Smallest planing transport?

[massnspace]

I am considering an extended trip on a very small sailboat. Solo sailor. I am not sure I want to give up the ability to carry and launch a planing inflatable, but space will be limited.

What is the smallest, lightest way to go?

My idea at this point is a small catamaran-type inflatable with a 4 hp outboard. Seems a cat would be able to plane easier with that smaller motor?

Ideas welcome.

I weigh 170 lbs….

[rslifkin]

If you're looking at 4hp outboards, might as well go for 6hp. At least for 4 strokes, the 4 and 6hp are typically the same engine and same weight, the 4 is just de-tuned for the lower output.

[massnspace]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

If you're looking at 4hp outboards, might as well go for 6hp. At least for 4 strokes, the 4 and 6hp are typically the same engine and same weight, the 4 is just de-tuned for the lower output.

Agree.

But the 4 has a built-in tank. Drop on motor and go. No tank to load and secure, hose, etc….seems much simpler.

But will a 4 (with the proper prop) plane a single person?

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by massnspace

Agree.

But the 4 has a built-in tank. Drop on motor and go. No tank to load and secure, hose, etc….seems much simpler.

But will a 4 (with the proper prop) plane a single person?

I think planing will be marginal with a 4. A 6 can definitely plane a single person with the right dinghy. Our 12ft aluminum skiff does ~13 kts with a 6hp and one person (~180 lbs), fuel, oars, etc.

At least for the Tohatsu outboards you can get a 6 with an internal tank (it's optional on the 6, so you can get it with or without).

[massnspace]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

I think planing will be marginal with a 4. A 6 can definitely plane a single person with the right dinghy. Our 12ft aluminum skiff does ~13 kts with a 6hp and one person (~180 lbs), fuel, oars, etc.

At least for the Tohatsu outboards you can get a 6 with an internal tank (it's optional on the 6, so you can get it with or without).

I didn’t know a 6hp was available with built-in tank. Thanks for that info.

My question remains….will a catamaran-type hull allow me to “cheat” the planing curve a bit and use a smaller motor. That is the goal…

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by massnspace

I didn’t know a 6hp was available with built-in tank. Thanks for that info.

My question remains….will a catamaran-type hull allow me to “cheat” the planing curve a bit and use a smaller motor. That is the goal…

With only 1 person I'd expect the inflatable cat dinghies will plane, as would a high pressure air floor. And the standard prop on a 6hp is likely to be acceptable with 1 person. It's once you get to 2 people that planing becomes significantly more challenging.