How reliable are the newer engines?

[FishStretcher]

Originally Posted by Big fish

Insurance won't work for me. That sucks. Anyway what size kicker would I need for my sceptre? I was also considering the suzuki 140 4s. Will that work with a kicker or will that also be too heavy? Thanks again for all you're expert advise. What would I have done without CSC.

My 30" shaft 6hp Tohatsu SailPro with an appropriate prop works fine. The powerhead is way out of the water and you can tiller steer easily that way. A bit rough sounding, though. You can only store it on one side due to the carb layout. It was cheap, at $1350 new. But if I used it lots, I would get a nicer kicker, probably a Yamaha. Hoping that it is nicer sounding and looking. You might be able to get away with a lighter engine, but I haven't tried.

I leave mine on the transom because the main engine is only ~370lb. More convenient than stowing a kicker outboard on a 20 footer.

[76Red18]

My thoughts on small boats offshore

Up to 20 miles or so:

Inflatable PFD's
WELL MAINTAINED MECHANICAL, FUEL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
EPIRB ( An AquaLink 406 personal EPIRB at less than $400 should be standard equipment on all boats )
Handheld VHF with internal GPS
Tow Boat Membership

20 + miles

Life Raft

50 + miles

Sat Phone


If a boat performs well with a single, twins are a waste. I take my 18 cc out 20 miles when weather permits. I rely on a 1999 150 Johnson and the gear I listed for that distance.