Inflatable Boat & Engine Packages
Get the most out of your inflatable dinghy by combining it with an outboard motor! We stock a superb range of petrol outboard motors and electric outboard motors - hand chosen by our highly experienced crew. These are the perfect match for our carefully selected range of inflatable dinghies, sourced from leading brands including 3D Tender, Seago and Talamex.
The petrol outboard engine supplied in our packages is Mariner’s 3.5hp Short Shaft Outboard Engine. Why Mariner you may ask? Well, Mariner outboard engines are the brand of choice for the RNLI thanks to their exceptional efficiency and reliability. That’s better than any sales pitch anyone could write! They’re also some of the lightest outboard engines in their class and have plenty of torque, so will get you zipping around in no time at all. All Mariner engines come with a five-year warranty.
If you're looking to go down the electric route, we highly recommend opting for an ePropulsion Outboard Motor. The electric boat motor is extremely lightweight and portable, weighing just 22kg, with a maximum range of 22 miles.
Buying an inflatable dinghy with outboard is a great way to save money thanks to the package discounts we have available. Our most popular inflatable motor boat packages are the combination of a Seago dinghy or 3D Tender inflatable dinghy with a Mariner 3.5hp outboard engine or ePropulsion Spirit Electric Outboard.
Can I use a long shaft outboard on an inflatable boat?
You can use a long shaft outboard on an inflatable boat, but it’s not something we recommend. On a short shaft outboard engine, the prop is around 6 inches shorter in comparison with the shaft on a long shaft engine, enabling you to get closer to the shoreline and use your dinghy in shallower waters, which is particularly useful if you are using your dinghy as a tender from a larger vessel to the beach.
Where should my outboard sit in the water?
When positioning your outboard engine on your inflatable dinghy, the prop and cooler intake should be below the water line. If the outboard engine feels sluggish, is causing excessive spray or is not handling very well, your outboard engine will be positioned too low. There are many videos on Youtube that explain how to position an outboard engine correctly, which we highly recommend watching.
Why choose Pirates Cave Chandlery?
For over 30 years we’ve provided a wide range marine equipment in-store and online. Ultimately we’re customers ourselves, so ensuring that we provide the highest level of customer service is our biggest priority, which is why we’re rated 4.8/5 on reviews.io.
We understand that choosing the right inflatable boat with motor (also known as rib with outboard) can be tricky, and as it’s a sizeable investment, you will want to be 100% sure you select the right package for your requirements. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Give us a call on 01634 295 233, email us or visit our Rochester store– one of the largest and well stocked chandleries in the UK.
Whilst you’re here, why not check out our inflatable dinghy guide? It covers all of our most frequently asked questions including size, weight, material.