Water Tender 9.4 tri-hull performance test and review

Thinking of buying one? Here's a look at what you can expect in real-world waters.
Boat:
West Marine Water Tender 9.4 (same as Sun Dolphin)
Motor:
5HP LEHR Propane
2.5 HP Suzuki gasoline
/ smallcraftcruising
Location:
Pine Flat Lake, California

Пікірлер: 139

  • @TheBossman9001
    @TheBossman90012 ай бұрын

    Just got one recently and I've taken it out twice with a hand-me-down 55lb thrust trolling motor. Handles chop way better than I thought, seems super stable, and I did around 4-5mph with me, small cooler, motor + battery, and my girlfriend. Loving it so far, can't wait to go back out!

  • @C.Hawkshaw
    @C.Hawkshaw4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for making your reviews funny! 😂🚣

  • @padywac1970
    @padywac1970 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve got this boat. I love it! It’s great for 2 dudes that just want to simply fish on a lake. I use a 55lb thrust trolling motor, and it gets me around just fine. Not real fast, but it does the job.

  • @mauart.7893
    @mauart.78935 жыл бұрын

    What a relief to know you were just showing us how to not unleash the safety cord while driving the motor, other wise you would have a choped foot.

  • @mehmetdtx
    @mehmetdtx2 жыл бұрын

    I am glad you did not get hurt by the running prop when you fell in the water!

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    2 жыл бұрын

    me to! haha was a definite eye-opening learning experience about safety and checking before you go..

  • @kee7339
    @kee7339 Жыл бұрын

    Nice review guys , Thanks 👍

  • @samhodge7460
    @samhodge74607 жыл бұрын

    Excellent review, thanks!

  • @Mowglibaloo2
    @Mowglibaloo25 жыл бұрын

    That was amazing!

  • @lostinspace2026
    @lostinspace20266 жыл бұрын

    Nice video I just bought one of these and my only problem is the transom allows water to get in do you think I bought a boat w a defect

  • @gabepettinicchio7454
    @gabepettinicchio74546 жыл бұрын

    I'm assuming this really made by Sun Dolphin. I wish they made some larger versions of this thing, I really like the design.

  • @wes326
    @wes3265 жыл бұрын

    I had an 8 ft jon boat rated for 3 hp, so I put a 7.5 hp engine on it. For the top speed test I moved to the front to trim out the weight. Probably hit about 20 mph. Same thing happened except I was able to get back and get ahold of the tiller. Exciting time.

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    5 жыл бұрын

    I'd believe it. the 5HP Lehr rates low in thrust for its class, so it's more like a 4.5 HP yet it still is able to get up and plane the tri-hull. Adding 70% more HP to 7.5, i could definitely see speeds in the 15-20MPH with the right conditions. I put a 15 HP on my 12' Nylox (see other videos) and was hitting the REV limiter at 22MPH.

  • @hamadalromaithi4723
    @hamadalromaithi47236 жыл бұрын

    Maaaany thanks, great great video

  • @swiftshark
    @swiftshark3 жыл бұрын

    I recently bought one of these with a Minn Kota Endura 2 trolling motor (40lbs thrust) and its awesome for our community lakes in south florida.

  • @ob2064

    @ob2064

    2 жыл бұрын

    Can you take it into rougher water? Does it tip easily?

  • @pappysproductions
    @pappysproductions Жыл бұрын

    Cool video man

  • @mauart.7893
    @mauart.78936 жыл бұрын

    I got the same hull on fiberglass and with a 2.5 hp runs pefect

  • @stevengraham185
    @stevengraham1852 жыл бұрын

    Any adjustments needed or will the 3.5 be ok for this thick transome?

  • @wcresponder
    @wcresponder7 жыл бұрын

    Excellent demonstration on how to loose body parts. But as stated not much chance of anything happening. Riiight!

  • @davisdonnell55
    @davisdonnell556 жыл бұрын

    Hot cheetos, energy drinks, and boats. You're making 12 year olds jealous!

  • @DUDEfreestyle
    @DUDEfreestyle7 ай бұрын

    Does water leak into the bist is it sealed properly?

  • @umpierrefranco
    @umpierrefranco6 жыл бұрын

    I had that same water tender from west marine, put foam in the hull, it had a 9.9hp mercury 2 stroke, rod holders...caught 2 sailfish, a lot of mahis and big wahoos, tuna, king mackarel..ect..a lot of cool memories and yes..we did had some scary moments on that boat going 4 to 10miles offshore

  • @gabepettinicchio7454

    @gabepettinicchio7454

    6 жыл бұрын

    Your kidding, right?

  • @wildkatsailing

    @wildkatsailing

    6 жыл бұрын

    are you trolling for people to tell you how stupid you are?

  • @gabepettinicchio7454

    @gabepettinicchio7454

    6 жыл бұрын

    Looks like he caught you &I!

  • @jmac0902

    @jmac0902

    4 жыл бұрын

    4-10 miles wtf

  • @nolanmgrizzle9696
    @nolanmgrizzle96967 жыл бұрын

    When will you make another video? I enjoyed all of them so far!👍

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    7 жыл бұрын

    thank you! and I am planning a new one very soon...

  • @JohnLee-ui5gd
    @JohnLee-ui5gd2 жыл бұрын

    My girlfriend just got one of these. Looking forward to cruising and doing some fishing. Mods to come.

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    2 жыл бұрын

    excellent! these are fairly decent little boats for their price..

  • @stevengraham185
    @stevengraham1852 жыл бұрын

    Went with the 3.5 hp Merc. Thanks for all your help and ideas guys. It’s actually a half hp over its suggested rating, but it’s just enough hp to move my Son & I at an ok clip

  • @Kana0211

    @Kana0211

    2 жыл бұрын

    Ohoho anyways, I went with a 8hp merc on a 8ft boat. I think it's 6 hp above rating.

  • @stevengraham185

    @stevengraham185

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Kana0211 I’m sure it Fly’s. Is it to much weight on your transome or is it ok ? What type of boat do you have ?

  • @Kana0211

    @Kana0211

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@stevengraham185 welp adding my friend to the boat and after a while the transom cracked a bit. Top speed with 2 people 16mph. With me alone I got 18mph. Walkerbay 8.

  • @Kana0211

    @Kana0211

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@stevengraham185the motor wad Torqueing the transom very hard lifting the front up. Also motor was too deep underwater. But it was fun while it lasted. Dinghy will need a small torch weld and reinforced aluminum sheet of metal bolted to the back.

  • @benjamincurry5701

    @benjamincurry5701

    24 күн бұрын

    That's what I have and everything is great with it. For 2 people

  • @tezcatbus
    @tezcatbus4 жыл бұрын

    sitting here trying to figure out how y'all other commenters are complaining about 8mph and not achieving a plane, and then i realised it's been about 15 years since i was doing anything faster than trout trolling in a kayak. this will be my first year out in the tender - buying a wimpy little electric mower for it - and while you're upset i'm over here getting excited about being able to troll for kokanees at 2mph while eating a sandwich AND scratching my ass at the same time! different strokes, i guess 😂

  • @stevenfortney3476
    @stevenfortney34766 жыл бұрын

    I'm looking to purchase this boat for my wife and I, and was wondering if you did a max weight test with the Suzuki 2.5hp. I'm torn between the Suzuki 2.5 and the Tohatsu 3.5, since both are light motors. I don't want to bump above those because the Tohatsu is 41lbs, and anything more hits 50+ (I plan on transporting and do not want to haul a 50lb motor). If you did do a max weight test on the Suzuki, what were the top and cruising speeds, and how was your plane and fuel economy affected. Lastly (sorry for long comment) would you recommend the 3.5hp over the 2.5, or vice versa, and why? I will be using this for inshore fishing/backcountry in the keys and LIGHT ocean fishing (possibly).

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    6 жыл бұрын

    we didn't do max weight on the 2.5 but don't expect more than 4-5 mph. At such low speeds, the boat is fairly useless against strong winds and/or currents. I chose Suzuki over the Tohatsu originally based on the Suzuki motors consistently performing at the top of their horsepower classes, and it was cheaper. Don't expect amazing performance from either motor; even a cheap lawnmower comes with 5-6 horsepower. It will putt putt putt you around, and that's about it. I don't have any direct experience with Tohatsu. My local outboard mechanic says they are decent enough but parts can take weeks to arrive, and he's had a lot of angry customers as a result.

  • @stevenfortney3476

    @stevenfortney3476

    6 жыл бұрын

    Small Craft Cruising Thanks for the quick reply, that made my decision easier, especially since the tohatsu was $200 more.

  • @rifinooorifinooo5201
    @rifinooorifinooo52013 жыл бұрын

    good evening sir I hope you are well so here I am sending you this message just to know how much the price for the zodiac

  • @blakeharvey539
    @blakeharvey5397 жыл бұрын

    This was a very funny and informational video. Thanks!

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    7 жыл бұрын

    glad you liked it!

  • @stevengraham185
    @stevengraham1852 жыл бұрын

    Waster $300 on an Evinrude Jr for my Water Tender. It’s to small and will not fit on my transoms. Any problems clamping on a 2.5 ? Thank you

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    2 жыл бұрын

    both those motors BARELY fit on that transom with how thick it is from the factory

  • @futurezx8078
    @futurezx80787 жыл бұрын

    I want one

  • @APino-mc2lq
    @APino-mc2lq6 жыл бұрын

    with a bad weather in the deep sea, does the boat sink?

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    6 жыл бұрын

    I wouldn't recommend this boat for open water use for the casual boater as it comes from the factory. With some modifications it could be made much better

  • @Mitch-rd9gs
    @Mitch-rd9gs6 жыл бұрын

    I’m new to boat owning and I’d really enjoy owning this since it’s so inexpensive. Can I buy a trailer for this? I know it’s so small/light but I don’t live within 5 miles of the nearest lake. If so, does anyone know a good one? Thanks in advance!

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    6 жыл бұрын

    Itz MitchMitch the cheapest trailer new that will work is at Harbor freight (assuming you're in the USA) they run less than $300. I used to put this boat on my roof rack, and would carry the motor in the trunk. There are a lot of ways to carry a small boat

  • @Mitch-rd9gs

    @Mitch-rd9gs

    6 жыл бұрын

    Small Craft Cruising thanks much!

  • @stevengraham185
    @stevengraham1852 жыл бұрын

    Sooo, Do you think a 2.5 Suzuki will be ok ? I’m looking at the Mercury 2.5 as well.

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    2 жыл бұрын

    well, you saw the suzuki 2.5 in this video.. it is not fast, but is perfect in calm water.

  • @darb4091

    @darb4091

    2 жыл бұрын

    The Honda is air cooled so you don't have to worry about impellers and water intake sucking mud/sand.

  • @sharonbraselton4302

    @sharonbraselton4302

    2 жыл бұрын

    get tye 2.7 hp aircooler çrusen carry outbsrd

  • @boonecountyautomotive3986
    @boonecountyautomotive39867 жыл бұрын

    Good reviwe

  • @boonecountyautomotive3986

    @boonecountyautomotive3986

    7 жыл бұрын

    Review

  • @51508080
    @51508080 Жыл бұрын

    I can hit 15 mph with a 6hp Merc OB, and 200 pounds on board (me plus 6 gal tank and gear), even with full bimini. But must be sitting in the middle and using a tiller extension.

  • @darwindarwin141
    @darwindarwin1413 жыл бұрын

    How much does it cost and how much does it weigh ?

  • @julyfishy392

    @julyfishy392

    2 жыл бұрын

    $600 110lbs

  • @KateCat08
    @KateCat083 жыл бұрын

    Great video guys. How is it for rowing?

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    2 жыл бұрын

    sorry for a year late. .but it is not a good row boat.. the square shape adds stability, but lots of resistance..

  • @LokeshThakur
    @LokeshThakur4 жыл бұрын

    can this be used with oars?

  • @chronicawareness9986

    @chronicawareness9986

    4 жыл бұрын

    yes

  • @stevengraham185
    @stevengraham1852 жыл бұрын

    Best outboard for this dinghy ? Any advice? Thanks

  • @jeron9272

    @jeron9272

    Жыл бұрын

    Maybe a nice Suzuki 2.something hp or a 5/6hp

  • @plutoplatters
    @plutoplatters7 жыл бұрын

    good video.... just my stop hurrying rant

  • @darb4091
    @darb40912 жыл бұрын

    How has the Leher fared over the years?

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    2 жыл бұрын

    i have an early production model.. it has not been the best. but i am told the later ones are much better.. would I buy it again? I honestly do not know

  • @shrekniggahestealsyogirl9742
    @shrekniggahestealsyogirl97427 жыл бұрын

    Please uploaded!!!!

  • @BrazenBullXXX
    @BrazenBullXXX7 жыл бұрын

    Almost got a Darwin Award.

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    7 жыл бұрын

    BrazenBullXXX heh heh yup!

  • @tannerstines4783

    @tannerstines4783

    7 жыл бұрын

    BrazenBullXXX ii

  • @nickadeletti7655
    @nickadeletti76557 жыл бұрын

    Yamaha 6hp?

  • @nguyentieu2806
    @nguyentieu28063 жыл бұрын

    How much did you buy that boat, in US dollars?

  • @babruskamal2131

    @babruskamal2131

    3 жыл бұрын

    75

  • @timwilliams7274
    @timwilliams72743 жыл бұрын

    Where do I buy a water tender boat an how much are they that's a cool Lil boat

  • @senorgarzilla

    @senorgarzilla

    3 жыл бұрын

    West marine just started carrying them again.

  • @senorgarzilla

    @senorgarzilla

    3 жыл бұрын

    699

  • @brandonlaswiss2974
    @brandonlaswiss29744 жыл бұрын

    it be good for loading on a car rooftop

  • @stponyt
    @stponyt7 жыл бұрын

    You still need a Safe Boatings License to operate this right?

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    7 жыл бұрын

    depends what state (or country) you live in. but even if it's not required, it's a good idea to have one

  • @cgarnace1993

    @cgarnace1993

    7 жыл бұрын

    Sparryax so i was planing to get my 9.4 watertender boat with 5hp lehr motor on state of hawaii do i need still to get licence?

  • @douglasanderson9929

    @douglasanderson9929

    7 жыл бұрын

    In Ct if you have an electric motor 106 lbs thrust or less, you don't need a license and you operate on Inland waters

  • @chronicawareness9986
    @chronicawareness99865 жыл бұрын

    lol he looks like the normal respectable version of logan paul

  • @DirtySanchez317
    @DirtySanchez3174 жыл бұрын

    Cool would be nice for ponds lakes and creeks with a gas powered trolly motor

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    4 жыл бұрын

    Shut up Morty yeah! Would be perfect for that! Or calm marinas.

  • @coltonsstuff17
    @coltonsstuff177 жыл бұрын

    keep making videos

  • @oldcutler100
    @oldcutler1004 жыл бұрын

    does the west marine weigh as much as a canoe

  • @Harley831

    @Harley831

    4 жыл бұрын

    Little more, but similar enough. It can be handled by 1 person if need be

  • @mackbarr3949
    @mackbarr39496 жыл бұрын

    Looks pretty fuckin decent by

  • @Devo1987
    @Devo19877 жыл бұрын

    you guys need to start the boat while in the boat you never start a motor outside of a boat

  • @vtwin4life
    @vtwin4life6 жыл бұрын

    Great video but starting the motor while IN the water with the prop right next to your legs at 3:23?!?!?! So horrifically dangerous....

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    6 жыл бұрын

    yeah, that clip was done that way for a different segment that got cut.. it was relevant but is out of place now...

  • @Mowglibaloo2

    @Mowglibaloo2

    5 жыл бұрын

    Could have went wrong lol

  • @davesears9681

    @davesears9681

    Жыл бұрын

    It won't start if it's in gear

  • @DuKbuK2
    @DuKbuK24 жыл бұрын

    Imagine if this boat was 20 m long and 8 m wide

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    4 жыл бұрын

    Josip Findak would basically be a barge

  • @martykasa7864
    @martykasa786429 күн бұрын

    Obvi you need to re test with a larger motor... To see how safe it is.

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    29 күн бұрын

    @@martykasa7864 this is the largest motor allowed by the manufacturer

  • @martykasa7864

    @martykasa7864

    28 күн бұрын

    @@SmallCraftCruising you have to try and see what size is need to get it up on plane... And how it maneuvers with it, and to see when the transom will break... For safety.

  • @martykasa7864

    @martykasa7864

    18 күн бұрын

    @@SmallCraftCruising more content = more views... Put 15 on it, then a 40... Etc...

  • @jackabel319
    @jackabel319 Жыл бұрын

    I this boat suitable to take into bays on calm days

  • @stevengraham185
    @stevengraham185 Жыл бұрын

    What is The MAKE of my Water Tender ? Need for tax info

  • @jeron9272

    @jeron9272

    4 ай бұрын

    Just go on the website and copy the name. As long as it matches the receipt you’ll be fine

  • @Jeff4559
    @Jeff4559 Жыл бұрын

    What about with two people and a 9.6hp?

  • @mikeshipway5990

    @mikeshipway5990

    Жыл бұрын

    With an 8 hp motor it would get on plain with two full grown men

  • @jeron9272

    @jeron9272

    11 ай бұрын

    You would probably need to reinforce the transom. Its only rated for 3 hp. I'd imagine all that extra weight in the back can't be good, but mainly youre gonna be putting repeated strain on the plastic which definitely cant be good

  • @roneychan5357
    @roneychan53573 жыл бұрын

    Does Hong Kong represent this ship?

  • @calebjohns2179
    @calebjohns21796 жыл бұрын

    The motor trim is making me cringe

  • @alasdairtrimmer4302
    @alasdairtrimmer43027 жыл бұрын

    ALLWAYS WEAR A KILL CORD, it's really really immature for someone to show people who clearly have very little experience on the water improper practice.

  • @xorxpert
    @xorxpert7 жыл бұрын

    Dinghy + 5hp. No prob

  • @vin1252

    @vin1252

    7 жыл бұрын

    LegitSoulja I

  • @plutoplatters
    @plutoplatters5 жыл бұрын

    get an electric motor or a 2 hp 4 cycle..... it's all you need.

  • @mikeshipway5990
    @mikeshipway5990 Жыл бұрын

    I put a Nissan 8 hp motor on mine

  • @matthew5172

    @matthew5172

    Жыл бұрын

    How fast does it go?

  • @mikeshipway5990

    @mikeshipway5990

    Жыл бұрын

    like twelve or fourteen with two full grown adults

  • @DUDEfreestyle

    @DUDEfreestyle

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@mikeshipway5990does water get into the boat or is it sealed properly?

  • @mgillespiedesign
    @mgillespiedesign5 жыл бұрын

    Don't get in trouble

  • @johnnoroian6890
    @johnnoroian68907 жыл бұрын

    omg you almost lost your foot to that prop

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    7 жыл бұрын

    haha it was a close one! hopefully it will show others to respect the kill cord!

  • @lobotomyy

    @lobotomyy

    7 жыл бұрын

    Small Craft Cruising are you still uploading vids?

  • @SmallCraftCruising

    @SmallCraftCruising

    7 жыл бұрын

    I am.. I got caught at work for the past several months, but I have a few new reviews to finish and lots of boat updates to film.. don't give up on us yet :)

  • @lobotomyy

    @lobotomyy

    7 жыл бұрын

    Small Craft Cruising thx :)

  • @sharonbraselton4302
    @sharonbraselton43022 жыл бұрын

    this is weamst narone boat one feé

  • @toletonaldomoreno3522
    @toletonaldomoreno35226 жыл бұрын

    Very unstable

  • @seanwalker5157
    @seanwalker51574 жыл бұрын

    Bow in the air even with him sitting in the bow and trying to steer what a piece of crap.

  • @plutoplatters
    @plutoplatters7 жыл бұрын

    put an ELECTRIC motor on this !!!!!!!!! speed isn't necessary. slow down people !!

  • @wildkatsailing

    @wildkatsailing

    6 жыл бұрын

    no one cares what your opinion is but thanks for sharing it

  • @KiloByte69

    @KiloByte69

    6 жыл бұрын

    For every gallon of fuel you conserve I'll burn two.

  • @Josh-gy1xk

    @Josh-gy1xk

    6 жыл бұрын

    What the hell do you mean speed is bad ass and fun