Just got one recently and I've taken it out twice with a hand-me-down 55lb thrust trolling motor. Handles chop way better than I thought, seems super stable, and I did around 4-5mph with me, small cooler, motor + battery, and my girlfriend. Loving it so far, can't wait to go back out!
I’ve got this boat. I love it! It’s great for 2 dudes that just want to simply fish on a lake. I use a 55lb thrust trolling motor, and it gets me around just fine. Not real fast, but it does the job.
I had an 8 ft jon boat rated for 3 hp, so I put a 7.5 hp engine on it. For the top speed test I moved to the front to trim out the weight. Probably hit about 20 mph. Same thing happened except I was able to get back and get ahold of the tiller. Exciting time.
I'd believe it. the 5HP Lehr rates low in thrust for its class, so it's more like a 4.5 HP yet it still is able to get up and plane the tri-hull. Adding 70% more HP to 7.5, i could definitely see speeds in the 15-20MPH with the right conditions. I put a 15 HP on my 12' Nylox (see other videos) and was hitting the REV limiter at 22MPH.
Went with the 3.5 hp Merc. Thanks for all your help and ideas guys. It’s actually a half hp over its suggested rating, but it’s just enough hp to move my Son & I at an ok clip
@@stevengraham185 welp adding my friend to the boat and after a while the transom cracked a bit. Top speed with 2 people 16mph. With me alone I got 18mph. Walkerbay 8.
@@stevengraham185the motor wad Torqueing the transom very hard lifting the front up. Also motor was too deep underwater. But it was fun while it lasted. Dinghy will need a small torch weld and reinforced aluminum sheet of metal bolted to the back.
sitting here trying to figure out how y'all other commenters are complaining about 8mph and not achieving a plane, and then i realised it's been about 15 years since i was doing anything faster than trout trolling in a kayak. this will be my first year out in the tender - buying a wimpy little electric mower for it - and while you're upset i'm over here getting excited about being able to troll for kokanees at 2mph while eating a sandwich AND scratching my ass at the same time! different strokes, i guess 😂
I had that same water tender from west marine, put foam in the hull, it had a 9.9hp mercury 2 stroke, rod holders...caught 2 sailfish, a lot of mahis and big wahoos, tuna, king mackarel..ect..a lot of cool memories and yes..we did had some scary moments on that boat going 4 to 10miles offshore
I can hit 15 mph with a 6hp Merc OB, and 200 pounds on board (me plus 6 gal tank and gear), even with full bimini. But must be sitting in the middle and using a tiller extension.
ALLWAYS WEAR A KILL CORD, it's really really immature for someone to show people who clearly have very little experience on the water improper practice.
I'm looking to purchase this boat for my wife and I, and was wondering if you did a max weight test with the Suzuki 2.5hp. I'm torn between the Suzuki 2.5 and the Tohatsu 3.5, since both are light motors. I don't want to bump above those because the Tohatsu is 41lbs, and anything more hits 50+ (I plan on transporting and do not want to haul a 50lb motor). If you did do a max weight test on the Suzuki, what were the top and cruising speeds, and how was your plane and fuel economy affected. Lastly (sorry for long comment) would you recommend the 3.5hp over the 2.5, or vice versa, and why? I will be using this for inshore fishing/backcountry in the keys and LIGHT ocean fishing (possibly).
we didn't do max weight on the 2.5 but don't expect more than 4-5 mph. At such low speeds, the boat is fairly useless against strong winds and/or currents. I chose Suzuki over the Tohatsu originally based on the Suzuki motors consistently performing at the top of their horsepower classes, and it was cheaper. Don't expect amazing performance from either motor; even a cheap lawnmower comes with 5-6 horsepower. It will putt putt putt you around, and that's about it. I don't have any direct experience with Tohatsu. My local outboard mechanic says they are decent enough but parts can take weeks to arrive, and he's had a lot of angry customers as a result.
@@SmallCraftCruising you have to try and see what size is need to get it up on plane... And how it maneuvers with it, and to see when the transom will break... For safety.
i have an early production model.. it has not been the best. but i am told the later ones are much better.. would I buy it again? I honestly do not know
I’m new to boat owning and I’d really enjoy owning this since it’s so inexpensive. Can I buy a trailer for this? I know it’s so small/light but I don’t live within 5 miles of the nearest lake. If so, does anyone know a good one? Thanks in advance!
Itz MitchMitch the cheapest trailer new that will work is at Harbor freight (assuming you're in the USA) they run less than $300. I used to put this boat on my roof rack, and would carry the motor in the trunk. There are a lot of ways to carry a small boat
I wouldn't recommend this boat for open water use for the casual boater as it comes from the factory. With some modifications it could be made much better
I am.. I got caught at work for the past several months, but I have a few new reviews to finish and lots of boat updates to film.. don't give up on us yet :)
You would probably need to reinforce the transom. Its only rated for 3 hp. I'd imagine all that extra weight in the back can't be good, but mainly youre gonna be putting repeated strain on the plastic which definitely cant be good
Just got one recently and I've taken it out twice with a hand-me-down 55lb thrust trolling motor. Handles chop way better than I thought, seems super stable, and I did around 4-5mph with me, small cooler, motor + battery, and my girlfriend. Loving it so far, can't wait to go back out!
I am glad you did not get hurt by the running prop when you fell in the water!
me to! haha was a definite eye-opening learning experience about safety and checking before you go..
I’ve got this boat. I love it! It’s great for 2 dudes that just want to simply fish on a lake. I use a 55lb thrust trolling motor, and it gets me around just fine. Not real fast, but it does the job.
I had an 8 ft jon boat rated for 3 hp, so I put a 7.5 hp engine on it. For the top speed test I moved to the front to trim out the weight. Probably hit about 20 mph. Same thing happened except I was able to get back and get ahold of the tiller. Exciting time.
I'd believe it. the 5HP Lehr rates low in thrust for its class, so it's more like a 4.5 HP yet it still is able to get up and plane the tri-hull. Adding 70% more HP to 7.5, i could definitely see speeds in the 15-20MPH with the right conditions. I put a 15 HP on my 12' Nylox (see other videos) and was hitting the REV limiter at 22MPH.
What a relief to know you were just showing us how to not unleash the safety cord while driving the motor, other wise you would have a choped foot.
I'm assuming this really made by Sun Dolphin. I wish they made some larger versions of this thing, I really like the design.
I recently bought one of these with a Minn Kota Endura 2 trolling motor (40lbs thrust) and its awesome for our community lakes in south florida.
Can you take it into rougher water? Does it tip easily?
Went with the 3.5 hp Merc. Thanks for all your help and ideas guys. It’s actually a half hp over its suggested rating, but it’s just enough hp to move my Son & I at an ok clip
Ohoho anyways, I went with a 8hp merc on a 8ft boat. I think it's 6 hp above rating.
@@Kana0211 I’m sure it Fly’s. Is it to much weight on your transome or is it ok ? What type of boat do you have ?
@@stevengraham185 welp adding my friend to the boat and after a while the transom cracked a bit. Top speed with 2 people 16mph. With me alone I got 18mph. Walkerbay 8.
@@stevengraham185the motor wad Torqueing the transom very hard lifting the front up. Also motor was too deep underwater. But it was fun while it lasted. Dinghy will need a small torch weld and reinforced aluminum sheet of metal bolted to the back.
That's what I have and everything is great with it. For 2 people
Excellent demonstration on how to loose body parts. But as stated not much chance of anything happening. Riiight!
My girlfriend just got one of these. Looking forward to cruising and doing some fishing. Mods to come.
excellent! these are fairly decent little boats for their price..
Hot cheetos, energy drinks, and boats. You're making 12 year olds jealous!
sitting here trying to figure out how y'all other commenters are complaining about 8mph and not achieving a plane, and then i realised it's been about 15 years since i was doing anything faster than trout trolling in a kayak.
this will be my first year out in the tender - buying a wimpy little electric mower for it - and while you're upset i'm over here getting excited about being able to troll for kokanees at 2mph while eating a sandwich AND scratching my ass at the same time!
different strokes, i guess 😂
I had that same water tender from west marine, put foam in the hull, it had a 9.9hp mercury 2 stroke, rod holders...caught 2 sailfish, a lot of mahis and big wahoos, tuna, king mackarel..ect..a lot of cool memories and yes..we did had some scary moments on that boat going 4 to 10miles offshore
Your kidding, right?
are you trolling for people to tell you how stupid you are?
Looks like he caught you &I!
4-10 miles wtf
Thanks for making your reviews funny! 😂🚣
I can hit 15 mph with a 6hp Merc OB, and 200 pounds on board (me plus 6 gal tank and gear), even with full bimini. But must be sitting in the middle and using a tiller extension.
When will you make another video? I enjoyed all of them so far!👍
thank you! and I am planning a new one very soon...
Great video but starting the motor while IN the water with the prop right next to your legs at 3:23?!?!?! So horrifically dangerous....
yeah, that clip was done that way for a different segment that got cut.. it was relevant but is out of place now...
Could have went wrong lol
It won't start if it's in gear
Almost got a Darwin Award.
BrazenBullXXX heh heh yup!
BrazenBullXXX ii
can this be used with oars?
yes
ALLWAYS WEAR A KILL CORD, it's really really immature for someone to show people who clearly have very little experience on the water improper practice.
Nice review guys , Thanks 👍
you guys need to start the boat while in the boat you never start a motor outside of a boat
This was a very funny and informational video. Thanks!
glad you liked it!
I got the same hull on fiberglass and with a 2.5 hp runs pefect
I'm looking to purchase this boat for my wife and I, and was wondering if you did a max weight test with the Suzuki 2.5hp. I'm torn between the Suzuki 2.5 and the Tohatsu 3.5, since both are light motors. I don't want to bump above those because the Tohatsu is 41lbs, and anything more hits 50+ (I plan on transporting and do not want to haul a 50lb motor). If you did do a max weight test on the Suzuki, what were the top and cruising speeds, and how was your plane and fuel economy affected. Lastly (sorry for long comment) would you recommend the 3.5hp over the 2.5, or vice versa, and why? I will be using this for inshore fishing/backcountry in the keys and LIGHT ocean fishing (possibly).
we didn't do max weight on the 2.5 but don't expect more than 4-5 mph. At such low speeds, the boat is fairly useless against strong winds and/or currents. I chose Suzuki over the Tohatsu originally based on the Suzuki motors consistently performing at the top of their horsepower classes, and it was cheaper. Don't expect amazing performance from either motor; even a cheap lawnmower comes with 5-6 horsepower. It will putt putt putt you around, and that's about it. I don't have any direct experience with Tohatsu. My local outboard mechanic says they are decent enough but parts can take weeks to arrive, and he's had a lot of angry customers as a result.
Small Craft Cruising Thanks for the quick reply, that made my decision easier, especially since the tohatsu was $200 more.
Excellent review, thanks!
lol he looks like the normal respectable version of logan paul
it be good for loading on a car rooftop
Please uploaded!!!!
Obvi you need to re test with a larger motor... To see how safe it is.
@@martykasa7864 this is the largest motor allowed by the manufacturer
@@SmallCraftCruising you have to try and see what size is need to get it up on plane... And how it maneuvers with it, and to see when the transom will break... For safety.
@@SmallCraftCruising more content = more views... Put 15 on it, then a 40... Etc...
The motor trim is making me cringe
Nice video I just bought one of these and my only problem is the transom allows water to get in do you think I bought a boat w a defect
I want one
That was amazing!
Cool would be nice for ponds lakes and creeks with a gas powered trolly motor
Shut up Morty yeah! Would be perfect for that! Or calm marinas.
Imagine if this boat was 20 m long and 8 m wide
Josip Findak would basically be a barge
Sooo, Do you think a 2.5 Suzuki will be ok ? I’m looking at the Mercury 2.5 as well.
well, you saw the suzuki 2.5 in this video.. it is not fast, but is perfect in calm water.
The Honda is air cooled so you don't have to worry about impellers and water intake sucking mud/sand.
get tye 2.7 hp aircooler çrusen carry outbsrd
good video.... just my stop hurrying rant
How much does it cost and how much does it weigh ?
$600 110lbs
Any adjustments needed or will the 3.5 be ok for this thick transome?
Cool video man
Good reviwe
Review
Maaaany thanks, great great video
But will it hold me and my 2 children?
How has the Leher fared over the years?
i have an early production model.. it has not been the best. but i am told the later ones are much better.. would I buy it again? I honestly do not know
get an electric motor or a 2 hp 4 cycle..... it's all you need.
Where do I buy a water tender boat an how much are they that's a cool Lil boat
West marine just started carrying them again.
699
Yamaha 6hp?
Great video guys. How is it for rowing?
sorry for a year late. .but it is not a good row boat.. the square shape adds stability, but lots of resistance..
I this boat suitable to take into bays on calm days
Waster $300 on an Evinrude Jr for my Water Tender. It’s to small and will not fit on my transoms. Any problems clamping on a 2.5 ? Thank you
both those motors BARELY fit on that transom with how thick it is from the factory
I’m new to boat owning and I’d really enjoy owning this since it’s so inexpensive. Can I buy a trailer for this? I know it’s so small/light but I don’t live within 5 miles of the nearest lake. If so, does anyone know a good one? Thanks in advance!
Itz MitchMitch the cheapest trailer new that will work is at Harbor freight (assuming you're in the USA) they run less than $300. I used to put this boat on my roof rack, and would carry the motor in the trunk. There are a lot of ways to carry a small boat
Small Craft Cruising thanks much!
keep making videos
You still need a Safe Boatings License to operate this right?
depends what state (or country) you live in. but even if it's not required, it's a good idea to have one
Sparryax so i was planing to get my 9.4 watertender boat with 5hp lehr motor on state of hawaii do i need still to get licence?
In Ct if you have an electric motor 106 lbs thrust or less, you don't need a license and you operate on Inland waters
Does water leak into the bist is it sealed properly?
good evening sir I hope you are well so here I am sending you this message just to know how much the price for the zodiac
Dinghy + 5hp. No prob
LegitSoulja I
Best outboard for this dinghy ? Any advice? Thanks
Maybe a nice Suzuki 2.something hp or a 5/6hp
with a bad weather in the deep sea, does the boat sink?
I wouldn't recommend this boat for open water use for the casual boater as it comes from the factory. With some modifications it could be made much better
What is The MAKE of my Water Tender ? Need for tax info
Just go on the website and copy the name. As long as it matches the receipt you’ll be fine
How much did you buy that boat, in US dollars?
75
does the west marine weigh as much as a canoe
Little more, but similar enough. It can be handled by 1 person if need be
Looks pretty fuckin decent by
omg you almost lost your foot to that prop
haha it was a close one! hopefully it will show others to respect the kill cord!
Small Craft Cruising are you still uploading vids?
I am.. I got caught at work for the past several months, but I have a few new reviews to finish and lots of boat updates to film.. don't give up on us yet :)
Small Craft Cruising thx :)
Does Hong Kong represent this ship?
What about with two people and a 9.6hp?
With an 8 hp motor it would get on plain with two full grown men
You would probably need to reinforce the transom. Its only rated for 3 hp. I'd imagine all that extra weight in the back can't be good, but mainly youre gonna be putting repeated strain on the plastic which definitely cant be good
this is weamst narone boat one feé
Don't get in trouble
put an ELECTRIC motor on this !!!!!!!!! speed isn't necessary. slow down people !!
no one cares what your opinion is but thanks for sharing it
For every gallon of fuel you conserve I'll burn two.
What the hell do you mean speed is bad ass and fun
I put a Nissan 8 hp motor on mine
How fast does it go?
like twelve or fourteen with two full grown adults
@@mikeshipway5990does water get into the boat or is it sealed properly?
@@DUDEfreestyle ruclips.net/video/9k_fZu-NPSg/видео.htmlsi=ef3upnhsXgItODUw
Very unstable
Bow in the air even with him sitting in the bow and trying to steer what a piece of crap.