Selva Black Bass 8: the test begins
A few days ago, SELVA MARINE delivered a rather intriguing 8HP outboard engine to The International Yachting Media editorial team: the Selva Black Bass 8, equipped with electric start. This 165 cc single-cylinder engine is by far the lightest in its category, and based on the data we’ll be verifying, it also promises to be compact, silent, and highly fuel-efficient.
We traveled to Tirano, to SELVA MARINE’s historic headquarters, to pick up this outboard engine. In a few weeks, we’ll kick off our test, starting with its initial setup.
To fully test the power of the Selva Black Bass 8, we selected a highly smart tender: the Selva 270 VIB, featuring a V-shaped inflatable hull. Weighing just 26 kg, this tender is completely rollable, making it easy to launch and retrieve with minimal effort, as well as conveniently stow away when not in use.
This combination of engine and tender will allow us to reach shore during our cruises or explore bays and small coves aboard a nimble and fast-moving service boat.
Selva Black Bass 8CV
The outboard engine is delivered by SELVA MARINE complete with its 12L external fuel tank, packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with a solid wooden frame inside to protect the engine from potential transport damage.
The Selva Black Bass 8 is incredibly compact in size and weighs just 30 kg. It delivers 5.9 kW of power and is available in both an electric start version (like the one on test) and a manual start version. Additionally, it can be chosen with a long shaft configuration, known as the Black Bass BIG FOOT SAIL 8, or, for workboats, in the BIG FOOT version, which features a reinforced lower unit designed to withstand extreme stress. The outboard is equipped with a three-blade propeller with an integrated Silent-Block system.
We can’t wait to put this small but powerful Selva Black Bass 8 to the test and see what it’s truly capable of!
Selva Black Bass 8: Technical Specs
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 63 x 53 |
| N° Cylinders | 1 |
| Induction | carburettor |
| Starting | manual |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Fuel tank | Separate 12 or built-in 1.8 l |
| Lubrication | Forced with mechanical lobe-pump |
| Ignition | C.D.I. Digital |
| Ignition timing | Electronic |
| Starting | Manual or Electric |
| Alternator (electric starting version) | 12V/70W with rectifier |
| Alternator (manual starting version) | Optional 12V/70W |
| Cooling | Water cooled with pump-forced circulation |
| Exhaust | Underwater through propeller |
| Steering system | Bar with twist grip throttle control and steering friction adjustment |
| Trim adjustment | Manual (4 pos) with trim for navigation in shallow waters |
| Direction reversal | Mechanical A-F-R + 360° shaft rotation |
| Transmission Ratio | 13/30 |
| Available shaft versions | C. – L. |
| Standard propeller type | 3-bladed with built-in spring drive |
| Weight basic version (kg.) | 27 |
