When choosing an outboard motor for a small vessel, one of the critical parameters is its mass. Wind 8The issue, which has been popular with fishermen and water lovers for decades, is particularly acute, with many owners of PVC inflatable boats and lightweight aluminum kazaks looking for a balance between traction power and the physical ability to transport the unit.
Understanding the real weight of the engine is essential not only to assess the boat’s load capacity, but also to properly select the transom. An overweight motor can upset the boat’s balance, and being overweight when carried by one person will quickly lead to fatigue. In this article, we will discuss in detail the weight specifications of various modifications, including versions 8, 8.8, 10 and 12 horsepower, as well as factors affecting the final weight.
It is worth noting that the figures claimed by the manufacturer may differ from the actual figures measured on the scales, this is due to the design changes that were made in different years of production, as well as with the configuration. Dry weight This is only a basic reference point, which does not take into account oil, fuel in the carburetor and attachments.
Basic specifications and declared mass
Official documentation accompanying Wind 8, which indicates a mass in the range of 26 to 28 kilograms. However, this figure refers to the "dry" weight, that is, without taking into account technical fluids. For a modern user accustomed to light Chinese counterparts, even 26 kg can seem significant, especially when you consider the need to carry for long distances to water.
The design of the DW and the gearbox is made of silumin and steel, which provides durability, but adds extra pounds. Unlike modern two-strokes, which are heavily used plastic and light alloys, the Soviet engineering school relied on safety margin. engine weight 8 It has remained consistently high throughout the history of production.
When buying a used motor, be sure to weigh it: the absence of a daydvut or silencer can reduce the weight by 2-3 kg, which is important for transportation.
The 2 kilogram difference between different models is due to the year of production and the manufacturer. Motors produced in later periods could have changed the geometry of the crankcase or a simplified ignition system, which is small, but affected the final figures.
Comparison of modifications: 8, 8.8, 10 and 12 hp
Engine lineup under the brand Wind There are many variations that can be visually identical but have different power and weight, and understanding these differences will help avoid mistakes when choosing parts or evaluating the carrying capacity of a boat.
Modifications Wind 8.8 The power increase is achieved by changing the timing phases and the carburetor settings, but the structural block of cylinders remains the same, so the weight difference between them is minimal and within the measurement error.
More powerful versions, such as 10 and 12 hp, require careful study. Although they are based on the same platform, the gain of some nodes can lead to a slight increase in mass.
Below is a comparative table showing the weight-to-power dependence of various engine versions.
| Motor model | Declared power (hp) | Dry weight (kg) | Design features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind 8 (old pattern) | 8 | 26.0 | Magdino, contact ignition |
| Wind 8 (new sample) | 8 | 26.5 | Electronic ignition, modified by deadwoot |
| Wind 8.8 | 8.8 | 26.5 | Improved carburetor |
| Wind 10 | 10 | 27.0 | Changed GBC and settings |
| Wind 12 | 12 | 27.5 | Reinforced piston group |
Factors Affecting Real Weight
When you pick it up. Wind 8The actual weight of the vehicle may be significantly higher than the data-sheet figures, due to the accumulation of technical fluids and the installation of additional equipment. Working weight This is the kind of thing you have to do with fishing.
The oil in the gearbox should be considered first, although it is small (about 250-300 ml), combined with the fuel remaining in the carburetor float chamber, this puts additional stress, and the water pump also increases the mass if the motor was not completely drained after the last use.
Effects of corrosion on mass
Over the years of operation, aluminum alloys can be oxidized, and sand or silt sometimes accumulates in the cavities of the daydvut, which imperceptibly adds up to 1 kg of weight.
The installation of an electric starter (on some modifications), a more powerful generator or a customized daydvut for shallow water changes the center of gravity and the total mass of the unit. Wind with an electric starter will be heavier than the manual version by about 1.5-2 kg.
Transportation and ergonomics
The question of carrying Wind 8 26-28 kg is the border weight that one person can carry for short distances, but for long cruising on rough terrain it already requires good physical shape or special devices.
To facilitate transportation, many owners use roller carts or special bags with a rigid frame.
- 🎒 The use of a hard case protects the engine from shocks, but adds its own weight (about 3-4 kg).
- 🛒 Cart with pneumowheels is the ideal solution for sandy shores and long fibers.
- 🤝 The transfer of the two requires coordination of actions so as not to drop the heavy unit on the legs.
For regular long-distance carrying, one person is recommended to purchase a special shoulder strap with soft linings.
When loading into the car, it is important to take into account not only the weight, but also the dimensions. Wind It is elongated and not always convenient to place in the trunk of a passenger car with a boat, and often the engine has to be carried in the cabin, which requires careful packaging to avoid contamination of the cabin with oil and gasoline.
The influence of weight on the driving performance of the boat
Motor weight directly affects the differentiation of the boat. Wind 8 It can be a bit heavy, shifting the center of gravity to the stern, which leads to burrowing of the nose in the wave at low speeds and increased fuel consumption.
However, for metal boats such as Kazanka or Crimea, this weight is optimal. Heavy daydvut helps to pull the boat to plane at full load, ensuring the stability of the course. Wind and lateral wave have less impact on the boat with a heavy motor on the transom.
☑️ Checking the boat's balance
There is a concept of "minimum permissible weight" for planing. If the engine is too light, the boat may "sniff" or not get on plane mode with two passengers. Wind It plays a positive role in improving hydrodynamics.
Technical nuances and maintenance
Maintenance of a heavy motor requires reliable installation. Strubcines must be tightened with the force recommended by the manufacturer so that vibrations do not shake the mounts. Regular check of the diewoot mount bolts to the deidwooter is mandatory, since the weight of the unit creates a constant load on the connection.
When conserved for the winter, it is important to drain water completely from the cooling system. Residual water in the cooling shirt when frozen can lead to cracks in the case, which is critical for a heavy cast iron aluminum block. Repair of such damage is often economically impractical.
⚠️ Warning: When lifting the motor from the water behind the rample, act carefully. A sharp jerk can lead to a back injury due to the inertia of heavy lower unit, which continues to move after leaving the water.
Lubrication of rubbing knots also requires attention. Heavy gearboxes are under heavy loads, and the quality of the transmission oil should be high. Oil changes should be made strictly according to the regulations, since the wear of gears in a heavy motor is faster when using poor-quality lubricants.
Comparison with modern analogues
Compared to modern Chinese analogues with a capacity of 8-10 hp, Wind 8 Modern motors can weigh between 20 and 22 kg due to the use of composite materials and a more compact layout of the components.
However, repairability and availability of spare parts do Wind A light engine can be disposable in the event of a breakdown, whereas a heavy Soviet unit can be repaired for decades, finding parts even in remote garages.
- 🔧 The availability of spare parts at Wind is close to 100%, unlike rare Chinese brands.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption at the Wind is higher, which is partially compensated by its survivability and repairability.
- 📉 Liquidity in the secondary market remains consistently high regardless of the year of issue.
Why is the Wind heavier?
Soviet engineers did not aim to minimize weight, but rather to work at low speeds and reliability, which required massive parts.
The choice between a modern light engine and a heavy one Windy It's a choice between carrying comfort and reliability in a non-service environment, and for stationary storage on a base or heavy boat use, weight is not a critical disadvantage.
Can you reduce the weight of Wind 8 yourself?
In theory, you can replace some steel parts with aluminum or titanium, remove the daydew protection or use a lighter screw. However, such modifications require engineering knowledge and can reduce reliability. It is easier to buy a lightweight trolley for transportation.
What is the weight of the 8 wind turbine considered normal for a used motor?
A weight of between 26 and 29 kg in dry condition is considered normal, and if the motor weighs significantly more (over 30 kg), this may indicate the presence of water in the cavities, severe corrosion or the installation of abnormal heavy parts.
Does the year of production affect the weight of the engine?
Yes, it does not affect much. The engines of production before the 1980s can be a little heavier due to the use of thicker casting. The engines of the 90s and 2000s often have optimized crankcases, which reduces weight by 0.5-1 kg.
⚠️ Note: When buying a documentless motor and a daydvut (block only), do not focus on the weight of the unit. Full weight is collected only when there are all the hinged elements that may be lost.
Thus, engine weight 8 It's a feature that has both pros and cons, and understanding these nuances will help you make the right choices and use the technique effectively on a body of water.
⚠️ Note: When installing the motor on a transom, make sure that the transom mirror withstands not only the weight of the motor itself, but also the dynamic loads when hitting a wave. For Wind 8, the recommended transom thickness is at least 40 mm for plywood or 3 mm for aluminum.