I have a few Craftsman String Trimmer engines and I am just getting into building boats, what is the difference between Craftsman, Homelite, Zenoah and others?

I don't want to put a bunch of money into my boats, but is there a real big advantage to water cooled for just a hobby boat? Also, Do I really need a tuned pipe?

I'd appreciate any help you could give.

Hi,

If you are going to use a string trimmer engine to build a boat, I would suggest reading this short article first...can help avoid some headaches. www.modelgasboats.com/Magazine..._a_Trimmer.html

As for the tuned pipe, it is not mandatory, just give more performance. It is a nice upgrade when you get there. You can start without.

There is a huge difference in performance between a Zenoah and most line trimmer engines. A stock 260 will typically outperform even the best mod weed eater engines.

Nothing wrong with building a good play boat with what you have!

Food for thought. Hope this helps.

Sears ... AKA Craftsman use Poulan/Weedeater products for their Lawn & Garden stuff.

Overall these products are one step away from disposable units, they run fine under a load spinning string under 8K RPM.
Quality of the cranks/bearings/ Cylinder & Piston is pretty crappy.

Used stock and under a Fun boat application, you will be fine ... Just don't expect much in performance.

Thanks for the feedback!

I plan on putting the engines in a couple Zippkits Easy Vees, I figure it is a good way for my son and I to build something together and have a little "friendly" competition. Of course I am sure once I get the bug I will go for some higher performance equipment.

If anyone has any ideas on how to mount the engine, with the clutch intact, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks

I think the Easy Vee from Zippkits is a good choice for these motors. Keep us posted on your progress.

Marine Specialties www.marinespecialties-rc.com/photoindex.htm has a huge choice of gas engines at various prices. They have all been adapted for boats with mounts and shaft couplers. This would probably be an easier way to get an engine that's ready to install.

Lohring Miller