Legendary Wind 8 It remains one of the most popular outboard motors in the post-Soviet space, despite its age, and for many owners of inflatable boats and small boats, this unit becomes the first step in the world of boating technology. However, when choosing a used or new one in the garage of a grandfather, the first question that arises from a potential buyer is the question of the mass of the unit.
Why is it important? engine weight 8The answer lies in the physics and the carrying capacity of the boat. If you own a lightweight inflatable boat, then every extra kilogram on the transom shifts the center of gravity, affects the differentiation and, as a result, speed and handling. Moreover, for a single fisherman who often has to carry a boat kit alone, engine weight becomes a critical factor in fatigue.
In this article, we will look in detail not only at dry weight figures, but also at how design features affect real operation, how the weight of different modifications differs, how it compares with competitors and what to look for when transporting, so as not to damage the back or transom of the boat.
Technical specifications and engine mass
Official data-sheet figures is one thing, but the reality of oils, fuels and attachments is another. According to the manufacturer's documentation, the dry weight of the standard model is the same as the dry weight of the standard model. Wind 8 This value is given for the basic equipment, excluding the fuel in the tank and the oil in the mixture, but it should be noted that depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification (for example, the fuel in the tank and the oil in the mixture). Wind 8M or 8.), the mass may fluctuate slightly.
The difference in weight between the modifications is due to the use of different materials in the lower unit pipe and propeller. Older models could be equipped with heavier brass screws, whereas modern counterparts often have aluminum propellers, which saves several hundred grams.
It is important to understand that 26 kg is still a solid load for one person when carrying frequently. For comparison, modern four-stroke Chinese analogues of similar power can weigh between 27 and 30 kg, which puts the weight of the weight of the current four-stroke Chinese counterparts. Wind 8 The two-stroke design, however, requires the weight of the fuel mixture canister to be taken into account, which adds a significant amount to the total weight of the kit.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used motor, be sure to weigh it. During the years of operation, a significant layer of coke deposits and rust could form on the inner surfaces of the lower unit and in the muffler, which can increase the real weight of the unit by 1-2 kg.
When buying a used motor, ask the seller to remove the candle and look into the cylinder through the candle hole. The presence of black soda indicates a rich mixture and possible weight gain due to contamination inside the silencer.
Design features that affect weight
Construction Wind 8 It was developed in an era where reliability was more important than weight savings, the engine had vertical cylinders and crank-shaped machinery, the Carter and the cylinder block were made of aluminum alloy, which is the standard for reducing total weight, but the thickness of the casting walls in Soviet engines often exceeded modern standards, making the unit heavier but more durable.
The long lower unit tube connecting the power head to the gearbox is made of steel or duraluminium depending on the year of production. Steel pipes found on early models add significant weight to the entire structure. The gearbox, made in a separate housing, also has an impressive mass due to the use of durable gears and a silumin housing.
The cooling system also contributes. The water intake and water pump in lower unit require additional pipes and seals. Unlike some modern motors with integrated systems, each element is a separate part with its own weight. centre It is quite low, which has a positive effect on the stability of the boat.
- 🔩 Materials: The use of aluminum alloys for the main units allows you to keep the weight within 26 kg.
- ⚙️ Reductor: The single-stage gearbox has a durable body that is heavier than plastic counterparts, but more reliable in rocky waters.
- 🌊 Cooling: The forced water intake system adds weight to the pump, but ensures stable operation at high revs.
Why is the wind heavier than modern analogues?
Soviet engineers built up a huge margin of safety, the thickness of the crankcase and the lower unit pipe was calculated taking into account extreme conditions and the lack of spare parts, modern (relief) is achieved by thinner walls and less durable alloys, which reduces the resource.
Comparison of weight with competitors and analogues
To assess objectively engine weight 8The main competitors in the 8 hp class are Japanese Tohatsu and Yamaha, as well as Chinese brands like Hidea and Sea-Pro. Japanese two-strokes often weigh about 27-29 kg, which makes the Wind more profitable by 1-3 kg. This is a significant difference when it comes to dragging the engine over the side of the inflator.
Chinese manufacturers have learned to make very light engines, some models weigh about 24-25 kg, but here lies the marketing ploy: often indicate weight without steering, without a fuel tank and sometimes even without a propeller. Wind 8 In this respect, it's more honest: its passport weight is usually true with a minimum set of attachments. Four-stroke analogues of the same power will be heavier by 8-10 kg, which makes them less attractive for light boats.
Below is a table comparing the weights of different models with a capacity of about 8 hp The data is relevant at the time of writing and may vary slightly depending on the specific configuration.
| Motor model | Type of engine | Weight (kg) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind 8 (USSR/RF) | two-stroke | 26.0 | Classical version |
| Tohatsu M 9.8B | two-stroke | 27.0 | Japanese assembly |
| Hidea HD8FWS | four-stroke | 36.0 | Much heavier. |
| Yamaha 8CMHS | two-stroke | 28.0 | With a lubrication system |
Effects of weight on operation and transportation
Operation of a motorboat Wind 8 It's a weight that's borderline for inflatable boats 3.0-3.6 meters long. On the one hand, 26 kilos is not 12 kilos at the Salute, and you can't just throw it on board with one hand, and on the other hand, it provides the necessary loading of the transom, allowing the boat to keep its course better and to roam the wave less.
When transported in the trunk of a car, the weight of the engine becomes a key factor. Unlike heavy four-strokes, winds can be carried into an elevator or raised to the second floor without assistance, albeit with tension. However, it is worth remembering the law of inertia: when a car is sharply braking, an unattached engine weighing 26 kg turns into a dangerous projectile weighing several hundred kilograms.
For fishermen who practice running fishing with frequent permutations, the weight of the motor dictates the need for special carts or carry-on bags. The standard carry handle on Wind 8 is convenient, but when worn for long periods of time it crashes into the palm of your hand. Many owners customize this knot by installing wider handles or belts.
☑️ Preparation for transport
And the impact on the boat itself is also important. If you have an inflatable floor PVC boat (BBB), a 26 kg motor can cause a transom to deflect when you're going against the wave. In such cases, it's recommended to use transom plates or extra plates to distribute the load. For hard plywood bottom (NP) boats, this weight is standard and does not require additional reinforcement.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the motor upright on the transom of the boat in high winds or on the surf. The weight of lower unit can play the role of a lever, and a gust of wind can tip a light boat with the motor into the water.
Modifications and their weight differences
Decades of production Wind 8 It's been through a lot of upgrades, and each version has its own nuances. The basic model, known simply as Wind 8, is the reference. However, there were versions with the indexes M (upgraded), E (electric starter, which is rare for 8 hp, but was found in special versions) and K (for kits). Wind 8M may vary slightly in weight due to changes in the ignition and carburetion system.
It is worth mentioning the version separately. Wind 8NThe presence of additional cables and gearshift mechanisms in the tiller (or their absence when using the DP) affects the total weight of the kit, and there were also “kolkhoz” variants where owners changed standard propellers for homemade ones or installed more powerful magdinos, which also changed the weight balancing.
The weight differences can also be caused by the year of production. The engines of the late 80s were often heavier because of the use of thicker casting. In the 90s and 2000s, in an attempt to reduce the cost of production, some parts could be facilitated, which sometimes affected the resource, but pleased the weight. When buying it is important to look at the release date and visually assess the thickness of the metal of lower unit.
- 🛠️ Wind 8M: Improved launch system, weight is almost identical to the base model.
- 🔋 Battery versions: If the motor is adapted for the electric starter, the weight increases by 3-4 kg (starter + flywheel).
- 🌊 Naval versions: They may have additional corrosion protection, which adds a couple hundred grams.
When looking for spare parts or comparing models, always specify the modification, since even within one year of production, the weight of the lower unit could differ depending on the manufacturer (Ufa or other).
Tips for reducing the load when using
Change the weight of the engine itself. Wind 8 It's hard to use, you can optimize the way you use it. The first step is to have a good storage system. The motor doesn't have to be in the garage, disassembled; use sturdy shelving or suspensions to keep it from getting off the floor every time. Proper storage prolongs the life of the omentary, who suffer if the engine is in the wrong position for a long time.
The second aspect is the fuel system: standard 12-15 litre tanks, when refueled, add another 10-12 kilograms of weight. For short outings, when long run is not planned, it makes sense to use litre canisters or smaller tanks, which will reduce the overall weight on the transom and improve the acceleration of the boat.
The third tip concerns the propeller: If you use the boat primarily for fishing with 1-2 passengers, a standard propeller may be heavy or have an inappropriate pitch. Installing a lighter aluminum propeller (if brass) or a larger propeller (to improve thrust at low revs) can indirectly affect power efficiency, allowing less gas and less resource use.
Recommended procedure for installation:1. Set the motor on the transom.
2. Check the reliability of the fixation of the roducines.
3. Connect the fuel hose.
Check the flow of water from the control hole.
And remember, ergonomics, if you have to move your motor a lot, buy or sew a special carry-on bag with soft straps, which will spread the weight of 26 kg over your shoulders and back, making it less traumatic, and there are special outboard motor carts that turn the carry-on into a walk, although this can be redundant for light inflatable boats.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to disassemble the motor for "relief" by removing the casings or protection. This will disrupt the cooling system and create a risk of injury from rotating parts and a hot engine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Wind 8 be used on a 3-meter boat?
Yes, but with caution. For an inflatable three-meter boat, 26 kg per transom is a tangible load. It is recommended to use transom wheels for launching and carefully monitor the differentiation. For hard-deck boats (kazak, salad), this weight is normal.
How real is the weight of 26 kg if you weigh an old engine?
An old, uncleaned engine can weigh 28-29 kg due to dirt, rust and oil residue inside. After complete disassembly, cleaning from the scoop and painting, the weight can return to passport values or even become smaller if you replace heavy elements with modern counterparts.
What is the difference between Wind 8 and Wind 8M?
The difference is minimal, no more than 0.5-1 kg, due to minor changes in the design of the carburetor and the ignition system, and for the user choosing the engine for the boat, this difference can be ignored.
Will the transom of an inflatable boat withstand the weight of the Wind?
The PVC trunks of boats are designed for engines up to 10-15 hp, which corresponds to a weight of 30-40 kg. Therefore, the 26 kg of wind transom will withstand confidently. The main thing is to adjust the pressure in the cylinders correctly and not exceed the recommended power for a particular model of the boat.