What size outboard motor?

[bob and sharon]

After many hours of searching we finally found a small fiberglass dinghy to use as our tender, replacing our old inflateable (named "Patches"). It's a 7' 11" Fatty Knees designed by Lyle Hess, it came with 6' oars, and we were lucky enough to get a sailing set-up with it! I've been looking at outboard motors, and am leaning toward a Tohatsu 2.5hp, it's basically a Nissan from what I can tell. We've had very good luck with Nissans.
Our cruising plans include B.C. and possibly Mexico (and beyond?). I would appreciate hearing what hp rating experienced cruisers would recommend we buy.


God bless!
Bob & Sharon

[GMac]

Almost all motors under 25hp are made by Tohatsu, no matter what the cover says. I'm lead to believe Yamaha and Honda do make their own though.

I've got a Yammy 2hp on a 7 foot sailing dingy, works fine and can hit 4.5kts in flat water. If I was cruising I'd probably go to the 3.3hp (3.5 ??) as it has a neutral and my ding would be planning with that. Small light and easy to throw around if you want.