Best size outboard for a H23

[M and M]

Hi all, I have a 8 hp 2 stroke on my H23. I'm thinking of going with a smaller 4 stroke(maybe 5 or 6 hp). I'm on an inland lake that is approximately 14 miles long. Does anyone know a good size to go with without sacrificing too much speed or power? ...........thanks for your advice, Mark

 

[Kermit]

I use a 6 HP. Don't know if bigger would be better but I'm happy with what I have. The only time I've wished I had more power has been in pop up blow hards.

 

[jblersch]

I have a 6hp on my 240 which I sail inland as well. I agree - the only time I had wished for a little more hp when heading straight into some of our great plains gusts. Otherwise it moves the boat well. Others in my marina with similar boats seem to have either 6 or 8.

 

[peptobysmol]

6 HP on mine and i haven't had a problem on the lake.

 

[Paladin27]

I had a 5HP on mine for a couple years and it worked great up to about 4-5 ft waves. Beyond that and it was underpowered. I upgraded to an 8HP for Lake Michigan, but for a small inland lake, 5HP is more than sufficient.

 

[carboman]

have you seen the propane outbaords? there is a 5hp
http://www.golehr.com/

 

[hercguy]

I sail a similar sized lake and have a 20 year old 5hp two stroke strapped to a 23.5. It runs like a champ and works great getting in and out of a marina overrun with 70mph bass boats.

 

[isaksp00]

8HP on my 23, a bit heavy so I'd consider a 6.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

For the 23, the smallest engine I would recommend is the 5 hp and max is the 8 hp. Most 8 hp are the same engine as the 6 but higher rpm but I have been out of the buisness for a while and I may be wrong. Anything over the 8, then you have to deal with the outboard motor bracket and beefing up the transom to hold that engine but you will be overpowered anyway.

 

[Dougo]

I run a Honda 5 hp, 4 stroke. Works well, but you really need to anticipate stops since reverse is a bit weak when you're moving forward. Overall though, it works fine.