I'm wondering if anybody out there uses a Honda 8HP for the auxiliary? Will an electric start longshaft w/alternator fit in the lazarette w/o surgery? Is it powerful enough to push you at 5-5.5knots at cruise speed (like 2/3-3/4 throttle)?. I currently use a brand new Johnson 15 ES/LS/2-stroke, but am disappointed in the fuel economy. I need a pretty long cruising range, and the Johnson is too thirsty. Great engine otherwise, though.
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Bob Fischer
Not recommended
I know Cape Dory used a 7hp diesel on their 27, which was 1500lbs heavier than a catalina, but an 8hp out board will have to be run at it's extreme limit in any kind of headwind or current to maintain 5 knts. I would recommend a larger OB, run at a lower rpm. The rule of thumb for engine size is 1hp for every 500 lbs of boat displacement, your C27 should displace about 6500+ lbs loaded.
I know Cape Dory used a 7hp diesel on their 27, which was 1500lbs heavier than a catalina, but an 8hp out board will have to be run at it's extreme limit in any kind of headwind or current to maintain 5 knts. I would recommend a larger OB, run at a lower rpm. The rule of thumb for engine size is 1hp for every 500 lbs of boat displacement, your C27 should displace about 6500+ lbs loaded.
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Paul
Honda 8hp works fine....
I have a 1994 Honda 8 hp 4 stroke, short shaft on my 1974 C27. It came on the boat when I bought it just over a year ago. I fits in the well without trimming the transom but I did have to trim the lip of the Lazarette to get it to tilt up. Power wise, it doesn't seem to have a problem. I can cruise at 5-6 knots at about 2/3 throttle and full power will get you up to about 6.5 knots. 4 strokes seem to have more midrange power then 2 strokes which makes them feel more powerful then their horsepower numbers say. Fuel consumption is very good but I haven't done any really long motor cruises to calculate exact figures. It's an easy engine to pull start so I have no need for electric but that's just personal preference. If you have the stock rudder, the long shaft may hit it when all the way down. My short shaft works fine. If I were going to replace it with a new motor, I might choose a 9.9 Honda for the extra power to bring the cruise speed at 2/3 throttle closer to hull speed. That would require trimming the transom to tilt up though. Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinnette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
I have a 1994 Honda 8 hp 4 stroke, short shaft on my 1974 C27. It came on the boat when I bought it just over a year ago. I fits in the well without trimming the transom but I did have to trim the lip of the Lazarette to get it to tilt up. Power wise, it doesn't seem to have a problem. I can cruise at 5-6 knots at about 2/3 throttle and full power will get you up to about 6.5 knots. 4 strokes seem to have more midrange power then 2 strokes which makes them feel more powerful then their horsepower numbers say. Fuel consumption is very good but I haven't done any really long motor cruises to calculate exact figures. It's an easy engine to pull start so I have no need for electric but that's just personal preference. If you have the stock rudder, the long shaft may hit it when all the way down. My short shaft works fine. If I were going to replace it with a new motor, I might choose a 9.9 Honda for the extra power to bring the cruise speed at 2/3 throttle closer to hull speed. That would require trimming the transom to tilt up though. Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinnette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Rob Rich
Maybe a bit light...
I have an inboard, so h.p. is not a problem, but I would like to see something more along the lines of 10 to 15 if I were you. On an average day, 8 will be great. But when that squall hits (and it inevitably will) and you are scrambling to get the sails down and keep her straight with tide and wind, I'd like to have about 15hp backing me up. Just an added level of comfort, but nice when you need it! Best of Luck, Rob
I have an inboard, so h.p. is not a problem, but I would like to see something more along the lines of 10 to 15 if I were you. On an average day, 8 will be great. But when that squall hits (and it inevitably will) and you are scrambling to get the sails down and keep her straight with tide and wind, I'd like to have about 15hp backing me up. Just an added level of comfort, but nice when you need it! Best of Luck, Rob
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
Doubt you'd need surgery
I don't know that motor so I can't say for sure. I'm assuming 4-stroke so maybe it would need a little trimming. I'm lucky to be in fresh water (no barnacles) cuz I don't want to perform that surgery! I just leave it in the water - would love to tilt it up but it's only a little slime. I would think that 8 hp would do fine in fairly normal conditions. I had a 7 hp on there before I got my new motor & it pushed me along just fine. Now the others were mentioning heavy weather. I don't go out in heavy weather,nor when it's predicted so I can't presume to tell you that it would be just fine. If you have a choice, go for a 9.9 & feel secure. LaDonna
I don't know that motor so I can't say for sure. I'm assuming 4-stroke so maybe it would need a little trimming. I'm lucky to be in fresh water (no barnacles) cuz I don't want to perform that surgery! I just leave it in the water - would love to tilt it up but it's only a little slime. I would think that 8 hp would do fine in fairly normal conditions. I had a 7 hp on there before I got my new motor & it pushed me along just fine. Now the others were mentioning heavy weather. I don't go out in heavy weather,nor when it's predicted so I can't presume to tell you that it would be just fine. If you have a choice, go for a 9.9 & feel secure. LaDonna
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Mark
More than 8 Hp
Peter, I have several friends that have 9.9 HP on their C-27's and although they do OK when the weather is fair and the breeze is mild, they all agree that it just isn't enough for all conditions. In several cases when the wind and waves were up, their progress was reduced so badly that a normal 30 minute trip turned into several hours, and they never felt that they were really in control. When I had a Lancer 28 with a 9.9 hp Honda, there were several times when we just had to anchor and wait it out because I couldn't make enough headway to have the control that would allow me to keep the prop in the water! I eventually upgraded to a 25hp Mercury... (long story, a deal I couldn't pass up) and learned that I would NEVER have anything less than a 15HP on a boat this size. If you are going to make the investment in a new engine, you might as well spend just a little more and get something that you will be happy with long term. Good Luck!
Peter, I have several friends that have 9.9 HP on their C-27's and although they do OK when the weather is fair and the breeze is mild, they all agree that it just isn't enough for all conditions. In several cases when the wind and waves were up, their progress was reduced so badly that a normal 30 minute trip turned into several hours, and they never felt that they were really in control. When I had a Lancer 28 with a 9.9 hp Honda, there were several times when we just had to anchor and wait it out because I couldn't make enough headway to have the control that would allow me to keep the prop in the water! I eventually upgraded to a 25hp Mercury... (long story, a deal I couldn't pass up) and learned that I would NEVER have anything less than a 15HP on a boat this size. If you are going to make the investment in a new engine, you might as well spend just a little more and get something that you will be happy with long term. Good Luck!
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Paul
people seem concerned..
A number of people seem concerned that 8 hp may be too little in a rough conditions. While I haven't had any such problem, I normally use my sails or take shelter when it's rough so I can't say for sure. 8 hp is right in the middle of what Catalina recommends though. http://www.catalina27.org/manuals/ownermanual9.jpg Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
A number of people seem concerned that 8 hp may be too little in a rough conditions. While I haven't had any such problem, I normally use my sails or take shelter when it's rough so I can't say for sure. 8 hp is right in the middle of what Catalina recommends though. http://www.catalina27.org/manuals/ownermanual9.jpg Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Peter Hine
I already have the bigger OB!!
I appreciate all the feelings and ideas on the Honda 8. I guess I'm trying for the best of all worlds. I like the power my current Johnson 15 gives, and the 2-stroke powerhead is small enough to fit on the motor mount in the lazarette with a very slight bit of non-structural surgery. Problem is it is a thirsty mother! I burn about 1.2 GPH at about 2/3 throttle, which gives me about 5.5 knots in still water. At full throttle, hull speed is no problem, and last summer I had no problem holding 5 knots boat speed into a 35 knot wind w/4-7 ft seas at about 3/4 throttle. The power the 15 gives is great, and it fits, but I regularly travel 60-75 miles w/o stopping, straight upwind, motoring most of the way (Stockton, CA to San Francisco, Monterey to SF, or SF to Bodega Bay). 75 miles at 5 knots, using 1.2GPH means 18 gals! I have installed 2-8.5 gal tanks in the lazarette, and carry a 6 gal jerrycan on deck in reserve. (I'm a litle uneasy about the on deck gas can too...) I don't run out where I cruise now, but I'm looking @ the idea of cruising SoCal or even MX, so more gas mileage would be nice!!
I appreciate all the feelings and ideas on the Honda 8. I guess I'm trying for the best of all worlds. I like the power my current Johnson 15 gives, and the 2-stroke powerhead is small enough to fit on the motor mount in the lazarette with a very slight bit of non-structural surgery. Problem is it is a thirsty mother! I burn about 1.2 GPH at about 2/3 throttle, which gives me about 5.5 knots in still water. At full throttle, hull speed is no problem, and last summer I had no problem holding 5 knots boat speed into a 35 knot wind w/4-7 ft seas at about 3/4 throttle. The power the 15 gives is great, and it fits, but I regularly travel 60-75 miles w/o stopping, straight upwind, motoring most of the way (Stockton, CA to San Francisco, Monterey to SF, or SF to Bodega Bay). 75 miles at 5 knots, using 1.2GPH means 18 gals! I have installed 2-8.5 gal tanks in the lazarette, and carry a 6 gal jerrycan on deck in reserve. (I'm a litle uneasy about the on deck gas can too...) I don't run out where I cruise now, but I'm looking @ the idea of cruising SoCal or even MX, so more gas mileage would be nice!!
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Paul
Re: fuel economy on a Honda 8HP 4stroke
1.2 gal/ hr sounds like a lot. I've done some rough numbers from memory and came up with about 1/2 US gallon per hour at 5kts (2/3 throttle). I don't do a lot of motoring so I can't be exact but from what I remember that should be close. I'll have to some experimenting this spring. Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinnette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
1.2 gal/ hr sounds like a lot. I've done some rough numbers from memory and came up with about 1/2 US gallon per hour at 5kts (2/3 throttle). I don't do a lot of motoring so I can't be exact but from what I remember that should be close. I'll have to some experimenting this spring. Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinnette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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John Eastin
I'd go bigger anyway
My boat (1972 dinette) came with an older Chyrsler 10 hp electric start. I've had times here in Puget Sound when it wasn't enough. Guess it depends on where and how you sail/motor. Personally I like the idea of having enough power to move the boat when the need arises. (No, I'm not a purist). I'll likely replace my older 10 hp with a larger engine 4 stroke...Best of luck!
My boat (1972 dinette) came with an older Chyrsler 10 hp electric start. I've had times here in Puget Sound when it wasn't enough. Guess it depends on where and how you sail/motor. Personally I like the idea of having enough power to move the boat when the need arises. (No, I'm not a purist). I'll likely replace my older 10 hp with a larger engine 4 stroke...Best of luck!
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Bill Hatter
Bigger is nice
I put a 9.9 on my C27 and it works fine.I must be missing something, because min OB tilts just fine and I trimmed nothing. Of course it's no fun to tilt the baby because of the weight. However, if I had it to do over, I might go for the next size up. I have my doubts that the 9.9 will do what I want in heavy weather. Even though I will try to avoid it, sooner or later I will have to face it.
I put a 9.9 on my C27 and it works fine.I must be missing something, because min OB tilts just fine and I trimmed nothing. Of course it's no fun to tilt the baby because of the weight. However, if I had it to do over, I might go for the next size up. I have my doubts that the 9.9 will do what I want in heavy weather. Even though I will try to avoid it, sooner or later I will have to face it.
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Don
HP?
I think a lot of folks are hung up on horsepower. Prop size makes a major difference in outboard performance. Most small outboards come with a "speed" prop designed for a planing hull. It just don't cut it pushing a 7000lb sailboat. An 8 horse motor with a "power" prop, will keep up with (or outrun) a 15 horse with a "speed" prop. It will use less fuel as a bonus.
I think a lot of folks are hung up on horsepower. Prop size makes a major difference in outboard performance. Most small outboards come with a "speed" prop designed for a planing hull. It just don't cut it pushing a 7000lb sailboat. An 8 horse motor with a "power" prop, will keep up with (or outrun) a 15 horse with a "speed" prop. It will use less fuel as a bonus.
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Kit
About Time
Glade to see some one finaleBrought up prop size. Unless ordered special your motor "will" come with a speed prop. Yamaha is also making a new 4 stroke/High thrust motor but I'm told you will have to trim to tilt.
Glade to see some one finaleBrought up prop size. Unless ordered special your motor "will" come with a speed prop. Yamaha is also making a new 4 stroke/High thrust motor but I'm told you will have to trim to tilt.
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