Simple Steps

[Tom Lathrop]

Well guys, I was assuming that we were talking about a cover that remains in place with the engine tilted up. Otherwise the cover is an awkward thing, especially in shallow water, which is where the tilt is needed most. If the cover is not intended to be in place when the engine is tilted, then less height is needed. Still, there is the possible (even likely) problem of ventilation and breathing for the engine.

I just looked at the specs for a Honda 50. Minimum height from above the tilt axis to the inside of the top cover for a tilting engine is 25 3/4 inches. Minimum shaft length for a fifty is usually 20 1/2 inches. Add the top thickness and we get a minimum of about 47 inches above the keel. I don't see nearly that much height on either the Nina or Handy Billy. Of course my eyes could be wrong but I'd like to hear the facts from someone who has plans for them.

By today's standards, the Handy Billy is a semi displacement hull. This means that there is more draft than with the Nina and therefore the engine can sit lower on the transom, making the overall height lower for the same engine.

[duluthboats]

LOL!!! Your eyes are just fine Tom.

I went back to where the picture was posted and it says for 25-30hp. Not long ago I read a piece about a guy who built one and had a 40 on it and was very happy. If I dig it up I’ll post it. He could have had a higher cover but it wasn’t so obvious that I noticed. Nice looking boat anyway, and 25hp would be plenty for me.

Gary