Hello,

I'm building a 36" catamaran for electric, but would like to change to gas. What size gas motor would would work?

Thanks

Hi Sambini and wellcome aboard on MGB.

I am not the expert into engines, but from what I have read in this forum, I think the best choice would be a light Zenoah - maybe about 26 cc. (I dont't think you can find a smaller, leighter og more economical buy than this one).
Still I would say that would be a big engine for a 36" cat. Maybe you should consider a hull about 40 - 50"?

Anyway you should hope for help from the more experienced guys in here like Marc or Scott.

Cheers!

Woodie.

Woodie,

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking the same thing. Might have to stick to electric on this one.

Thanks,
Sam

There are guys putting 26cc motors in 36" cats, most are setting up for straightaway speed. Balancing on a hull that size can be really tricky. Electric or Nitro would be the best power plants for a hull that size. That boat would run with a 7.5 cc (.45), 11 cc (.67), and even a 13 cc (.80) if set up right with the right prop and center of gravity. I've run them with .67 & .80 power, and they haul the mail. Nitro is expensive, and parts wear happens immediately following breakin, not to mention having to constantly keep messing with needle adjustments to counter the weather conditions and run at optimal performance. I would think an electric power plant equalling the nitro powerplants would be just as explosive.

I now run a RCMK 254evo in my 36" Aeromarine cat. It was a 40 mph boat with an old G230 in it but of course I wanted more, went with the RCMK and achieved just over 60 mph last 2 times I ran it. Much more fun now, actually requires some driving skill vs simply pegging the throttle and going in circles.