H25 and 15hp motor

[John Larsen]

The H25 I bought came with a 15hp Evenrud motor which seems to work fine going forward. I have difficulty in reverse getting out of the slip in high winds. Can't seem to get enough momentum to steer properly going backwards. Low or no wind conditions are not problematic. Any recommendations on prop size or type which might help. Any other ideas?Thanks. John

 

[Dave Condon]

In general about props

The props from experience are designed to give you forward thrust, and if you have a thru hub exhaust putting into reverse, you are backing doreclty into exhaust mixed with water. If you are getting good performance with the current prop in forward do not change it.

 

[Tom Chulski]

Torque in reverse

American made motors tend to pull the stern to port when backing down. This combined with low steerageway may be enough to turn leaving the slip into a character building experience. I agree with Dave Condon: if it works going forwards, don't try to fix it.

 

[Marcie Robson]

h25 steering control

I found that its necessary at slow speeds to turn with both the motor and the rudder facing the same direction . This takes some getting used to ,you have to move them both when you change directions and the transom gets in the way...but its worth it to gain better control in tight areas ...ours is a 9.8 hp and it does take a while for the boat to move in reverse, it also has the flatness of the back of the boat to overcome.This may seem obvious but make sure the motor isnt cocked forward into the trolling position (ok so its happened once). I have to admit we envy our neighbors with inboards but I like not having the complications associated with them....but we would take one in a second if given the chance.....hope this helps....and keep your sissy stick handy .We push ourselves out of the slip sometimes.....whatever works I guess.

 

[R Richter]

Wrong Motor

I have owned a H-25 for for over 20 years and I would guess you have several problems here. First with a thru prop exhaust you are backing the prop thru exhaust in reverse, that's why the Evinrude Sail motors 6 & 8 HP don't exhaust thru the hub. Second, the 15 probably has a gear ratio designed for a small planing skiff not a dsplacement sail boat and because of this the prop is also pitched wrong (too much). Finally, that much weight at the back of the boat kills sailing performance and makes raising and lowering the motor a pain (literally). The H-25 will move very well with 6 but if you need an alternator go to the 8 (remember no thru hub exhaust ,the corect gear ratio and pitch prop). All this with less fuel consumtion too!!