When choosing an outboard motor for a small boat or boat, one of the key parameters is often the mass of the unit. Whirlwind 20 For many years, it has been a popular choice among anglers and leisure-navigators for its maintainability and affordable cost, but the question of how much this engine weighs worries owners not only out of curiosity, but also to meet the technical requirements of the boats.
The weight of the engine directly affects the transportability If you plan to unload the motor out of the water often, carry it along the shore or load it into the trunk of a passenger car, every kilogram counts. metal-alloy And reliability, which inevitably affected the final figures.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the weight specifications of various modifications. Whirlwind 20Let’s look at how the weight changes when installing additional equipment, and evaluate the effect of weight on the weight of the body. centre-upUnderstanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision when buying or upgrading your water transport.
Technical specifications and engine mass
Official documentation supplied with outboardThe base model, known simply as the "Whirlwind 20," has a dry weight of 44 kilograms, a figure that is a reference for comparison with other engines of the same power class.
It is important to understand that this weight refers to the engine without fuel in the tank and without additional accessories. fuel-mix It's built with a carburetor and cooling system, and it's got a lot of oil in the gearbox, and it's built with aluminum alloys, which balances the strength and the weight.
⚠️ Warning: When transporting the engine, always keep in mind that residual fuel in the float chamber can flow out when a strong roll is taken, so it is not recommended to carry a fully refueled unit in a closed cabin of the car.
There is also a modification. Whirlwind 20EDespite the presence of electronic components, their weight is so small compared to the total mass of the unit that it is often not reflected in the data-sheet figures as a separate variable. electronically-ignition The magdino-contact system is almost identical.
Comparison of modifications: vortex 20 and vortex 20E
The difference between the classic version and the E-indicated version is mainly the ignition system, not the weight of the body. However, when you look at it in detail, you can see some nuances. Whirlwind 20E It is equipped with a more modern generator and switching unit, which theoretically can add several hundred grams to the total weight.
For most users, this difference of 200-300 grams is insignificant and does not affect the user. performanceThe main advantage of the E modification is not the weight, but the stability of spark formation and the absence of the need to adjust the gaps in the interrupter, which makes engine start-up more predictable, especially in wet weather.
If you're choosing between used options, pay attention to the package. Sometimes owners install on old models. plug-in In this case, the actual weight may differ slightly from the factory specifications, but this is more of an exception to the rule.
The influence of weight on the driving performance of the boat
The weight of 44 kg for a 20 hp motor is quite standard for engines developed in the second half of the twentieth century. For comparison, modern two-stroke analogues can weigh less, and four-stroke ones can weigh much more. Whirlwind 20 On a lightweight aluminum boat or hard-bottomed PVC boat, weight distribution becomes a critical factor.
If the boat has a small carrying capacity, the shift of the center of gravity in the aft part can lead to transmutation Not only does this reduce speed, it also increases the risk of waves being swept across the side, so when calculating passengers and cargo, you have to subtract the weight of the engine and fuel from the maximum load.
But heavy construction has its advantages, and the mass of the engine is the best. vibration resistanceHeavy Dydvuk and gearbox dampen vibrations that occur when the engine is running at high speeds, which makes the trip more comfortable for the driver and passengers.
When installing a heavy motor on a light boat, it is recommended to shift the passenger seats closer to the stern to balance the trim.
Transportation and usability
Transportation is particularly important for fishermen who travel by public transport or who do not have a boat trailer, and it is possible for one person to lift 44 kilograms, but it is much more powerful over long distances. suspension-leg It allows you to carry the motor in a vertical position, which partially facilitates the task.
For ease of carrying, many owners use special covers with straps or homemade carts, the weight of the engine is distributed on the back, freeing up the hands to control the cart or open the doors of the car, this is especially true if the descent is far from the parking lot.
- 🚗 When loading into the car, make sure the shelves or seats can withstand a load of 44 kg plus the weight of fuel if the tank is not removed.
- 🛶 For carrying together, use special belts or take the motor behind the rumble and diewuk, taking care.
- ⚓ Fix the motor on the translucent with reliable rods, as when moving through water, vibration can weaken the attachments of the heavy unit.
It is worth noting that dimensions The motors also play a role in packaging, and unlike the compact models of today, the 20 vortex has a fairly large, deducal part, which requires appropriate space in the trunk.
Comparison with competitors by weight
To objectively assess weight Whirlwind 20It is useful to compare it with other engines of similar power. There are both domestic developments and foreign analogues on the market, each of which has its own design features that affect the mass.
| Motor model | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Type of engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlwind 20 | 20 | 44 | two-stroke |
| Neptune 23 | 23 | 46 | two-stroke |
| Yamaha 20FMHS | 20 | 43 | two-stroke |
| Tohatsu M20C2S | 20 | 45 | two-stroke |
| HDX T 20 FWS | 20 | 46 | four-stroke |
As you can see from the table, Whirlwind 20 It is in the middle weight category among two-stroke engines. Four-stroke counterparts are usually much heavier due to the oil crankcase and the more complex design of the gas distribution mechanism. However, among two-stroke models, there are models that are lighter due to the use of composite materials.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used engine, pay attention to the presence of abnormal components. Replacing aluminum parts with steel during home repairs can significantly increase the weight of the engine.
Service and impact on weight
The weight of the motor can vary slightly during operation. cooling-system The scale, algae and rust that sticks to the underwater part add extra pounds, albeit insignificant ones, and washing the engine regularly after each outlet helps keep it clean.
It is also worth considering the weight of the oil in the gearbox. Whirlwind 20 It uses a rather viscous transmission oil, which is about 0.5 liters in volume, which adds about 0.4-0.5 kg to the total weight. In winter storage, the gearbox oil is often drained, making the engine lighter during spring transportation.
☑️ Preparation of the engine for winter storage
Remember, a heavy motor requires a stable stand or a sturdy inverted boat to maintain, and trying to flip a 44-pound unit on soft ground is not an easy task and dangerous for the back.
How do you make it easier to lift the engine?
There's a life hack: use a lever. Hold the motor on the transom, but don't tighten the rods to the end. Put a log or a bar under the diewuk to lift the screw above the ground, then carefully remove the motor using the transom of the boat as a fulcrum, which will reduce the load on the hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a vortex 20 on an inflatable boat?
Yes, it is possible to install, but it requires a hard-transcent, high-density boat, which is important to make the boat's load capacity compensate for the 44 kg engine weight plus the weight of the passengers.
How much is the weight different from the 20th vortex 25?
The difference in weight between these models is minimal, only a few kilograms, as they share a common base and similar design of the deducular part, the main difference lies in the diameter of the piston group and the settings of the carburetor.
Does the weight of the engine affect fuel consumption?
The weight of the motor itself does not directly affect fuel consumption, but it affects the boat's differential. If the weight of the engine causes the stern to be heavily submerged, the hull resistance increases, and the engine has to run at higher rpms to maintain speed, which increases the flow rate.
Is it worth buying a light alloy screw to reduce weight?
Replacing a regular steel or heavy propeller with a lightweight aluminum propeller can reduce the total weight of the rotating masses, which will positively affect acceleration, but the total weight of the engine (44 kg) will not be significant, since the propeller mass is only a small fraction of the total mass.
The weight of the 20 vortex is 44 kg, which is the average for motors of this class, providing a balance between the reliability of the design and the possibility of manual transportation.