We just purchased a 1978 16' 6" Oday. I tried using an old/small Minn Kota trolling motor (10). We sail on a lake. The wind typically blows into our dock, so am thinking it would be less stressful to have a reliable motor to get us off the dock. This past weekend, my small motor was useless with the wind. Any recommendations for best type of motor??? Larger electric trolling motor with more thrust??? Or should I skip the electric and go with gas??? Thanks.
Best Motor for 16' 6" ODay
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Depending on how much wind you are dealing with and how big the lake is I would look at some thing in the 3 to 5 hp range. I have a 5 hp mariner with a internal and external tank option that I am very happy with. I would stay away from any thing with no reverse.
Thanks Peterbud- I am quite new to this (obviously). I am seeing a 5HP for sale on Craiglist with less than 15 hours on it (longshaft) for $300. Sound reasonable? Anything else I need to know for a day sailer with respect to engine?? I see people talk about weight being the main issue - a 5 HP is not too heavy for a day sailer, correct???
I assume you have a Day Sailer II (16'9").
I have a 4hp longshaft Johnson on my 1979 DS II, 2-3 hp is usually plenty, over 5hp is really too big unless you want the ability to plane at higher speed (my 4hp pushes my boat to 6.5 knots+, could maybe go faster if I was able to trim the outboard in a bit more and push the stern up a bit)
If that MinnKota is 10# thrust it should be enough....but barely! Usually 1# of thrust for every 100# of boat (including people, and equipment) is recommended, DS II weighs about 700-800# with 3-4 people.
I bought the 4hp to get a clutch (F-N shift) and the built-in fuel tank with option of remote tank, have used the remote tank exclusively since 2006, only problem is the fuel line makes turning the engine around for reverse a bit awkward...... but I really rarely use reverse anyway. Weight for this engine is about 36-38#. A 4-Stroke 3.5hp will weigh about the same and is available with longshaft (Mercury/Tohatsu/Suzuki)
I have a 4hp longshaft Johnson on my 1979 DS II, 2-3 hp is usually plenty, over 5hp is really too big unless you want the ability to plane at higher speed (my 4hp pushes my boat to 6.5 knots+, could maybe go faster if I was able to trim the outboard in a bit more and push the stern up a bit)
If that MinnKota is 10# thrust it should be enough....but barely! Usually 1# of thrust for every 100# of boat (including people, and equipment) is recommended, DS II weighs about 700-800# with 3-4 people.
I bought the 4hp to get a clutch (F-N shift) and the built-in fuel tank with option of remote tank, have used the remote tank exclusively since 2006, only problem is the fuel line makes turning the engine around for reverse a bit awkward...... but I really rarely use reverse anyway. Weight for this engine is about 36-38#. A 4-Stroke 3.5hp will weigh about the same and is available with longshaft (Mercury/Tohatsu/Suzuki)
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