We went out today for the first time this year (hard to believe but true...just haven't had time and the weather/wind has been uncooperative when I've had the time). Anyway, the winds were in the upper end of what I feel comfortable with (15mph). We typically launch the boat and paddle out beyond the no-wake zone and raise the sails. The problem...like today...is that the boat sits so high in the water that it gets pushed sideways by a stiff wind and even paddling can't counteract it. Way too much work. So I was thinking of maybe getting the Honda 2 HP moter that I've heard others mention as a means of getting to and from the dock. I know that purists will scoff at the idea of needing a motor, but I'm getting too old to care about what others think. Any reviews from personal experience?
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o/b on 170
I put a 2.5 Tohatsu on my H146, which is similar, as far as motor mount location goes. I strongly suggest a motor with neutral or with a clutch (mine doesn't). Switching to reverse by turning the motor around 180 degrees is scary while prop is turning, that far back in the boat.
I put a 2.5 Tohatsu on my H146, which is similar, as far as motor mount location goes. I strongly suggest a motor with neutral or with a clutch (mine doesn't). Switching to reverse by turning the motor around 180 degrees is scary while prop is turning, that far back in the boat.
Mercury 3.3hp
Having an outboard gives peace of mind to getting out from the dock and back in. I didn't like to think of sailing/paddling to/from the launch area with expensive boats to manuver around. Also, if you are way out and the wind quits, a motor brings you back home. My 3.3hp only weighs 25lbs. and pushed the boat along faster than you would think.
Having an outboard gives peace of mind to getting out from the dock and back in. I didn't like to think of sailing/paddling to/from the launch area with expensive boats to manuver around. Also, if you are way out and the wind quits, a motor brings you back home. My 3.3hp only weighs 25lbs. and pushed the boat along faster than you would think.
Just bought one
I just bought a Nissan 3.5 2 stroke and used it for the first time last week. 3.5hp is more than enough power as far as I can tell. Get the long shaft though (as I did)--that makes it more expensive but the prop stays in the water. You have to service the lower case via a strange method, so first I'd check with the dealer to see if the motor is shipped with oil in the lower case. Regardless, get the adapter that allows you to service the case without making a huge mess (as I did!!). Originally, I looked at the 2.5 but it didn't have neutral and it didn't came with the long shaft--both key factors. I thought about getting a 4 stroke. However, a 4 stroke is almost twice the weight of the 2 stroke. Hope all this helps.
I just bought a Nissan 3.5 2 stroke and used it for the first time last week. 3.5hp is more than enough power as far as I can tell. Get the long shaft though (as I did)--that makes it more expensive but the prop stays in the water. You have to service the lower case via a strange method, so first I'd check with the dealer to see if the motor is shipped with oil in the lower case. Regardless, get the adapter that allows you to service the case without making a huge mess (as I did!!). Originally, I looked at the 2.5 but it didn't have neutral and it didn't came with the long shaft--both key factors. I thought about getting a 4 stroke. However, a 4 stroke is almost twice the weight of the 2 stroke. Hope all this helps.
I use the Honda 2HP
One of the launches I use regularly is up stream about 1/2 mile. Way too much work to paddle. I went with the 4 stroke, since in the near future that will be all you can get. It also runs quieter and I don't have to mix the oil with the gas. The 2hp is plenty with my 170. It also has a centrifical clutch so when you put the throttle all the way down, the prop stops. Turn it back up, the prop turns. No thinking involved! Get out on the water!
One of the launches I use regularly is up stream about 1/2 mile. Way too much work to paddle. I went with the 4 stroke, since in the near future that will be all you can get. It also runs quieter and I don't have to mix the oil with the gas. The 2hp is plenty with my 170. It also has a centrifical clutch so when you put the throttle all the way down, the prop stops. Turn it back up, the prop turns. No thinking involved! Get out on the water!
mecr 2.5
i use a merc 2.5. goes ok. it could use a long shaft kit. the lack of netural or reverse is a pain, but i've gotten use to it.
i use a merc 2.5. goes ok. it could use a long shaft kit. the lack of netural or reverse is a pain, but i've gotten use to it.
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