Conference unifix::sailing

Since our dinghy isn't equipped with a knotmeter (an oversight I must 
correct), I don't know how fast it is with our ancient 2 hp Johnson. 
However, the (displacement) hull speed of a 7 foot dinghy is about 3.5 
knots. 

All horsepower isn't equal (in practice). What you really want for a 
slow dinghy is thrust, which means a large, slow turning propeller (ie, 
a Seagull). I've noticed that our dinghy speed under power is about the 
same at half throttle as full throttle, which implies that increasing 
propeller speed is only creating froth, not additional dinghy speed.  
Never having owned a Seagull, I can't comment on their reliability, ease 
of starting, etc. I've heard that owners either swear at them or by 
them. It may depend on your aptitude with mechanical horses. 

Alan

    Hi Jim. Most of us on 'the river' use 2 hp (by whatever rating).
    Johnsons, Merks etc seem to do very well, from powering Avons to
    10' pramms. I have seen a couple of 'Mighty-mites' and 'Cruise 'n
    Carrys' of 1-1.5 hp.They don't seem to stay around however. The
    Seagull is nice but heavy and rather expensive (and good target
    for 'borrowing'... The new Merks (anb possibly Johnsons etc) seem
    to have larger dia. and pitch props so perhaps their mktg folks
    have taken a look at where they are used. \R/, Ed

    I discovered several years ago the benefits of oars over iron wind
    for our old 7' Ensign. I never did buy a motor.
    
    Once a friend loaned us a 2 hp Johnson from his inflatable tender
    to make an ice run from our "raft" into Port Jefferson NY. I weigh
    about 210. When alone I was able to get the dingy on a plane and
    make something in the vicinity of 10 kts (wild guess).  I also
    loaded up the dingy to the gun'l and was able to create a BIG wake
    but not do much more than 3-3.5 kts (but, as Alan mentioned, was able
    to attain that speed at about half throttle).
    
    Walt

    I have been using a (this may be hard to believe) 3/4 hp ~1957?
    Seagull on an 8 ft dink.  It seems very comparible (can't tell the
    difference) to a 2 1/2 Mighty Might in speed on the same dink.  Very
    adaquate against a current.  The Mighty M is very loud and higher RPM. 
    The Seagull idles super slow and is quieter than the MM at throttle.  
    I must agree with .1 the larger low speed prop is the better way
    to go.
    
    Frank
              

    Hi Jim,
    	I have a BOBBARD 8' inflatable & a Evinrude Junior (~1.25 hp)
    that I bought right in Hudsons.
    
    	I use it to get in and out of the beach - but the kids run back
    and forth across the river at all tides & currents with no problem.
    
    	They think it's too slow as it won't really plane; however,
    my bad back loves the 24 lbs it weighs & my wife likes the easy
    ride.  It's also small & stores easy.
    
    	If you would like to try it out some day I'll swing by & you
    can put it on your dink to see.
    
         Keep your eye out for the PHANTA SEA, See ya,
                                                       Lou