Whilst you can row the smaller Whaly models (210, 270, 310, 370), it's highly likely you'll be looking for an engine to power your Whaly. Each model has a maximum horse power, set by the EU and confirmed on the vessel's CE plate.
| Whaly Model | Max. hp | Shaft |
| 210 | 2.5 | Short |
| 270 | 6 | Short |
| 310 | 10 | Short |
| 370 | 20 | Short |
| 380 | 30 | Long |
| 400 | 50 (20-40 ideal) | Long |
| 435 (R / Pro) | 30 (40) | Long (Long) |
| 455 (R / Pro) | 40 (60) | Long (Long) |
| 500 (R / Pro) | 50 (60) | Long (Long) |
| 500R80 | 80 | Long |
| 450 Classic | 8 | Long |
But do you need maximum horsepower? You could save hundreds or thousands by opting for a lower hp that still serves your needs.
Here we try to explain the rationale behind choosing the optimum outboard for your boat, although every scenario is different and we consider each Whaly enquiry individually.
When helping you choose an engine (outboard), we'll ask:
- What is the boat's purpose (e.g. leisure, fishing, safety)?
- Where is the boat used?
- What is the payload (persons and luggage)?
- How fast do you need to go? And how likely is it you will reach top speed?
- Do you want remote control (electric starter, steering wheel on console, remote engine controls)?
Scenario 1:
Whaly 500 Pro with 60hp outboard
Outboard cost: £7,000.00 (approx.)
Likely speed: 24-25 knots
Whaly 500 Pro with 30hp
Outboard cost £5,300.00 (approx.)
Likely speed: 17 knots
For £1,700 less, you could still achieve sufficient speed.
Scenario 2:
20hp tiller control: £2750.00
20hp remote control: £4825.00 (includes battery, steering and controls but not the rigging cost).
It's a lot to consider.
Extreme example:
We have used a 2.5hp (long shaft) to move a Whaly 500 Pro, reaching about 3 or 4 mph. If that's all you need, why spend more?! Remember that inland waterway speed limits can be as low as 3mph.
Overview of engine classes:
Small (lightweight 17kg -27kg) engines 2.5hp – 6hp are generally tiller controlled and are not easily converted to remote control or electric start. Consider an 8hp remote control.
The 'Welterweight' class (38-45kgs) 8hp – 20hp: most features are available on these engines (tiller, multifunction tiller with electric start, full remote control).
The Middleweight engines (55 – 110kgs) 25hp – 60hp: all features available. Weight on the transom can hamper performance and propeller selection can make a huge difference too.
Talk to us - we can devise the best solution for your Whaly boat package.