SK385XL Kaboat and Tohatsu 6hp speed test

In this video, I take my SK385XL and pair it with my Tohatsu 6hp outboard to do a speed test. I also talk about using a different propeller pitch to achieve better results under certain conditions. I hope everyone gets to enjoy this video.
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[@RNeves777]

I just wanted to say that I am so happy to have found your channel! I am looking to buy an inflatable boat (first boat in my life), and you explain everything we need to know. Also, you talk about how not to spend too much money (I'll be like you, inflating the boat every time I want to use it. I have a small house and small car). But I think we can still have fun! Great work man!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Thank you kindly and I am happy I can be of help. Yeah, I am a bit of a minimalist, if I don't have to have it I won't buy it lol

[@THe9-3MAnIaC]

I like Tohatsu engines. But if the budget is thight, buy a chinese engine like Parsun, Hidea or Hangkai. It's existing more chinese manufacturers but these was a few of them. I have a Parsun 2.6 hp 4 stroke from 2014 and it runs really well, so highly recommend Chinese engines

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Yes, Parsuns are great. They have them in Canada and folks speak well about them

[@THe9-3MAnIaC]

@@ErickMartinSucre Nice to here! Here in Sweden, people have quite a bit prejudices about Parsun, but those who have a Parsun seems to be happy, I'm on of those who is happy with their engines 😀 At some point, I will also own a Tohatsu 👍

[@ErickMartinSucre]

I would like to find a way to get my hands on a 9.8 parsun here in the US

[@chuck5114]

I love your videos! My wife and I are always waiting for a new one to come out.After seeing a lot of your videos I’m thinking of getting a kaboat but I haven’t decided which , on a normal or xl version and a gas or propane outboard, unfortunately there isn’t much info on the web on pros and cons of each one except for fishing versions which doesn’t interest me so much. I appreciate all the info you are giving us and showing us the wonderful places you go.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

I'm happy to help. The XL model is better, wider bladders give it more stability. Stick with gas powered outboards. Propane ones are having too many issues. I'm sure the technology for propane will get better but we are not there yet.

[@Deltro61]

Have you ever gone to a 9" pitch? I have the stock 8" pitch, but bought the 9" to try. I'm still breaking the motor in so hopefully this summer I'll get a chance to test it out. I have the Mercury but I think pretty much identical to the tohatsu. I ended up purchasing the sea eagle paddle ski 437, which hopefully with the catamaran design will reduce drag and I'll be able to hit 18-19, but we will see. great videos, and it looks like you're having a blast! Can't wait for spring, which explains why I guess I'm looking at boating videos in March--lol.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

I have tried the 7 and 8 pitch, but the 9 could probably be useful on a smaller inflatable like a kaboat or ganoe. I'll stick with the pitch 8 on thay model since 9 will be a bit too high. The engine may not Rev high at all.

[@adventuresmadeeasyllc6032]

Awesome review! Thanks man Planning on buying mine soon. Take care, keep having fun and stay safe.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Will do, and thanks for watching.

[@FloridaTrailrider]

Thanks for the video man. I have a 6 hp on my 12 foot and I am experiencing some porpoising. I’m thinking about driving it from the center of the boat to put more weight forward. Do you think that may help? Also, my propeller is a little bit low in the water.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

A hydrofoil may help, together with moving some weight towards the middle and front. What do you mean the prop is low on the water?

[@FloridaTrailrider]

@@ErickMartinSucrethe motor shaft is a bit long. About 3 inches

[@travisrolando8205]

I can tell that you really really do love your new Kaboat!! You know I definitely enjoyed this video Erick!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Yes, I love this thing

[@travisrolando8205]

@@ErickMartinSucreIt's always good to love something like that!

[@josephbutler4925]

Great to watch and very informative! I’m in my 70’s and in your opinion would you say a 15’ Kaboat or a 12 or 13 foot reg fishing Saturn fishing inflatable would be easier to handle!!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Kaboats are easy to handle for the most part. Mine is a 13 footer and it is enough for just me and some gear. Do you plan to go solo or with passenger?

[@josephbutler4925]

@@ErickMartinSucre with my 2 grandkids!!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

13 footer for sure. 12 may be a bit cramped

[@captainlandslide9874]

Nice one Erick, love your videos 👍

[@ErickMartinSucre]

😁

[@travisrolando8205]

Really good info Erick!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Thank you Travis!

[@tylermarrin1303]

Hey Eric, thanks for all your videos! I am looking at this same setup, and am in Tampa Bay which have seen you adventure around. Would the kaboat get tossed around too much by bigger boats wake? Thinking shell key, johns pass, honeymoon. I wouldn't take it out if swells were high but thinking maybe I need something like the SD365 instead. Thanks again

[@ErickMartinSucre]

SD would be best. I have taken this one to Shell Key, but I usually stay around the island where the wake isn't big.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

If you happen to buy, and if you don't mind, use this link. It gives me credit for the sale, and Boatstogo sends me more boats for me to try. Link to Boatstogo "Using this link helps me to continue making videos": www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=22d8687e-2bde-4e40-8c0b-a848d4c46d82&website_id=361778d4-e40b-4813-8923-8e35aa9ac777&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boatstogo.com

[@tylermarrin1303]

Will do, thanks for the quick reply!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Anytime!

[@tylermarrin1303]

Do you think I could get away with the CB365 vs SD365? Prefer the lighter weight of the cb if it's not sacrificing too much

[@BalkTutkusu]

thanks for the video, your energy&joy and the info you gave is great👍

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Always a pleasure and thank you for watching!!

[@firthofforthsibs3792]

Hello Eric, love your channel. I am new to the sib world. Only just received a Seago 260 slated floor. Still to purchase my outboard. I've decided to go for 6hp and came across the Orca 6hp. Wondered if you had seen this and what your thoughts are. Seems a lot cheaper than other 6hp outboards I have been looking at, wondering what the catch is. Keep up the great work😁👌

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Thank you kindly and welcome! I do not have any knowledge of this outboard but I will begin to research it now. I'll be back in a few.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

BoatworldUK seems to be the distributor, the outboard appears to be a Yamaha clone, the boatworldUK offers a 3 year warranty as well. So far so good to be honest.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

The site seems to be legitimate as well.

[@firthofforthsibs3792]

Thank you Erick. That is good enough for me. I think I will purchase this today. I will keep you updated once it arrives and I finally get out on the water☺️👍

[@ErickMartinSucre]

@@firthofforthsibs3792 Thank you! I would love to hear how it goes. Usually, clone outboards cannot be obtained here in the US due to strong laws.

[@CUBICHI1985]

Awesome video as always Erick!! Are there any pros/cons on kaboats vs the other inflatable boats (zodiac style)? What do you prefer to use the most and why..? I imagine it's a lot easier to setup/takedown the kaboat, but very little space in em, no? How does it perform with the paddles? Is it like a kayak or not really, looks heavy and bulky to be paddled like a kayak, I'd imagine it is not worth it to use without a motor right? I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks!! Cójelo suave mano 🍺🤙🙋‍♂️

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Awesome questions and someone here suggested I make a video comparing the 2. Both take about the same space in my car when folded, the kaboat is a little lighter. The dinghy is best suited for the ocean and very large bodies of water. The kaboat, in this case, can go into the ocean because it has very large bladders. Some kaboats have small bladders and those act just like a kayak but can us a motor, but are not suited for ocean travel when the waters are choppy. The one I have I can take out to the ocean but still need to watch out for waves and swells since it is prone to get tipped over.

[@petefbaum]

how do you feel about the ergonomics and long term fatigue of having to reach behind you to hold the tiller arm? Is it more comfortable to sit sideways so your arm is at your side in a more natural position? Does the Kaboat have enough width to turn your body sideways to do this?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

I swivel seat might help, but my trips usually don't last for more than one day or so. I bet it'll created a lot of fatigue if I did more than a day.

[@Deltro61]

Great video. I was curious about this model. Do you think it could take a 20 Suzuki? Same weight as 9.9.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

It can handle up to 10 just fine, but power beyond that it's not only overkill, it can harm the transom. Trust me when I say, you don't need more than 10hp on this Kaboat. I'll make the video with me pairing it with my 9.8hp once I finish the break-in for it.

[@c1i1]

I men did this for sk470xl. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCqdXiIbJWtm9U

[@ДАЙВИНГОХОТАРЫБАЛКА]

Эрик, привет. Попробуй установить четырех лопастной винт на 7 дюймов.Он будет выходить на глиссирование и быстрее и с более загруженной лодкой. Мотору Тохатсу отдельный 👍 палец вверх.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Да, у меня есть пропеллер 7,8x7, и он очень быстро помогает мне попасть в самолет. Спасибо за просмотр!

[@ДАЙВИНГОХОТАРЫБАЛКА]

@@ErickMartinSucre Эрик, сколько у него лопастей?Я тебе говорю про 4 лопасти на винте. Ну вот послушай мой совет.Весной тоже буду ставить себе 11 винт с 4 лопастями.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

@@ДАЙВИНГОХОТАРЫБАЛКА У меня 3 лезвия

[@jonathanrae6917]

Hi Erik, is your inlet under the cavitation plate on your 6hp? Mine is and the minute I get to plane, I get cavitation... Got any idea please mate?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Hmm, perhaps trying to put it on the first slot on the trim.

[@jonathanrae6917]

@@ErickMartinSucre that was my first thought, didn't work. It is the new design tohatsu 6hp, and for some reason it's been put on the underside of the cavitation plate.

[@chrisr465]

You always have great videos Erick. I have a Kaboat VK380 12.5 ft that I bought new in 2019. It has the inflatable floor and also V-keel. I also got a new 6hp mercury the same time. I weigh 180 pounds and I can hit 18mph. When I have a passenger that weighs around 140 pounds, it doesn't even get close to planing. When I try the 7 pitch, it helps but still doesn't really plane either. It might but just barely. I have tried all trim positions. I was wondering if the boats that don't have the v-hull plane any easier with a passenger. I'm thinking about getting a different boat. I have a 1998 evinrude 9.9 2-stroke that goes fast with two, I just wanted the 6hp to work. It doesn't look like Boats-To-Go still sell my model. It was considered a performance boat with the v-bottom. I like to keep the stock prop on for speed. I don't want to change the prop every time I have a passenger. Do you like the flat bottom boats better?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Sorry to hear the 6hp did not work, I love those little motors. The ZK430 is quite the formidable kaboat if you wanna check it out.

[@chrisr465]

So do you prefer the flat bottom boats for planing? Does it help being flat?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

@@chrisr465 Not really, the main reason I bought it was for me to get into rivers from now out.

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

Try having the passenger shift their weight forwards in the boat to help it plane...

[@ErickMartinSucre]

@@FeldwebelWolfenstool That it does yes

[@maldrury8313]

Good speed for a 6hp. Can you do a comparison video the Kaboat V your other boat?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Hmm? That sounds like a good idea and it is well within my skill range. Thank you for the suggestion

[@scottp4062]

Hey Erick, I have the 385XL with a brand new Tohatsu 6hp. I can feather the throttle to get up on a plane, but when I try to roll on more throttle, it sounds and feels like the motor is slipping out of gear. I'm assuming this is cavitation - does that seem right? Did you have this issue before changing the pitch of your prop?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Not really, in what pin hole is the outboard set on?

[@scottp4062]

@@ErickMartinSucre the second pin, which it was set at when I bought it... and I think you mentioned in a video the second pin worked well for you? I bought a Permatrim for the motor but I haven't decided if I want to go that route yet. Appreciate the reply.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

If possible, try the 1st pin and see if it helps

[@boatsandoutboards9070]

No, it's not cavitation, it is the rev limiter. with 1 person , it's better use 1st trim slot.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Understood

[@evanoverton]

Eric I bought a 6hp Suzuki 4stroke and am trying to decide between a saturn 365 air floor and a kaboat for family of 4. 2 adults and 2 kids under 50lbs. We will be on smooth lakes and in the intercoastal waterway when it’s calm. Which would you prefer?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Just saw your message here. I believe we covered most of it on FB.

[@Corpustroni01]

I just stumbled on this video and I'm looking to get my outboard, I have a small family of 4 also. Might I ask how did it went with your 6hp?

[@Youcan2Adventures]

Love it! Plenty of speed for me!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Same here

[@billymasters11]

What do you think the speed would be if you added an extra 250 lbs passenger and cargo? I have the same motor and thinking about a kaboat

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Maybe 10mph

[@ryansmith9030]

Good video. Thank you!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

My pleasure 😊

[@marciananton9226]

Is that a short shaft or long shaft outboard? Also, now that you have a 12hp 2 stroke, which would you recommend, the 6hp tohatsu or 12hp 2 stroke for the sk385xl.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

So glad you asked. They are both short-shaft, and since the 12hp Hangkai has the same weight as my 6hp Tohatsu, I'll say the Hangkai. The Hangkai needs a little bit more attention, but it is a great motor. Be sure to put a little grease on all exposed metal surfaces.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

I plan making a video of some of the things to look out for on the Hangkai motor, nothing serious, but it should help making the motor last.

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Also, I took the Hangkai recently river camping with my SK385XL kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKPPlaeGlpeFm8k it is overkill, but it is super nice to have that extra power on demand. It felt like I could put a heavier prop, and it'll make the kaboat go faster, but 20-22mph is more than enough to be honest.

[@marciananton9226]

​@@ErickMartinSucreThanks.

[@marciananton9226]

​@ErickMartinSucre I will definitely look out for this video. I am considering buying a 12hp hangkai motor.

[@spagettiman8310]

Just seen the video and I am thinking of buying a 2017 6hp mercury fourstroke

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Great little motor. It is the same as this Tohatsu. Thanks for watching!

[@spagettiman8310]

I ended up in getting a 5hp yamaha

[@ErickMartinSucre]

@@spagettiman8310 Those are good ad well. Very durable brand

[@chasem8491]

Did you use ethanol-free fuel for this run?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

No, I have never used that fuel. Just regular gas.

[@brett6852]

What camera do you use?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Back then I was using a Samsung S10E smartphone. At the moment I am using a Samsung S21+ and a DJI Action 2 camera

[@aalleexxx1609]

Hi Erik … I have the ZK380 and Tohatsu 6HP but I don’t get the same result. Seems like it goes for a bit and then the motor stalls…. Basically no plane Any ideas?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Planing tabs may help. The ZK380 is awesome, lightweight, rough where it needs to be, but it has a hard time getting into plane. Planing tabs will fix this.

[@aalleexxx1609]

@@ErickMartinSucreby any chance can you share what trim you have for the motor?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

@@aalleexxx1609 The 2nd slot, unless I am having issues catching plane I use the first slot.

[@maximusleonidas3091]

Let me ask you,what hole do you have the pin of your outboard,last hole or the first hole ???

[@ErickMartinSucre]

On my 6hp I keep it on the #2 slot. On my 9.8hp I use it on my #1 slot.

[@Mike-ew9zn]

Great info.!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Thank you, glad you liked it 8)

[@Rivaboyz1987]

R these kaboats faster than sibs mate the way they chop through the water

[@ErickMartinSucre]

I could not say really. Ribs have a v hull so that would make it better on choppy water. Flat bottom boats like this one have a hard time on choppy water.

[@thatonebeone]

i was looking to get this engine and will be perfect for ocean on the same size boat about 10 ft... thanks for the info

[@ErickMartinSucre]

My pleasure and be safe out there 8)

[@thatonebeone]

@@ErickMartinSucre thanks...nothing to worry here at my place in california san diego we just have hammer heads and great white sharks less then maybe 1 mile from shore in summer time lol

[@ErickMartinSucre]

@@thatonebeone Yeah, nothing to worry about you know, murder fishes that's all there is lol

[@thatonebeone]

@@ErickMartinSucre speaking of location gets pretty hot and warm here in socal.. also in FL where you at in summer i bet... do you use any spray uv like 303 marine to keep the sun from eating the pvc fabric of the boat ? i want my boat to last as long as possible and i take care of my stuff so i can get the most life span use out of it

[@ErickMartinSucre]

That would be handy if you plan to keep the boat exposed outside all the time. I roll up the boat after I am done using it and store it inside my room so I have no need for uv protection.

[@joedanvers1010]

You are my mentor, lol!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Haha! I'll do my best to guide you

[@joedanvers1010]

@@ErickMartinSucre you already are! I'm going to order the Saturn 13' fishing boat when it's available!

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Nice!! I like Saturn boats, well priced and durable.

[@ktulu310]

How does this setup ride with 2 adults and gear?

[@ErickMartinSucre]

The heavier person should ride in the back. Other than that it should be good.

[@davidbeiter7320]

what are the best wheels to put on a sk385xl

[@ErickMartinSucre]

These are the ones I currently use amzn.to/2PRHg9y but they are not the best. The best ones are these amzn.to/3wo5hpB but since the transom is so small on this kaboat, it may get in the water of the motor.

[@richarddevaottien7724]

Pitch is like gears on a vehicle

[@ErickMartinSucre]

Actually, yeah, that's right.

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

....I get 27 kph with exactly the same rig plus some gear...the fuel economy boggles my mind, compared to the 60's and 70's era higher powered 2-strokes I'm more used to...

[@ErickMartinSucre]

That's pretty good speed in my opinion