Is eight enough hp for a C-27?

[caguy]

I am considering buying a 2005 8hp Tohatsu 4 stroke ob for the Catalina 27. The fella selling it claims that the dealer that he bought it from said that it performs the same as a 10 hp.
The question is whether the 8 is enough. I had an old 10 hp on the Mac 25 and it handled it well in some pretty high head winds. The 27 Cat is a bigger boat but it seems to cut through the watter easier. The Catalina is a shoal draft.
Thanks for your comments and advice in advance as always.
Frank

 

[shipwreck66]

Minimal. If you have one of the older models set up for an outboard under the aft seat, I'd sure think about the 15 hp. Entering and exiting heavy traffic areas such as marinas are bad places to be underpowered.

 

[seadaddler]

8HP ??????

I have a 8hp 2 stroke on my 9 1/2 dinghy and wondering what I can do for more power when I have 4 people.
Nick

 

[Mabalakov]

i have sailed on a few cat 27s, they all had 9.9 outboards. IMO it wouldn't hurt to go with a bit more power, 15-20hp

 

[shipwreck66]

The new 4-stroke does not have the power that the older outboards rated at the same hp do. I have a 1964 9.5 Evinrude that puts out about the same as the new Mercury 15hp Bigfoot, and weighs about 50 lbs less. I have owned both and sold the Mercury as it was too damn heavy to lift on the motor mount or pull up when sailing on a C25. An older Johnson/Evinrude 18hp will have about same weight as a new 9.9, your choice, both can have electric start.

 

[jrowan]

Once U hit hull speed at about 6 knots U could have 100 Hp & U still won't go any faster. The boat was rated to have about 10 HP as standard. A Honda 9.9 - 4 stroke motor would be sufficient, very reliable & excellent fuel economy. I used to have a C 25 with a Mercury Mariner 25 HP engine. Way overkill & it sucked down so much fuel that it used to run out on me before I knew it. More than 100 pounds on the transom will make the boat stern heavy & hurt sailing performance. Look for a long shaft model. Having the prop down as deep in the water as possible will help performance dramatically. Remember its supposed to be a sail boat!

 

[caguy]

Thanks all, I think I will keep my eye open for a 10hp 4 stroke. The 15hp 2 stroke has not been reliable.

 

[OldCat]

Thanks all, I think I will keep my eye open for a 10hp 4 stroke. The 15hp 2 stroke has not been reliable.

Research the PROP. There is a 6hp version of the Tohatsu-Nissan engine with a prop designed for sailboats. While you probably won't find a 10HP with a propeller for your weight boat, it would not hurt to ask a dealer for a selection chart. Might as well get as much from the engine as you can. You don't want a propeller for a light weight skiff on a keel boat.

OC

 

[caguy]

Research the PROP. There is a 6hp version of the Tohatsu-Nissan engine with a prop designed for sailboats. While you probably won't find a 10HP with a propeller for your weight boat, it would not hurt to ask a dealer for a selection chart. Might as well get as much from the engine as you can. You don't want a propeller for a light weight skiff on a keel boat.

OC

I have the 15hp Johnson 2 stroke. Are the sail boat props more or less pitched? How can I tell what I have?

 

[shipwreck66]

15hp Johnson, perfect! And the 2-stroke will be much lighter weight than the four. That should work. Is this mounting underneath the aft seat in the engine compartment or hanging off the back end? If mounting in the mid-ship compartment like most older boats have it should support a 15 hp with no problem. If hanging off the back you will need a really stout mount.

 

[OldCat]

I have the 15hp Johnson 2 stroke. Are the sail boat props more or less pitched? How can I tell what I have?

Link for Nissan/Tohatsu props: http://www.tohatsu-outboards.com/propeller-chart.htm (will give you some idea of what range of pitch is ~likely to work well & you could try looking for Johnson info on the web)

Measure pitch: http://www.propellerpages.com/?c=articles&f=2006-03-27_manual_pitch_measurement

This is about the limit of my knowledge on this, though I may have a book at home with more info. An outboard dealer probably can help you to make a selection - one would hope that they know their product.

OC