Here is my dilemma: I own a brand new 216 and I would prefer to have it powered by a Honda 5HP, 4 cycle outboard. The problem is that the Honda's above 2.5HP do not have an integral gas tank. The 5HP has an external tank. I have considered running fixed gas line through the stern, and then installing a ventilated (ventilated to the outside, but sealed from the cuddy) hatch just below the starboard cockpit seat for access. I checked with Hunter and installing a small access door for a tank in this area would not compromise the structural integrity of the 216. I briefly considered running a single gas line all the way to the cuddy (under the same cockpit seat) but I continue to be concerned about the potential for dangerous gas fumes in the cuddy. I am aware that there are other viable outboard products available (Tohatsu 4hp/4 cycle, Yahama 4hp/ 4cycle, Nissan etc), but I have come to trust the reliability of Honda products over the years and would like to stick with a Honda product. I am also aware that 5HP will be more than enough to push the 216, but in case I move up a notch or two in the size of my "next" sailboat, I would prefer to not have to keep trading up an engine too (I currently have a Honda 2.5 that I am about to trade up). If anyone has any thoughts regarding any of this or creative ideas regarding where to place an external tank and gas lines on a 216, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks and may the wind be with you!
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Jeff Prideaux
gas tank
The 216 I test sailed a couple of weeks ago had an external gas tank simply at the aft of the cockpit (down where you you would put your feet if you sat way at the back). The gas line draped on top of the rudder (but it didn't get in the way). That seemed to work OK and it didn't require any modification to the hull. You wouldn't sit at that place anyway since the tiller would get in the way. I would go with the simplilest soution and only drill holes if absolutely necessary. Also keep in mind the weight of the motor. If you go too big, then it will affect the sailing performance. How much more does the 5HP weigh compared to the 4HP?
The 216 I test sailed a couple of weeks ago had an external gas tank simply at the aft of the cockpit (down where you you would put your feet if you sat way at the back). The gas line draped on top of the rudder (but it didn't get in the way). That seemed to work OK and it didn't require any modification to the hull. You wouldn't sit at that place anyway since the tiller would get in the way. I would go with the simplilest soution and only drill holes if absolutely necessary. Also keep in mind the weight of the motor. If you go too big, then it will affect the sailing performance. How much more does the 5HP weigh compared to the 4HP?
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Ken
Outboard
I chose a Nissan 4 HP 4 cycle to avoid the exact problems you are dealing with.Internal tank with the option of adding an external for extra range and more than adequate HP.Nissans 4,5,or 6 HP are all the same weight but 5 and 6 HP are external tanks only.
I chose a Nissan 4 HP 4 cycle to avoid the exact problems you are dealing with.Internal tank with the option of adding an external for extra range and more than adequate HP.Nissans 4,5,or 6 HP are all the same weight but 5 and 6 HP are external tanks only.
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Robert
Excellent Idea - Thank You!
Jeff & Ken, thank you for your feedback. Jeff, thank you so much for your answer - It's such a simple fix I can't believe I didn't think of it myself! Since the weight difference is minimal (eg: Tohatsu 4HP/4cycle longshaft = 59 lb - not including weight once the gas tank is filled, versus the Honda 5HP/4cycle long shaft = 62 pounds), I will likely go ahead and get the Honda. And you are absolutely correct - no one would really sit or use the space just forward from the rudder. The only small dilemma at this point is that the integral toe rail that runs along the center of the cockpit extends almost all the way to the rudder (see site link to Hunter picture page) so it might be a small challenge to fit a tank in that area. If that's not possible, I might fabricate a small white & lightweight fiberglass housing platform that would sit over the top of the toerail (4 stainless steel screws max). Then I would either strap a tank to the platform or create a housing for the tank. I also might route the gas line around the base of the rudder to avoid getting tangled up when the rudder is turned hard either way. Whatever I end up doing, I will follow your lead and keep it as simple as possible keep any intrusions (read: drilling) at a minimum. Again thank you, both Jeff and Ken for your feedback! -Robert PS: As a new sailor, the information exchanged on this site is invaluable and very much appreciated! Onward!
Jeff & Ken, thank you for your feedback. Jeff, thank you so much for your answer - It's such a simple fix I can't believe I didn't think of it myself! Since the weight difference is minimal (eg: Tohatsu 4HP/4cycle longshaft = 59 lb - not including weight once the gas tank is filled, versus the Honda 5HP/4cycle long shaft = 62 pounds), I will likely go ahead and get the Honda. And you are absolutely correct - no one would really sit or use the space just forward from the rudder. The only small dilemma at this point is that the integral toe rail that runs along the center of the cockpit extends almost all the way to the rudder (see site link to Hunter picture page) so it might be a small challenge to fit a tank in that area. If that's not possible, I might fabricate a small white & lightweight fiberglass housing platform that would sit over the top of the toerail (4 stainless steel screws max). Then I would either strap a tank to the platform or create a housing for the tank. I also might route the gas line around the base of the rudder to avoid getting tangled up when the rudder is turned hard either way. Whatever I end up doing, I will follow your lead and keep it as simple as possible keep any intrusions (read: drilling) at a minimum. Again thank you, both Jeff and Ken for your feedback! -Robert PS: As a new sailor, the information exchanged on this site is invaluable and very much appreciated! Onward!
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Jeff Prideaux
keep it simple
The guys at Americal Marine (at Kerr Lake) had that set-up on the boat I test-sailed. I would go for that solution if I were to buy the boat and wanted an external gas tank. (I'm still trying to decide whether to get the 216). My philosophy on the boat is that the attractive thing about the 216 is its simplicity. There are not a lot of things to maintain (unlike larger boats). With such a simple package, why complicate things by making lots of modifications to the boat.
The guys at Americal Marine (at Kerr Lake) had that set-up on the boat I test-sailed. I would go for that solution if I were to buy the boat and wanted an external gas tank. (I'm still trying to decide whether to get the 216). My philosophy on the boat is that the attractive thing about the 216 is its simplicity. There are not a lot of things to maintain (unlike larger boats). With such a simple package, why complicate things by making lots of modifications to the boat.
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crazy dave
consider
There are drop in storage lockers that you can use by cutting the seat and then drop in. You would have to run a hose from that compartment out in order to run the hose line but also for venting the fumes. You can also run the fuel line anyway you want to thru another hose with the use of thru hull fittings. Maybe it is hard to fathom what I am talking about but it can be done. The Nissan 4 is the same as the Tohatsu 4. Tohatsu builds the nissans
There are drop in storage lockers that you can use by cutting the seat and then drop in. You would have to run a hose from that compartment out in order to run the hose line but also for venting the fumes. You can also run the fuel line anyway you want to thru another hose with the use of thru hull fittings. Maybe it is hard to fathom what I am talking about but it can be done. The Nissan 4 is the same as the Tohatsu 4. Tohatsu builds the nissans
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Robert
Going to keep it simple!
Crazy Dave, Thanks for your response. My dealer also suggested the possibility of dropping in some storage lockers, but I am going to see how it goes this first season with her to see how a simple set up will do. I am a bit leary of cutting into the seats right away due to both costs and risk of a costly mistake. Over time, I do plan on outfitting the 216 with nav and cuddy lights, a lightweight v-berth (not the Hunter version) and a traveller (custom one built by Doyle Sails). As new folks buy the 216 (I understand a number of sailing schools across the country are in the process of purchasing quite a few 216's), I look forward to keeping an eye on these forums to see what creatieve ideas others come up with! Again, thank you all for your comments! -Robert - "Twilight II"
Crazy Dave, Thanks for your response. My dealer also suggested the possibility of dropping in some storage lockers, but I am going to see how it goes this first season with her to see how a simple set up will do. I am a bit leary of cutting into the seats right away due to both costs and risk of a costly mistake. Over time, I do plan on outfitting the 216 with nav and cuddy lights, a lightweight v-berth (not the Hunter version) and a traveller (custom one built by Doyle Sails). As new folks buy the 216 (I understand a number of sailing schools across the country are in the process of purchasing quite a few 216's), I look forward to keeping an eye on these forums to see what creatieve ideas others come up with! Again, thank you all for your comments! -Robert - "Twilight II"
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