I just bought a 23' o'day and need to buy an outboard. will a 6HP engine be enough power? any recommendations?
engine size on a 23'
- Thread starter mike b.
- Start date
- Status
I have an 8
I had a 9.9 two stroke on my Oday 23, and recently repowered with an 8 HP two stroke. The 8 has plenty of power. When I was considering the replacement, one experienced skipper told me a six would be sufficient; I don't get a lot of extra speed between 3/4 and full throttle with the 8, so I wouldn't be surprised if the 6 could push the boat fine. However, I like the idea of a little extra power on hand for strong currents and tides.
I had a 9.9 two stroke on my Oday 23, and recently repowered with an 8 HP two stroke. The 8 has plenty of power. When I was considering the replacement, one experienced skipper told me a six would be sufficient; I don't get a lot of extra speed between 3/4 and full throttle with the 8, so I wouldn't be surprised if the 6 could push the boat fine. However, I like the idea of a little extra power on hand for strong currents and tides.
I have a 6
I have a 23 with a 1999 Merc 6hp. I just purchased the boat a few weeks ago so haven't had much experience, but so far so good. I've motored into standard seabreeze winds (15kts or so) and had plenty of power. I was a little skeptical of 6hp, and would probably go 8 if I were starting from scratch, just to have a little extra power in case.
I have a 23 with a 1999 Merc 6hp. I just purchased the boat a few weeks ago so haven't had much experience, but so far so good. I've motored into standard seabreeze winds (15kts or so) and had plenty of power. I was a little skeptical of 6hp, and would probably go 8 if I were starting from scratch, just to have a little extra power in case.
Up to 15 HP
Orginal O'day docs recommend up to 15 HP. Of course, this reflected 2-stroke engines. I have a 9.9 Johnson 2-stroke and I recommend the higher HP to combat wind, waves, tides, and the "get out of the way" speed.
Orginal O'day docs recommend up to 15 HP. Of course, this reflected 2-stroke engines. I have a 9.9 Johnson 2-stroke and I recommend the higher HP to combat wind, waves, tides, and the "get out of the way" speed.
Engine Size on 23'
I've got a Yamaha 4hp on mine and so far it has handled everything beautifully but I haven't had to face any current or large chop. A 6hp would work nicely for chop and current. Just be sure that your outboard bracket is rated for it.
I've got a Yamaha 4hp on mine and so far it has handled everything beautifully but I haven't had to face any current or large chop. A 6hp would work nicely for chop and current. Just be sure that your outboard bracket is rated for it.
Outboards
Well, if you haven't bought an outboard yet, I'll throw my two cents worth. I have a 23 that is now on an inland lake. My outboard at this point is a Honda 2hp 4-stroke long shaft. This outboard will push my 23 with no problem and has done so in 2ft chop and 20mph winds. The only problem is the long shaft is only 20". If I were to face any more severe conditions, say taking it back to the gulf, I have an 8hp 2-stroke extra long shaft. It has more power than necessary for this boat. From my experience with this model in the gulf and inland lake sailing I would say it is more important to make sure that the shaft length is right. ANY 4hp or larger(I like the 4-Strokes) with an extra long shaft will do a fine job. Without the extra long shaft(25" or longer) you can cavitate the prop in rough conditions. I'm not saying that it won't but it takes a lot more. Another point to make is that sailboats perform better under sail than under power. Granted that there are areas that don't allow you to raise the sails( the Tom Bigby for one) or the case of no wind. In these situations a larger outboard doesn't really gain any great advantage. With a displacement hull once you have reached theoretic hull speed, to gain any higher speed requires an exponential amount of thrust. I know we can debate this issue until we are blue in the face, but the fact is that my 2hp isn't much slower than my 8hp. For what it is worth. Smooth Sailing Brian
Well, if you haven't bought an outboard yet, I'll throw my two cents worth. I have a 23 that is now on an inland lake. My outboard at this point is a Honda 2hp 4-stroke long shaft. This outboard will push my 23 with no problem and has done so in 2ft chop and 20mph winds. The only problem is the long shaft is only 20". If I were to face any more severe conditions, say taking it back to the gulf, I have an 8hp 2-stroke extra long shaft. It has more power than necessary for this boat. From my experience with this model in the gulf and inland lake sailing I would say it is more important to make sure that the shaft length is right. ANY 4hp or larger(I like the 4-Strokes) with an extra long shaft will do a fine job. Without the extra long shaft(25" or longer) you can cavitate the prop in rough conditions. I'm not saying that it won't but it takes a lot more. Another point to make is that sailboats perform better under sail than under power. Granted that there are areas that don't allow you to raise the sails( the Tom Bigby for one) or the case of no wind. In these situations a larger outboard doesn't really gain any great advantage. With a displacement hull once you have reached theoretic hull speed, to gain any higher speed requires an exponential amount of thrust. I know we can debate this issue until we are blue in the face, but the fact is that my 2hp isn't much slower than my 8hp. For what it is worth. Smooth Sailing Brian
- Status