Hunter 240 Motor

May 18, 2022
8
Hunter 240 Lake Keowee, SC
Hi All,

My name's Frank, and I recently purchased my first boat--a 2003 Hunter 240. I believe that it has its original engine, which is a 2003 Mercury 8hp manual/pull chord start. I've decided to replace that motor and could use some advice for the following questions that I have. I'll mainly use the boat in a medium sized lake and occasionally in the Charleston, SC harbor.
1. What length shaft do I need, 15, 20, or 25 inches?
2. Should I upgrade to a 9.9hp motor?
3. Should I upgrade to an electric start motor?

Thanks in advance to anyone with advice,
Frank
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,162
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
1. What length shaft do I need, 15, 20, or 25 inches?
What length of shaft was on the existing outboard? It would make sense if the existing one ran smoothly that matching it with the replacement should prove satisfactory. It may depend on the type of engine mount you have.

2. Should I upgrade to a 9.9hp motor?
What is the saying... More Power is always needed.. The 9.9 outboards are definitely nice and efficient engines. Check the mount and the boat specifications. There may be a weight issue between the 8 Hp and the 9.9 Hp engine.

3. Should I upgrade to an electric start motor?
If you can do the wiring, and have a reliable battery system, why wouldn't you.

With all if these power options it is sometimes good to remember this is a sail boat. Money spent on outboards can mean less money for sails and beer. If I could sail out of the marina, I would dump the outboard and just sail. Perhaps all you really need to sail on your lake is an electric with a good battery. The electric is light weight and can get you away from the dock so you can raise the sails. There is no sound like the sound of the water slapping against the hull. It is a sound that gets drowned out by an outboard.

Welcome to the SBO forum Frank.
Congrats on your new to you boat. You are going to have some fun this summer.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,451
-na -NA Anywhere USA
@jurovichfa
A good friend of mine @rgranger can help you as he is in your neck of the woods as he is familiar with the hunter water ballast sailboats. He will contact you probably thru private message

if Ican ever assist feel free to contact me. I am a former dealer for Hunter
Crazy Dave
 
Jan 19, 2010
12,573
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
I had a tohatsu 6 sail pro long shaft.
It was more than enough. Electric start is a personal choice
 
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May 18, 2022
8
Hunter 240 Lake Keowee, SC
Thanks to everyone who responded! Everthing passed along to me is incredibly helpful, and y'all confirmed for me that I've come to the right place for my boat questions. Thanks also for welcoming me into the Hunter 240 community. Hopefully the group's not too expensive to remain a part of. :) For sake of paying it forward, I'll follow-up on this thread with the motor I ultiimately went with.
 
Jan 19, 2010
12,573
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
it only cost time
But it would be nice to look here at the SBO store before you buy someplace else
 
Jul 24, 2012
45
Hunter 240 Muskegon
I have a 2004 Yamaha 8Hp high thrust prop, electric start on a Hunter H240 and I Love it. Only wish it had power tilt. Getting older and lower back problems so the power tilt would be a blessing. Sailing is nice but I've been 12 miles from our destination and wind died, had to motor the rest of the way.
 
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