Think I have it narrowed down to the zodiac compact cadet, but either the 250 or the 300. I'm just worried about getting on plane. Will I be able to cruise pretty well in either of these. Was thinking of going with the maximum sized motor I could put on it. So 8hp for the 250 or 10hp for the 300. What kind of speed would I be seeing with these. I don't want something that will be too slow, I want to be able to get up on plane and cruise decently.

I've got a 9' hard bottom. Not sure which model it is called but it has a 2003 merc 9.9 two stroke and it screws. Probably 25 mph or so. It'll plane with 3 people and some gear.

I've had as little as a 4 hp four stroke on it and it would still, but barely plane with me (210 lbs) in it. Anything more weight wise and it wouldn't come up on top, just plow.

Hope that helps

this is a performance boating forum. Dux only!!!

I have a Achilles 8 1/2' wooden floor inflatable. With my son and I aboard and a tired 6hp 2 stroke, it ran 17mph on gps. With a 9.9 2 stroke it ran 21 mph on gps. I converted the 9.9 to a 15hp without reproping and it ran 23 almost 500rpm over the max rpm. I just reproped it and think it will run 25-26ish mph. Granted these speeds can only be achieved in smooth water. The take apart wooden floor is not sturdy enough in chop. I am thinking about getting a 8-10' RIB.

Check out Achilles. They make a nice long lasting product. Mine in a 1986 that is still in great shape, other than a few self inflicted patches(not by me :) )

DISCLAIMER: I don't recommend anyone putting a 15hp engine on a raft that is only rated for 6hp!

Speed addiction is a bad thing to have. LOL