All, Brief 2021 update on the use of my 2.5 hp Suzuki outboard motor on my TI from my original post.
See link below from original post:
https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic. ... 73#p302473 Youtube video showing mount:
https://youtu.be/SUyqkqqZbkU Youtube video search showing videos of the TI and outboard on the water:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... s+kayak+ti Been actively using the TI with the outboard for over 3 years in challenging coastal / saltwater conditions.
Below is a summary that I recently put together in response to questions from fellow TI sailor Damit who recently picked up a used Suzuki 2.5 hp outboard for his TI:
Update June 2021
- The 2.5 hp Suzuki - provides extra power, safety and range for the TI
- The outboard motor mount has worked very well for over 3 years with no need for any modifications. All the attachments, tacks, stainless steel bolts, aluminum square tubes have worked great with no changes needed...not even a loose bolt. Very durable and trouble free in challenging offshore / coastal conditions....even in a surf capsize!
- Construction - takes a bit of time but even an untrained metal worker like me was able to cut the aluminum tubes and drill out the holes in the proper location. Note - I did not have any detailed measurements...just constructed the mount one piece at a time starting with the track mount and working my way up. Had my TI in my garage but my tool room (with drill press) was in the basement.....each piece was custom measured and cut. I used a hand held hack saw to cut the square aluminum tubes....took a bit of time. You could save time and improve quality by using a circular metal saw... I also hand filed down all the edges that the main sheet could reach. I choose a clean design with drill holes on one side of the tube but not the top surface where I could. A drill press will help a lot.
- Transport: Most of the time I travel 1-2 hours to a boat ramp. Sometimes long trips 20+ hours over 2 days... I transport the Suzuki in my car for the short trips and dismounted and stored on the utility trailer that I use for the TI for the longer runs. I have left the motor mounted on the TI for short 10 minute or less trips. Why - too much force on the mount with the Suzuki mounted during transportation (pot holes / ruts in the road). I turn off the fuel line when transporting. I have not had any issues with fuel leaks in the car. I also store an extra gallon of gas on the TI in addition to the internal tank.
- Turning off: I generally just hit the stop button and turn off the fuel supply for transport. I do try to flush the outboard with fresh water within 24 hours of pulling the TI out of the salt water (just stick the Suzuki in a bucket of fresh water and run for 60 seconds or so).
- Reminder - at least in the US, if you have a motor - additional safety items may be needed (fire extinguisher, others, ...) and different type of registration may also be needed.
Bottom line - the Suzuki has been a dependable addition to my TI.