Intex Seahawk 3 with a Suzuki DF2.5s Outboard

Test driving the Intex Seahawk 3 raft with a Suzuki DF2.5 hp outboard motor (short shaft version). I wanted to see if the Intex style rafts could handle the power and weight of a small outboard motor. In my case I was very disappointed, and don't recommend using a gasoline outboard with these non-rigid inflatable rafts. I want to be able to go a bit faster in an inflatable raft, so in my case I'm now convinced I need an inflatable Dinghy to pair with my Suzuki 2.5 hp motor.
With the Intex raft I show how to adjust the trim to compensate for the lack of rigidity, but I stop short of a complete modification to the raft, but some form of overhaul would be required if you wish to utilize a similar motor. The raft would need some structure or rigidity to handle the power from this engine.
I did two trials at Orchard Lake, Michigan. On the second day, we explored Apple Island, by doing a complete circumnavigation of the island.

[@martintrnka3498]

Hello, I am very interested in this video, I have the same boat and I want to buy a Suzuki 2.5 HP, may I know how it went fast?. speed KM/h thank you ?.

[@SebastianOats]

Hello Martin, I really don't recommend this combo, the motor is too powerful for this raft. You are basically limited to the idle speed once you put the motor in gear, probably 2-3 knots. If you give the motor more throttle the motor starts to flex the transom, but without really improving your vehicle speed. I'd recommend seeking a less expensive motor if you are trying to power this raft. Good Luck to you.

[@Platypus_Warrior]

You can adjust the anchor point on the arms retaining the setup.
That will solve the pitch problem.
All you need is a screw driver it seems, use your head (sorry)

[@SebastianOats]

Hello Jeremy, sorry but that's not the case. I've adjusted the arms plenty (not to thumb my nose, but a screw driver is also the wrong tool), I'll try to post an update video soon, I took some extreme steps to improve the possibility of the outboard being a good match to this raft, but in the end, it's simply too heavy and too powerful beyond just idle speed (but I do hope someone can prove me wrong...).

[@Platypus_Warrior]

@@SebastianOats Thanks for the reply. At 7:15 the black thing attached to the pole (left on picture). I did thought it was set to the longest arm length and that you could loosen the "brackets" to pull the arms inside

[@nicktube3904]

I think you can simply drill new holes in the bar, which will bring the motor more vertical

[@subzero4698]

Thats a seahawk 3 and it can only handle 1.5 horse power max. If you want it to handle more extend the front bars on the transom to the oar holders.

[@SebastianOats]

Thanks Subzero, next time I have a rainy day to try something I'll give it a shot. It would be really nice to turn the Seahawk 3 into a light weight alternate for the Inmar Dinghy. If I implement something useful I'll be sure to post something about it. Have you posted anything you can share, I'd appreciate seeing some ideas?

[@subzero4698]

@@SebastianOats I have

[@rafawardaszka6575]

The problem is you got soft floor. Make hard floor & you'll see difference

[@rainerneumeister5239]

Yes the motor is too powerful for the Intex.

[@tomschoonoord2904]

Thats not the mariner, its an seahawk. It can handle like 0.5hp max😅

[@SebastianOats]

Hello Tom, You are correct, after a while all the Intex names started blurring together for me. Either way, I think my conclusion was the same, the structure and rigidity of these Intex style inflatables just can't handle much when it comes to gasoline engines. I'm about to post a follow-up video with my replacement "raft".

[@tomschoonoord2904]

@@SebastianOats try the real mariner, its a really ridged boat and it can handel 2hp with ease

[@KapchaiRun]

I think the motor was too heavy for this setup.