Hunter 25 Handling Under Power

[Barry14722]

I have a 2005 Hunter 25. I love the boat and the way it sails, but motoring in close quarters with a Nissan 9.8 HP outboard makes it difficult in the marina. A little current and wind and the boat is very unresponsive to the motor.
Does anyone have experience with a Mercury Big Foot or a Yamaha High Thrust outboard where the larger lower end improved the handling at low rpms? The 9.8 HP outboard has very little (pitiful) torque, coupled with a stubby keel and a light weight boat (about 4500 lbs), there are handling issues when the wind kicks up.

I spoke with the Hunter dealer and he felt that the problem could not be resolved with a bigger outboard, but I would like to hear from anyone with relevant experience.

 

[seadaddler]

Rudder

How about if you hook up the rudder to work together with the motor,some kind of rod arm so they work together.
I do not have any real experience with an outboard motor but have seen some outboard sailboats with this rod that lets the rudder and motor work together for improved steering control.
Nick

 

[Drew13440]

More HP is not going to help. Rudder and motor should work together for best results, as seadaddler points out. You should anticipate wind and current and plan accordingly. Rember, too, that unlike a car, when you steer a boat, the back of it is moving while the bow stays (relatively) stationary. Imagine the rear wheels of a car doing the turning with front wheels remaining straight. Important to remember in close quarters like a marina.

 

[Barry14722]

I forgot to mention that the rudder and outboard are linked togetherwith a Panther steering rod.

 

[Barry14722]

Thanks for your replies. I will probably sell the Hunter 25 and move up to a larger Catalina.

 

[peptobysmol]

I'd trade up if I could too but am maxed out at my slip. Sure glad I don't have to deal with a current at my lake it's bad enough with just the wind which is usually blowing on the beam.

 

[Drew13440]

A bigger boat is going to be harder to dock....

 

[Barry14722]

Drew,
I am surprised by your reply. I have found that a bigger boat is easier to handle compared to a smaller, lighter boat.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I agree with Barry. I've handled sailboats under power from 22' to 60'. The large boats with inboard motors are much easier to handle. So far the H260 I currently own is the hardest boat to handle under power I've ever experienced in 40+ years of sailing.

 

[jcrumpley]

my 2006 h25 has an 8hp yamaha high thrust

My 2006 h25 has an 8hp yamaha high thrust. It has no issue getting the boat moving or stopping the boat as needed. However, in a heavy cross wind, I agree, the h25 is difficult to handle. The main issue I have is that the bow of the boat gets pushed by the wind before the rudder starts the boat turning. I always have a cross wind coming into my marina. The only solution is to come in with enough angle to use the wind to your advantage. I tried backing in the slip for a while, and while it was easier with no wind; with a cross wind, it was near impossible. The other thing that greatly helps the h25 turn at slow speeds is the heal of the boat. If you have a second person on board who can lean the boat a bit, it can really help get the boat turning much quicker.