of breaking in the outboard however below is a brief snippet of it at full throttle. Overall I’m happy with it however I’m curious as to the difference between the 15hp and 20hp – which restrospectively for a few hundred dollars might have been the better buy.
homebr3w 