1987 Hunter 23, best outboard motor???

[bill h.]

I have the old Nissan 5 hp 2 stroke 20" shaft motor which has served me well for 23 years but is now on its last legs. Thinking of MERC/Nissan/Tohatsu (all the same with different graphics) 4,5, or 6 hp motors. It would be nice to have the internal gas tank of the 4hp model as I would not have to run fuel lines over the transom. But I worry that the four stroke 4 hp motor is not potent enough to get me in in bad weather. I had problems with the 5 hp I have in 35-40 knot winds on a large lake (storms come up suddenly here).

Secondly all these four stokes are about 15 lbs heavier, will I have to modify my transom with a backing plate and longer bolts? Is it a big chore to install these heavier motors on the water? Thanks.

:neutral:

 

[ChrisM]

My Hunter 23 came with a 9.8 HP 4 stroke Tohatsu., purchased by the PO. It is a bit heavy, but what I like about it is that I reach hull speed at about 1/2 throttle. I know I have plenty of umph left if I need to make it back to the marina in a headwind. What I do not like is that even with the bracket in the up position, the prop is dragging in the water. The motor does seem to be a bit heavy, but I have not noticed any stress cracks in my gelcoat around the mounting bolts. Regardless I am going to move my mount higher, and when I do I plan on reinforcing the transom. Why take a chance?

Cheers,

Chris

 

[peptobysmol]

I have the old Nissan 5 hp 2 stroke 20" shaft motor which has served me well for 23 years but is now on its last legs. Thinking of MERC/Nissan/Tohatsu (all the same with different graphics) 4,5, or 6 hp motors. It would be nice to have the internal gas tank of the 4hp model as I would not have to run fuel lines over the transom. But I worry that the four stroke 4 hp motor is not potent enough to get me in in bad weather. I had problems with the 5 hp I have in 35-40 knot winds on a large lake (storms come up suddenly here).

Secondly all these four stokes are about 15 lbs heavier, will I have to modify my transom with a backing plate and longer bolts? Is it a big chore to install these heavier motors on the water? Thanks.

:neutral:

As for which motor, if I had a choice it would be a 6 hp. If the transom flexes by the motor mount when you put the motor on you'd probably need to reinforce it.
If you are installing it on the water, be sure to secure it with something like the main halyard. Good Luck.

 

[Brian M H23]

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=642166

 

[C Jones]

Bill, I have a Nissan 5hp four stroke. It came on my boat and has done fine so far. If I was going to get a new engine I agree 6hp sounds better than 5hp. I would purchase a Merc. 1st and Yamaha 2nd. I have a 2.5hp four stroke on my Mutt and it seems to be a better quality, more dependable engine than my Nissan. The PO ran the fuel line on mine thru the back of the starboard side fuel tank storage area into the lazerrete and then over to the port side and out the transom about 6-8" down from my stern rub rail. You can see it in the pic. of the stern of my boat. I raise the the lazerrete lid and prime the bulb. I replaced all fuel lines and the pump bulb when I purchased the boat as the bulb was leaking. No problems and I like it now. I thought all h23's had this until I got on here. Good luck. Charles

 

[bill h.]

Wow

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=642166

Now that support would hold a 25 hp motor. I was just thinking of a 3/16" aluminum backing plate, maybe glassed or epoxied on the inside drilled for the bolts, with big stainless washers and lock nuts. You went beyond that. Strong for sure.

 

[Brian M H23]

Thanks!
Life's tough when you're a mechanical engineer

 

[Freebird]

I have a mercury 6hp long shaft. I had it on the stock motor mount for two years and then added an garelick mount.(good investment) As to which one to buy, mercury-nissan or Tohatsu, they are all made by Tohatsu so I would look for the best price
Freebird

 

[carboman]

I have a 1995 Evinrude 8 HP Yachttwin longshaft, two stroke that weighs 65 lbs. It's on the stock bracket and works well. Don't think I would go much over that weight. I can lift it off and easily store it in the cabin.