best motor?

[Bob]

What would be the ideal four stroke outboard for an o'day 22? i am considering a honda 5hp but worry that it isn't big enough if we get stuck a ways out in current. then again, the next size up in honda (7hp) is significantly heavier. johnson + mercury are the only other brands i am consirering at this time. their 6's are much lighter than the honda 7, but are they as quiet or gas eficient?thanks for your inputbob

 

[Bob McGee, O'Day 22]

I use a Johnson 3.3

two-cycle, long shaft solely because of the weight. It comes in at about 27 lbs. I sail primarily inland lakes where I don't have to cope with currents and tides so consequently the low horses is sufficient for me. What I don't care for in my motor is that it is direct drive ... no neutral or reverse. For that reason alone, I'm thinking now about a Yamaha 4 hp, 4 stroke, F-N-R which comes in at about 48 lbs. In the three seasons I have had the 3.3, I've put no more than 2 total hours on it.

 

[Rick]

Yamaha 6

I put a Yamaha 6hp on my O'22 two years and love it. It's quiet, fuel efficient, and I can reach hull speed at 2/3 throttle. I did have to use a much more sturdy bracket as the Yamaha is considerably heavier than the old Johnson two stroke 6 it replaced.Rick/'Solace'/O'22

 

[John Niederhauser]

Need advice 2

Bob,I also am in the market for a kicker for my Oday 23 and also worry about weight. What is the max weight the motor mount takes? The Honda 8 and 9.9, 4stroke, long shaft are around 100lbs, but I want the alternator feature to keep the battery up. Thoughts? john

 

[Al Gruber]

Sailmaster 4

I bought a used 2 cycle Johnson Sailmaster 4 for $300, to replace my long shaft Merc 7.5 and really like it. The Sailmaster 4 is a standard Johnson with an extension installed at the plant.It's very light, can be taken off and on while in the water. It's on my 78 22 with a standard mount. It longer than the long shaft Merc and stays in the water more. It has no reverse so you have to spin it around and turn the rudder at the same time which takes a little practice but once mastered you can manover in small areas. It can push the boat to hull speed in still water and still has a little power to spare. It might be a little short against wind and waves, but I've always had enough power. 2-cylinders makes for smooth running at low power settings. When under sail, I pull up the motor up and tilt it forward to keep the prop out of the water. When I did this with the heavy Merc, it swayed around so much in the waves that I thought it might rip the mount off. I think that having a motor that can be raised out of water when under sail, and long enough for the prop to stay under water in waves are the most import considerations. I checked out the Honda 5 before finding the Sailmaster and after measuring a lot of motors, I found the Honda was a little longer than the other long shaft motors and I think it would be my choice for a new motor. I think 5 horse would be enough power and stll be light enough, but I haven't tried one. Al