For many small-size owners, the issue of suspension-mass It's critical when you're choosing a power plant, especially when it comes to a popular model. Wind 8It has been a symbol of reliability in domestic shipbuilding for decades. How much does the outboard motor Wind 8 weigh?It is needed not only for transportation, but also for the correct calculation of displacement and stability of the swimming means.
Many anglers and hunters prefer this unit because of its unpretentiousness, but the physical load when carrying it can become significant. In this article, we will discuss in detail the weight specifications of various modifications, including versions with electric starter and reverse. dimensional and design features that affect the final mass.
Understanding the real weight will help you avoid overloading the boat and ensure safe operation on the water. We will analyze the data from the technical documentation and the experience of real users to give you a complete picture. Below are specific figures and facts that will help you decide on the choice or prepare for the trip to the pond.
Technical specifications and weight of the basic model
The basic version of this engine, known as Wind 8 It has a very specific set of parameters, and according to the factory data, the dry weight of a standard motor is exactly the same. 26 kilogramsThis figure is relevant to models produced between the 1960s and 1980s, when the design was most canonical, and it is this weight that often appears in the small craft handbooks of the time.
However, it is worth considering that mass The main components, such as crankcase and lower unit, are made of aluminum alloys, which allows you to keep the weight of the engine of this power relatively low, while the use of steel for some mounting elements and ignition system adds strength to the design, but increases the total weight.
It's important to note that the weight of 26 kg is not included in fuel, oil or other equipment. If you plan to use the engine in conjunction with a heavy inflatable boat or a metal "Kazanka", this parameter becomes secondary. But for carrying alone on your shoulder or in a backpack, each kilogram matters. So when buying a used unit, always check the equipment.
The effect of modifications on the total weight of the unit
In the production process, the line Wind 8 It's been changing, and it's been changing, and it's got modifications with the M, R, E, and so on, and they're all making adjustments to their weights, like having a system. remote-control or electric starter significantly weights the design by installing an additional generator and battery.
The reversed version is also heavier than the basic version. The gearshift mechanism requires the installation of additional gears and levers in lower unit, which adds to the total weight of about 1-2 kilograms. How much does the outboard motor Wind 8 weigh? In a specific configuration, you need to look at the nameplate and know the designations:
- 🔹 Wind 8 - Basic model, manual start, weight about 26 kg.
- 🔹 Wind 8M - upgraded version, improved ignition, weight is almost identical to the base.
- 🔹 Wind 8P - the presence of a reverse, the weight increases to 27-28 kg.
- 🔹 Wind 8E - the presence of an electric starter, the weight can reach 30 kg or more.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a motor with no paperwork, it is visually difficult to identify the modification. Having an electric starter immediately produces a heavier version that will require more effort when climbing aboard.
It is also worth mentioning the existence of a version. Wind 8NIt had some design differences in the cooling system, and although these changes had a slight effect on weight, they could change the center of gravity, which is important when you put it on lightweight PVC boats. Always consider not only the number in kilograms, but also the mass distribution over the engine body.
Comparison of weight with competitors and peers
To understand whether it is a lot or a little – 26-28 kg, it is useful to compare Wind 8 Chinese 8-hp two-stroke engines often weigh less, in the 22-24kg range, but may be inferior in repairability and availability. Japanese and European brands in this class are usually heavier due to the use of more complex noise reduction systems and environmental filters.
Below is a table showing the relative weight specifications of different models with a capacity of about 8 horsepower.
| Motor model | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Type of launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind 8 (baseline) | 8 | 26 | manually |
| Tohatsu M 9.8B | 9.8 | 27 | manually |
| Yamaha 8CMHS | 8 | 33 | manually |
| HDX T 9.8 BMS | 9.8 | 24.5 | manually |
As you can see from the table, Wind It is in the middle of the world by weight, heavier than some low-cost Chinese, but lighter than many big brands with similar power, making it versatile enough to be fitted to boats with a carrying capacity of 250 kg. However, for ultra-light inflatable models, where every gram counts, its weight may seem excessive.
Why do older engines seem heavier?
Old Soviet engines are often said to be heavier than modern ones, often because they become overgrown with dirt, charcoal and old oil over decades of use, and can be packed with homemade heavy propellers or brackets that owners don’t consider when weighing.
Fuel consumption and impact on the displacement of the boat
Although the question of how much weighs is usually about the design, the weight of the fuel should not be forgotten. Wind 8 It's a two-stroke engine, which means you're going to use gasoline mixed with oil, and the average consumption is about 2.5-3 liters per hour at full load, which means that with a full tank of 12 liters, you're adding about 9-10 kg of liquid fuel and oil to the weight of the boat.
To calculate the total load on the vessel, you need to summarize:
- ⚓ The weight of the engine itself (26-28 kg).
- ⛽ The weight of fuel and oil in the tank.
- 🚣 Weight of passengers and equipment.
- 🎣 The weight of the boat itself (PVC or aluminum).
If your boat has a maximum power or load limit, ignoring the weight of the fuel can lead to overload, especially in inflatable boats where buoyancy is limited. Safety at sea It depends on the correct weight distribution, so always leave the displacement reserve.
Use remote fuel tanks for the Wind if the boat is small, which will shift the center of gravity and remove the weight of the fuel from the cockpit, improving stability.
Features of transportation and storage
Transporting a 26kg motor alone can be a challenge, especially if the distance from the car to the water is large. Wind It allows you to carry it with one hand behind a hummel, but prolonged load on one muscle group quickly leads to fatigue. Experienced boaters recommend using special roller carts or carrying the motor in a shoulder case, spreading the weight.
When storing, it is also important to consider the dimensions and weight. The motor should be stored in an upright position so that the oil does not leak into the combustion chamber. If you store it in a garage or in a cottage, make sure that the shelf or hook on which it is suspended will withstand the weight of not only the unit itself, but also the possible dynamic load when removed.
☑️ Preparation of the engine for winter storage
For a passenger car, a weight of 26 kg is not a problem, but dimensions can limit space. A removed lower unit (foot) reduces size significantly, but this operation requires skills and tools. Wind assembled, laying it on its side on a special lining so as not to damage the carburetor and the tiller.
Advice on facilitating exploitation
If you think the engine is too heavy, there are several ways to make it easier to operate without losing power: First, you can replace the standard screw with a lighter aluminum screw if the standard one is made of heavy alloy; and second, using lightweight portable plastic tanks instead of metal canisters will save a few more kilograms.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to drill holes in a lower unit or crankcase yourself to "lighten" the structure, which will break the tightness and lead to water entering the engine, which will cause corrosion and failure.
You also need to pay attention to the state of the transom mount, and if the engine bar is skewed or damaged, you'll have to put more effort into keeping the motor upright, which subjectively increases the weight you feel, and regular lubrication of the tilt hinge and suspension will make it easier and more enjoyable to control the motor.
The optimal weight of the motor for single transportation over short distances should not exceed 25-30 kg Wind 8 is on the upper limit of this range, so the physical fitness of the owner plays an important role.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install Wind 8 on a 3-meter inflatable boat?
Inflatable boats with a length of 3 meters (for example, Frigate or Hunter) usually have a transom train designed for motors up to 8-10 hp Weight for them is acceptable, but when fully loaded with passengers and equipment should be monitored and not overload the stern.
Is it true that the Wind 8 is heavier than modern Chinese analogues?
Modern Chinese engines with 8-9.8 hp weigh between 23 and 27 kg. A 2-3 kg difference may be imperceptible in practice, especially given that Soviet metal is often thicker and more durable, which makes up for a small gain.
Does the presence of an electric starter affect weight significantly?
Yes, the presence of an electric starter (Wind 8E) increases the weight of the motor by about 2-3 kg due to the starter and the more powerful Magdino, and the electric starter requires a battery, the weight of which (5-10 kg) must be considered separately when planning the load.
What is the maximum weight of the transom to install this motor?
The boat's trawl should be designed for engine power (up to 8 hp) and the corresponding weight. Usually for such motors, the thickness of the transom is 20-25 mm for plywood. The weight of the motor itself is 26 kg is not critical for the transom, more important than the force of thrust and vibration that it creates.
Do I need to take a lower unit to transport Wind 8?
This is not an urgent need, as the weight of 26 kg allows you to carry the engine as a whole, removing the lower unit is only required in case of a breakdown or for compact storage in a very limited space, frequent disassembly can lead to wear of the sealing gaskets.