Is Anyone using a 4 stroke outboard on their seaflea?

[Sylvia J Wake-Hood]

Hi,

It has been a long time since I last posted. (Life changes, etc.)

I have been stuck for a long time trying to figure out what motor to get for my MiniMost. I hope this community can help me figure it out.

It seems that a vintage outboard would be perfect for a vintage hydroplane. But here in California we cannot take 2 stroke outboard motors on many major lakes - Lake Tahoe, Lake Havasu etc. There are other bodies of water that 2 strokes are okay (the ocean for example, Ha!) but why restrict oneself?

For a short time I considered a 9.9 hp electric but the weight is prohibitive (the battery alone is 175 lb!!!)

I know that 4 stroke outboards are heavier than 2 strokes and also more expensive.

There are 4 stroke outboards in the 10 - 20 hp range that weigh ~115 pounds.

Is that too heavy?

Basically my question is, is anyone using a 4 stroke outboard on their sea flea?

Any insight will be appreciated.

Thanks so much

Sylvia

[rogerduncan100]

Hello

I have a 1976 Mercury 20 hp on my Minimost and I think it weighs 90 or 95 lb. The only way I got the boat to stop porpoising was to add 25 lb. of ballast in the front well under the deck. I would guess that will be your situation with any four stroke motor. Sorry to break it to you....


Roger

[58 Johnson]

Hi Sylvia! 

Great to hear from you!   This is only a partial answer but I hope it helps. Yes!  For sure, more and more people are using 4-strokes.  I have a 20 hp Suzuki on my 14 foot aluminum boat.  It’s virtually identical to the 9.9 and 15 (internal components are different). 

My point is that the 20 “only” weighs under 100 pounds… and… the engine is so fuel efficient that it only comes with a 2.6 gallon gas tank.  There are operators that are using 25hp Mercury and up to 35 hp 2 strokes that weigh much more than 100 pounds.  And… The 20 hp 4 stroke is easily as fast as any 2 stroke 20 hp. 

What I started to suggest is that, assuming you use Facebook, check out Muskoka Sea Flea site on Facebook.  It’s pretty active.  I think you would get more answers sooner on your questions if you go there. Plus you’ll see several pictures of sea fleas with four strokes on them!  Including indoor races each year with propane powered 4 Strokes! 

There are still lots of folks hovering around the website here but more and more people are using the Facebook site (too).  Have a look! 

Welcome back.

[rogerduncan100]

Sounds like a Suzuki would be good! It is amazing how technology has progressed and I can't say I have first hand knowledge. I'm just an old two-stroke backyard mechanic!

Also it could be my particular Minimost is more prone to porpoising than others.

Thanks for the post, Ross, giving our inquirer Sylvia some realistic hope.