I have a Kelt 7.6 (27 foot) sailboat that I really like, but I want to replace the 7 Hp Honda outobard that it came with, with a 9 Hp Honda outboard. (This is not just for the greater power, but for the battery-charging and powered start feature that the larger engine has.) My problem is that the "motor well" that the boat came with accomodates the 7 Hp dimensions just fine, but would have to be modified or replaced with one of proper dimentions (larger hole for the engine). Has anyone dealt with this problem before---resizing the motor well in a Kelt to accomodate a slightly larger engine? I hesiate butchering my motor well, if there are any good ideas out there.
Kelt Sailboat - Resizing the Motor Well
- Thread starter BayRidgeBill
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There are some concerns with enlarging the motor well, since making it larger will reduce the waterplane and buoyancy of the stern a bit.
If you aren't careful, the boat's balance will shift aft, between the reduction in buoyancy and increase in weight, and this will effectively rake the mast, leading to greater weather helm.
Also, the motor well's walls may contribute to the boat's structure, so any well you build will have to be as strong as the existing one.
If you aren't careful, the boat's balance will shift aft, between the reduction in buoyancy and increase in weight, and this will effectively rake the mast, leading to greater weather helm.
Also, the motor well's walls may contribute to the boat's structure, so any well you build will have to be as strong as the existing one.
Enlarging outboard well my 2c
I have to agree with everybody else. Dont do it. Sounds like this joob would cost more than the boat is worth and compromise the sailing characteristics of the boat. One more remark:
You said Kelt? Ive been around sailboats along time and I never heard of a Kelt: Are you sure you dont mean Kells?
I have to agree with everybody else. Dont do it. Sounds like this joob would cost more than the boat is worth and compromise the sailing characteristics of the boat. One more remark:
You said Kelt? Ive been around sailboats along time and I never heard of a Kelt: Are you sure you dont mean Kells?
The Canadian built "Kelt 7.6" is 7.6 metres (25feet) long. It is a great sailing boat of French design. The outboard motor mounts in a well at the aft end of the cockpit. I have sailed one many times a few years ago and it had a Honda 7.5 with the shifter contols on the front. I would strongly suggest you look for a motor that fits the well. I think a Kelt displaces about 4500lb so you should be able to achive hull speed with about 8hp to 9.9hp (1hp/500lb) outboard with a high thrust propeller.
http://sailquest.com/market/models/kelt.htm
http://sailquest.com/market/models/kelt.htm
Looks like a fairly wide stern, a slightly heavier engine shouldn't have too great of an effect on balance.
If all you need is more room for the power head, (many engines share the same lower unit) I'd say check it out to see how much, if any, of the existing well is structural for the boat,(as opposed to structural for the well itself) then make any mods with that in mind. Depends entirely on your glass skills or pocketbook depth after that
Ken.
If all you need is more room for the power head, (many engines share the same lower unit) I'd say check it out to see how much, if any, of the existing well is structural for the boat,(as opposed to structural for the well itself) then make any mods with that in mind. Depends entirely on your glass skills or pocketbook depth after that
Ken.
Outboard
Ive got a pearson 26w I keep it light. Displaces about 5000lbs. In 08 I replaced a 20 year old Mercury 2 cycle pull start with a new Tohatsu 8hp Tohatsu pull start I found the Tohatsu
much more powerful than the Merc. The Tohatsu moves the boat at hull speed around 6kts
with less than 1/2 throttle. If I knew this before I bought the motor I would have bought a smaller engine. Todays engines are more powerful. Look around Im sure you can find an
engine that will fit and do the job.
Ive got a pearson 26w I keep it light. Displaces about 5000lbs. In 08 I replaced a 20 year old Mercury 2 cycle pull start with a new Tohatsu 8hp Tohatsu pull start I found the Tohatsu
much more powerful than the Merc. The Tohatsu moves the boat at hull speed around 6kts
with less than 1/2 throttle. If I knew this before I bought the motor I would have bought a smaller engine. Todays engines are more powerful. Look around Im sure you can find an
engine that will fit and do the job.
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