Hunter 216 outboard

[michael gill]

I am replacing the outboard on my Hunter 216 and am thinking of dropping back from 5hp. The attraction of a smaller motor is weight and the ease of getting it ashore for maintenance.
I have the boat on a swing mooring and use the motor largely for getting on and off the mooring and out about 300metres to the Bay.
My Yamaha 2 stroke 5hp was about 22kg. I'm trying to decide whether to take a Tohatsu (2 stroke) 5hp, Evinrude (4 stroke) 3.5hp or a Yamaha (2 stroke) 3hp.
I'm inclined to go for the lightest. But I'm a little wary of the power issue when handling the boat in a breeze?

 

[Dave Groshong]

I've always liked the little Honda 2hp 4stroke, should be plenty to push that boat.

 

[Jackdaw]

I'd go small. And a buoy is easier to get to than a slip, as you always finish nose to wind.

Also look at the motors... quite often the small ones 3HP, 3.5HP, 4HP are exactly the same motor with different carbs. More HP for the same weight!

Your other great option? Electric.
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1633/Torqeedo-Travel-401S-Electric-Trolling-Motor.html

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

For your purposes, I would recommend the Honda 2 hp as it would be enough. It is air cooled and has a forward and neutral position. Some engines in the lower hp would continue to run as there was no neutral and that sir is a serious safety issue which to stay away from.

As with all engines now, purchase the additive to help combat the corn crap or ethanol and always let the gas run out of the carburetor.

crazy dave condon