I'm replacing a Johnson 9.9 that came with my boat. In the 25 inch shaft, choices are limited, and I'm leaning toward a Merc 4 stroke - Model 9.9MXLH-CT. It weighs 99 (dealer on the phone said 96) I'm fairly sure the boat is rated for a 5 to 8hp, but the 9.9 I had seemed to be OK. It weighs about 86 pounds. Wondering if anyone has used a motor this size on your 23.5. Thanks, JB
Is a Merc 9.9, weighing 99 lbs too heavy for a Hunter 23.5?
- Thread starter jb2renee
- Start date
Thanks Squid - yes - the electric start model does weigh in that range, but at least according to the posted specs and the conversation I had with the dealer, the 25 "manual start model w/ power thrust is supposed to be 99 lbs. You mentioned that you have a 9.9 merc long shaft? If so, does it seem to perform well for you? My concern is too much weight on the transom and on the stern in general. Thanks for the reply! - JB
The question is, if your motor mount is rated for that weight? Check the rating on the motor mount and do not exceed. Some older boats rated the engines by horsepower but these usually refer to the average weights of the engines for those horsepower when the boat was build. The engines today are heavier. If you want to the test the trim of the boat for a particular engine weigh just strap some equivalent weights to the motor mount and load the cockpit as you would usually sail. Let me stress that the weight of the engine is not the only load that the motor mount and the transom need to sustain, there are acceleration forces generated by boat motion that will increase the total loads beyond the weight of the engine at rest. A boat subject to ocean swells would obviously would need to be more conservative in engine weight than a boat used in a lake. We have a Starwind 223 which we power with a Nissan 9.8HP 2 stroke engine but that engine weighs in at only 66 lbs. We have dunked the powerhead under swells and in some instances I though the engine was about to get ripped from the boat but it held but I'm not sure of what would have happened if that engine weighed another 33 lbs more.
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BE
As a former dealer who was very much involved with the 23.5 project having introduced the boat and sold appx. 25% of the production line, I will chime in. The OB bracket is rated up to 10 hp. You only need a long shaft for the boat regardless at the coast or on an inland lake. Five would do plenty on an inland lake but if going for electric start, I would suggest a 8 hp but generally it is the same as a 9.9 in weight as the carb configuration is the only difference in the motors. Suggest looking at Tohatsu which is the same as the Mercury and Nissan. Honda and Yamaha are good motors. Forget the electric battery operated motors.
As a former dealer who was very much involved with the 23.5 project having introduced the boat and sold appx. 25% of the production line, I will chime in. The OB bracket is rated up to 10 hp. You only need a long shaft for the boat regardless at the coast or on an inland lake. Five would do plenty on an inland lake but if going for electric start, I would suggest a 8 hp but generally it is the same as a 9.9 in weight as the carb configuration is the only difference in the motors. Suggest looking at Tohatsu which is the same as the Mercury and Nissan. Honda and Yamaha are good motors. Forget the electric battery operated motors.
Dave would know.... and I've heard really good things about the Tohatsu sailpro. it is a 6hp but it has a high thrust prop and gear ratio.
http://onlineoutboards.com/tohatsu-6-hp-outboards.html
http://onlineoutboards.com/tohatsu-6-hp-outboards.html
I have a 6 HP 25" Mercury 2 Stoke on mine. Do not need any additional horsepower and certainly do not need any additional weight. On the lake you don't need more than a 20" motor. Even here on the bay and even in the gulf I don't often need the 25" shaft but when you do you do. I'd like to have a four stroke but this thing just keeps on running.
An advantage of the Mercury I'd like to share is the grip shift. It is very handy in close quarters not having to reach down to shift from forward to reverse, twist it one way for forward the other for reverse. If I ever do replace the Mercury to go with one without the grip shift they would have to give me the motor. Surprisingly enough a couple of years ago a friend was looking for a small outboard he decided on a Mercury and West Marine had the best price we could find, shocked us both.
If you ever want to bring the boat down this way give me a shout I'd be happy to share what I know of the area and the boat.
An advantage of the Mercury I'd like to share is the grip shift. It is very handy in close quarters not having to reach down to shift from forward to reverse, twist it one way for forward the other for reverse. If I ever do replace the Mercury to go with one without the grip shift they would have to give me the motor. Surprisingly enough a couple of years ago a friend was looking for a small outboard he decided on a Mercury and West Marine had the best price we could find, shocked us both.
If you ever want to bring the boat down this way give me a shout I'd be happy to share what I know of the area and the boat.
Just remember folk, finding a motor at the cheapest price even on line, I suggest buying locally at a dealership as they will give you more attention to repairs and warranty should any arise. Also, Mercury and Nissan small motors are built by Tohatsu and all the small motors are the same as Tohatsu.
Late to the party...just noticed this. If you still want advice - here: I was the proud owner of a Hunter 23.5 (1992) from 2003 to 2007 when I traded it in for my current 2003 Hunter 306. I had a long shaft Merc 9.9 with no problem (except the boat came with a fixed mount on the back, and (1) tho I'm a six-footer with long arms, I couldn' reach it well, and (2) the motor (even up) still dragged in the water, so.) What I did was go to W-M and see what they had for a HD OB engine lift that would handle the Merc...shopped around for a Defender or Go2Mar (don't remember hich was best) and challenged W-M for the low price. Got it. Installed with big SS through bolts and nuts and a epoxied piece of marine ply inside for support. Never had issue one. Would do the same again in this position.
A sailing ship is no democracy; you don't caucus a crew as to where you'll go any more than you inquire when they'd like to shorten sail. Sterling Hayden
A sailing ship is no democracy; you don't caucus a crew as to where you'll go any more than you inquire when they'd like to shorten sail. Sterling Hayden