Hunter 22 - What Size Outboard?

[curt in CO]

I have a 2013 Hunter 22. I has 4 hp Yamaha outboard.

It moves the boat along fairly well but I am wondering if a larger outboard would make much difference in speed. The max hp for this boat is listed as 10 hp.

Would a bigger engine just be limited by hull speed and hence not be much faster?
Its hard to experiment with this - I can't buy an bigger outboard just to test.

Anybody have experience with an outboard in the 8 to 9 hp range ?

THANKS !

 

[nickvillaume]

I have a 9.9 hp Evinrude And I find it to be too big. I’m thinking of downgrading to a 6 hp which looks ideal.

 

[isaksp00]

I have a Honda 8hp on a 23 and it is probably a bit too large, and rather heavy at about 85 pounds. I'd think an 8 or higher would be overkill and unnecessarily heavy for a 22.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Your boat with the 4 hp should be fine. It is more of a big daysailor with a small cabin vs traditional 22 foot style boats.

 

[Benny17441]

The 4HP should be fine, just make sure the outboard is fitted with a properly pitched Prop for your boat.

 

[CrispyCringle]

I bought an 8.8 a few years ago for my H23.5. Its never more than half throttle. I wish I had gone smaller, for weight if anything. Heavy.

 

[curt in CO]

Thanks for the excellent advise.

Based on your feedback, I'll stick with the 4hp. I guess I'll give up on water skiing with the Hunter.

I do think the engine runs too slow at full throttle - ie. maybe the prop is too tall. I will find some way to hook up a tachometer to test that theory and if indicated, buy a lower pitch prop.

 

[rgranger]

I have a 9.9 hp Evinrude And I find it to be too big. I’m thinking of downgrading to a 6 hp which looks ideal.

I had a Honda 9.9 on my B26 and this summer downsized to a tobatsu 6. It is perfect

 

[Serenity on Hudson]

Had a Honda 9.9 on my H 23.5. way to big and heavy. Now have a 6 HP Suzuki on a Capri 22. Just perfect. Just vibrates more with only one cylinder.