I am looking for feedback as to whether a 4-stroke, 10hp outboard motor is suitable for my O'Day 23. I need a new motor and want 8 to 10 hp with a 25" shaft. I am debating 2 or 4-cycle. I like all the benefits of the 4-stroke except for the weight and bulk. I have been very happy with my old 10hp 2-stroke but no longer trust it. Thanks in advance. 1980 Oday 23 Adventure.
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Check your bracket
The link to the motor discussion for the 22 is interesting, but the 23 is a significantly heavier boat. I just replaced the outboard on my 23. Based on searches and discussions, I found owners using 6hp to 15 hp (the max. that the boat is rated for per the original brochure). The key is what currents you encounter. I had an 8hp, and moved up to a 9.9hp; performs much better for me when returning to harbor against the outgoing tide. So I agree with your size choice. Four stroke has fuel and environmental advantages, but you have to have a bracket that will handle the weight and torque. I found that the bracket manufacturers are specific on wieght, hp, and 2 or 4 stroke, so you need to check yours. I stayed with a 2 stroke Mercury. My bracket position works well with 20" shaft. Current model is very quiet, and weight is 73 lbs. Good luck.
The link to the motor discussion for the 22 is interesting, but the 23 is a significantly heavier boat. I just replaced the outboard on my 23. Based on searches and discussions, I found owners using 6hp to 15 hp (the max. that the boat is rated for per the original brochure). The key is what currents you encounter. I had an 8hp, and moved up to a 9.9hp; performs much better for me when returning to harbor against the outgoing tide. So I agree with your size choice. Four stroke has fuel and environmental advantages, but you have to have a bracket that will handle the weight and torque. I found that the bracket manufacturers are specific on wieght, hp, and 2 or 4 stroke, so you need to check yours. I stayed with a 2 stroke Mercury. My bracket position works well with 20" shaft. Current model is very quiet, and weight is 73 lbs. Good luck.
8" or 14" vertical bracket?
Thanks Keith, I am convinced to stay with 2-cycle 9.9 hp. I can get a deal on a 20" shaft 9.9 hp Johnson but I am concerned with keeping the prop in the water in wavy conditions. I had a 20" motor on my current bracket and the motor was not deep enough. I measured my bracket and have 8" inches of vertical movement. I have seen brackets that have 14" on vertical movement. I am wondering if the 20" shaft and a 14" bracket may work. I have also lowered my bracket as far on possible on the transom.
Thanks Keith, I am convinced to stay with 2-cycle 9.9 hp. I can get a deal on a 20" shaft 9.9 hp Johnson but I am concerned with keeping the prop in the water in wavy conditions. I had a 20" motor on my current bracket and the motor was not deep enough. I measured my bracket and have 8" inches of vertical movement. I have seen brackets that have 14" on vertical movement. I am wondering if the 20" shaft and a 14" bracket may work. I have also lowered my bracket as far on possible on the transom.
Brackets Vary
My 23 is a 1973, and I don't think that the bracket is the original. The bracket is a Garelick EEz-In stainless steel unit #71033 with 11 1/4" of vertical travel (check out www.garelick.com). Manual says it is made for 2 stoke motors up to 115 lbs, and recommended for long shaft applications...but not 4-stokes. Looking from inside under the cockpit, there are no other holes in the transom, so it seems to be mounted on the same through-bolt pattern as the original. The full down position puts the prop of my 20" long shaft adequately into the water, with the cavitation plate below the bottom, and stays submerged even in a moderate chop. Hope this helps.
My 23 is a 1973, and I don't think that the bracket is the original. The bracket is a Garelick EEz-In stainless steel unit #71033 with 11 1/4" of vertical travel (check out www.garelick.com). Manual says it is made for 2 stoke motors up to 115 lbs, and recommended for long shaft applications...but not 4-stokes. Looking from inside under the cockpit, there are no other holes in the transom, so it seems to be mounted on the same through-bolt pattern as the original. The full down position puts the prop of my 20" long shaft adequately into the water, with the cavitation plate below the bottom, and stays submerged even in a moderate chop. Hope this helps.
Prop?
Austin, Four years ago I replaced an older Honda 7.5 4-stoke with a Johnson 9.9 2-stoke. When I first left the dock with the new motor, I had to check to see if I had left a line still tied. The motor came with a 2 bladed prop, of unknown pitch. When I went back to the dealer and asked for a "power-prop", he traded for a 3 bladed prop. (sorry, but again, I'm uncertain of the pitch) Now, I'm definately overpowered. I reach hull speed at about 2/3 throttle. If I had it to do over, I would go with a smaller (back to the 7.5) 4-stroke...I loved that fuel consumption. I now feel that one should check to make certain that you get the correct prop as opposed to just trying to use hp for more speed. Saves on $'s and weight. Terry S/V LaCarovita '83 O'Day 23
Austin, Four years ago I replaced an older Honda 7.5 4-stoke with a Johnson 9.9 2-stoke. When I first left the dock with the new motor, I had to check to see if I had left a line still tied. The motor came with a 2 bladed prop, of unknown pitch. When I went back to the dealer and asked for a "power-prop", he traded for a 3 bladed prop. (sorry, but again, I'm uncertain of the pitch) Now, I'm definately overpowered. I reach hull speed at about 2/3 throttle. If I had it to do over, I would go with a smaller (back to the 7.5) 4-stroke...I loved that fuel consumption. I now feel that one should check to make certain that you get the correct prop as opposed to just trying to use hp for more speed. Saves on $'s and weight. Terry S/V LaCarovita '83 O'Day 23
weight is important
i am a firm beleiver in 2cycle motors, there is a 22 cat in our marina with a 7.5 honda and the boat is always out of balance even when the motor is running. they "2cycle" are so simple and have so few moving parts, wonderful for small boats
i am a firm beleiver in 2cycle motors, there is a 22 cat in our marina with a 7.5 honda and the boat is always out of balance even when the motor is running. they "2cycle" are so simple and have so few moving parts, wonderful for small boats
new lightweight Mercury
The brand new 2005 Mercury 9.9 4-stroke looks great at about 88 pounds. This is just about what my old Mariner 9.9 2-stroke weighs. They even come in a 25" shaft. I want the extra power the 9.9hp provides. I'm not racing, I'm crusing with the family in waters with potential for 6+ knot currents.
The brand new 2005 Mercury 9.9 4-stroke looks great at about 88 pounds. This is just about what my old Mariner 9.9 2-stroke weighs. They even come in a 25" shaft. I want the extra power the 9.9hp provides. I'm not racing, I'm crusing with the family in waters with potential for 6+ knot currents.
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