10 foot dingy rated at only 3hp can I put more on

[Jimmy cricket]

I am looking at a 10 foot dingy that’s pretty cheap and it say it is rated for 3hp could I put a 5hp Engine on it and not have any problems or should I stick to the rated hp the motor is 46.5 pounds

[MikeHoncho]

You can do anything once…….that being said how is anyone going to be able to give constructive input without any detail ( if it’s possible)? What brand is it? Inflatable? Ridged?

[Adelie]

Upping to 5hp is probably fine.
6hp too.
8hp is probably OK.
9.9hp might be ok but seems like a stretch.
15hp would probably cause trouble in some form.

[Bill O]

While not indicated by the OP, the low hp rating of the dinghy suggests it to be a hard one and not an inflatable.

We ran a 5hp 2 stroke (44 lb) on our 10' hard dinghy and it was fine. Newer 4 stroke 4, 5, 6 hp (Tohatsu/Nissan/Mercury ~60lb) are much heavier and didn't sit well on the dinghy when we tried one.

Another consideration will be the # of people in the dinghy. Our 10' was rated for 3 people, but the "3" must have be 2 moderately size adults and a child. The dinghy had relatively low free board and was fine w/2 adults with the heavier 44lb ob. A heavier ob would have caused more safety issues in chop by lowering the free board.

Based on our experience a 5hp 2 stroke would be the max depending on how you will use the dinghy. A 3.5hp will most likely have plenty of power to move the dinghy w/2 adults.

[Tin Tin]

A couple of things. The designer of the dinghy designed the transom for a certain weight and power. Second thing if the dinghy has a certified stamp on it stating max 3HP and you put something bigger on it, and there is an accident where someone is injured in the boat, in the water or another boater don't count on your liability insurance paying up too quickly as in % terms going from 3 - 5 is 66% increase in power. If you are going to let kids use it they will try and stern walk it when you are not looking.

[Jimmy cricket]

Originally Posted by MikeHoncho

You can do anything once…….that being said how is anyone going to be able to give constructive input without any detail ( if it’s possible)? What brand is it? Inflatable? Ridged?

It is a co-z 10 foot inflatable dinghy https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087Q5C3FX/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=A32FL4O5Z8G8DU&psc=1

[Jimmy cricket]

It is a co-z 10 foot dingy with a roll up floor

Here is the link https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087Q...O5Z8G8DU&psc=1

[Jimmy cricket]

Also how big would the engine need to be to get it to plane

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Jimmy cricket

It is a co-z 10 foot inflatable dinghy https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087Q...O5Z8G8DU&psc=1

The ad says "the trailing sides help maintain stability and comfort while moving at a speed of 40–60 km/h." With a 3hp it is never going to hit those speeds (~25-37mph). Would expect maybe 4-6km/h. Slatted bottom inflatables are good for rolling up, but not known for performance.

[CrispyCringle]

Id say "no" on additional HP. Looks like a very light duty inflatable. Likely damage the transom. As in tear it off. Then you may lose the motor. $$

[cram]

It says in the ad the transom is reinforced to support a 3hp engine..... I wouldn't expect it to support anything more.

Based on price, I'd say this is a good rowing toy for the kids at the beach. I'd buy a reputable used dinghy before cheap junk that puts your safety at risk.

[MikeHoncho]

I wouldn’t buy something on Amazon that titles a dinghy as a kayak. Given the price and terrible description, I wouldn’t put anything beyond what it says and then expect it to fall apart in a season or two. Spend a couple hundred more and get a Newport or something with some quality . My Newport is a 10ft and I’d have to have a 5 hp (2stroke) min to get me up in a plane. Probably would not do it with two adults.

[Jimmy cricket]

Thanks for the help everyone I have decided
To save up and get a on brand one instead when I buy one should I get a air floor or a full aluminum thanks

[CrispyCringle]

Depends on what you want to do with it and how you store it, etc.