I agree that this is a loophole in the rules and that there should be
a minimum weight requirement for the engine or if the engine is less
than 45 Lbs that additional weight be added. There is a large amount
of discrepancy in the weight of various motors and believe that the
intent of the rule is that any engine that would push the boat at 4
knots would weight at least 45 lbs or more.
:: As previouskly noted, I have a Suzuki 5 hp (original
:: with the boat in 1981) that wieghs 80 pounds including
:: the external 3 gallon plastic gas tank.
::
:: I have foubnd that these pastic tanks are much better
:: than steel previosuly used. They don't rust, soilder
:: welds don't disintegrate and the plastic does expand . .
:: . although I can't recommend ever storing one away in a
:: hot car every again. Once was indicator enough, the
:: plastic . . . blown up like a ballon . . . did not fail
:: and actually regained its shape afterwards with no
:: uindictors of failure since.
::
:: My monster of an engine pushes the boat at well over 6
:: knots and is a great engine to have for ocean racing . .
:: . when an engine is needed. Or, for cruising . . .
:: including motor sailing back from Stockton after the
:: Ditch Run.
:: .
:: I have not invested in a "so called' racing engine . . .
:: because I'd rather spend the money on sails. And, often
:: race class with 45 pounds of free weights tied to the
:: outboard post. It is a very compact set of weights as
:: placed.
::
:: I have looked at the Nissan 3.5 hp with integrated gas
:: tank that is popular in the class . . . for class
:: racing. Many boats have one, it weighs 27 pounds and
:: costs abiout $750.
::
:: I have seen these Nissan engines in action on boats I
:: have crewed on.
:: Seemingly reliable until the fail, they can be a hassle
:: to fill as the integrated gas tank capacity (about a
:: gallon) never seems to get you to the start line.
:: They're a mess to fill underway. I know of two that when
:: restarted after fueling caught on fire.
::
:: I really don't care what people use for an engine . . .
:: although . . . these light Nissans and similar do lead
:: to a loop hole in the rules as originally intended at
:: the 45 pound minimum egine set weight.
::
:: mb
