Honda 9.9 too heavy for O'day 22?

[Douglas Marshall]

I'm considering a Honda 9.9 for my O'day 22, but I'm concerned about the 115 pound weight. I can counter balance the weight side to side, but I don't know how this will effect the boat fore and aft. Any thoughts?

 

[Mike]

It depends...

A lot depends on if the Honda you are considering is a four stroke or two stroke. Look in the archives here for lots of opinions on the pros and cons of each. Short answer: DO NOT put a four stroke engine on an outboard mount that is not specifically designed to handle it. Based on the 115 pound weight you mention, I assume the 9.9 you are considering is the four stroke. The additional weight is not the only consideration. A four stroke generates more torque than a two stroke, and can distort, bend or even rip off an inadequate outboard mount. I think the boat would be fine with the weight of the engine if you don't mind it. One of the main reasons I went with a new two stroke last year (Nissan 8hp long shaft for my Oday 23) was that I couldn't see my wife handling the extra weight if she had to raise or lower the engine. New two strokes, while not as clean or as quiet as a four, are miles better than they used to be. For me, the chief advantages of the four (greater fuel economy, quiet, clean) were more than offset by the disadvantages (extra weight, extra cost, would also need to install new mounting bracket).

 

[Stu Timm]

Outboard weight

Hi Doug:I have a 9.9 Merc 2-stroke on my O'Day 22. It's mounted to a Garelek heavy duty spring mount with a 3/4-inch marine plywood backer plate behind the mount against the transom.The Merc weighs around 81 pounds plus the weight of the mount. I had to reinforce the transom with the plywood plate to help distribute the weight of the motor. The mount is also a replacement from the original mount that came with the O'Day 22. It's rated for up to 112 pounds. Mike's right about getting a mount specifically designed for the extra weight and torque that a 4-stroke gives.Even at 81 pounds, the boat lists a degree or two to starboard from the wieght of the motor. I had to adjust the waterline to accomodate the list. The cockpit lazarete is also on the same side, and the heavy objects in the locker add to the list (battery, anchor and rode, extra gas, etc). You can counter balance with lead pigs (weights) under the port bunk in the salon, but adding more deadweight to this little boat may hinder light air performance and they should be failry secure so as not to shift around while sailing.I recommend the lightest motor you can get for the range of horsepower you are looking for. As Mike says, the newer 2-strokes are very light and clean running, and give a great deal of "bang for the buck". My 9.9 Merc can push my O'Day 22 past hull speed in a breeze. It burns a more gas than it's 6 hp predecessor however. The 9.9 came with a 3 gallon utility tank. The old 5 gallon tank and fuel hose was not compatable with the newer motor, so I carry auxilary gas at all times. The Merc will run a 3 gallon tank down at cruising speed at around 1/2 a gallon an hour.Good luck and happy sailing out west!