What is the minimum size outboard needed for a 25.5. We're on a lake and only have to get into and out of the marina. The motor isn't needed for much beyond that. (our Merc 7.5 may be on its last legs)
Minimum outboard power for 25.5
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size of outboard
We had a Catalina 25 with a ten horse and it worked good even with river current. My guess would be a 5 hp would do what you mention going in and out of the marina. At our marina there are some 22 footers that just have electric trolling motors to get them out and back in but I think that is cutting it to close.If I were you I would think about a 8 or 10 hp so you have a little in reserve. Rob Morton S/V Euphoria
We had a Catalina 25 with a ten horse and it worked good even with river current. My guess would be a 5 hp would do what you mention going in and out of the marina. At our marina there are some 22 footers that just have electric trolling motors to get them out and back in but I think that is cutting it to close.If I were you I would think about a 8 or 10 hp so you have a little in reserve. Rob Morton S/V Euphoria
8-10 hp
You never know when you will get caught in a thunderstorm or other big blow and need the HP to get you out of trouble.
You never know when you will get caught in a thunderstorm or other big blow and need the HP to get you out of trouble.
I have an 88' Nissan 8 hp.....
on my 25.5 (fin keel) and 9it has been a great little motor. Starts every time...and runs for hours with plenty of power.
on my 25.5 (fin keel) and 9it has been a great little motor. Starts every time...and runs for hours with plenty of power.
8hp min
I would say 8hp would work fine. I think thats the one recommended by mfg. I've got a 9.9 sailmaster, and only once needed all 9.9 (the LI race can get 5.5 kts current!) I probably don't recommend the johnson, I've had problems keeping carb clean, water system working, etc., but I did get it used with the boat. You may want to consider the weight factor as well. My '86 25.5 needed stern reinforcing wood on inside of stern to support engine mount. I was getting spider web cracks around the mount points with the original engine mount.
I would say 8hp would work fine. I think thats the one recommended by mfg. I've got a 9.9 sailmaster, and only once needed all 9.9 (the LI race can get 5.5 kts current!) I probably don't recommend the johnson, I've had problems keeping carb clean, water system working, etc., but I did get it used with the boat. You may want to consider the weight factor as well. My '86 25.5 needed stern reinforcing wood on inside of stern to support engine mount. I was getting spider web cracks around the mount points with the original engine mount.
Stick with the Merc
Looks like we're going to try to just get the Merc 7.5 rebuilt. With any luck it'll hold up for what we need - only about a half hour per sail.
Looks like we're going to try to just get the Merc 7.5 rebuilt. With any luck it'll hold up for what we need - only about a half hour per sail.
What's the worst that could happen?
What makes it on it's last legs? Most small problems can be fixed with little effort and a picture book. As long as they are maintained 2 cycle engines can last almost forever. They are very simplistic. That is the beauty of it. If you are about to junk it anyway, take a stab at it with a wrench. You will learn something and save yourself a fortune. If you really screw it up, you didn't lose anything because you were going to buy a new one anyway. Oh, and on the original question. I use a 7.5hp Chrysler sailor on my 25. It's more than enough, even in the strong currents of the Delaware River. Stephen Fierro Captain of Calamity
What makes it on it's last legs? Most small problems can be fixed with little effort and a picture book. As long as they are maintained 2 cycle engines can last almost forever. They are very simplistic. That is the beauty of it. If you are about to junk it anyway, take a stab at it with a wrench. You will learn something and save yourself a fortune. If you really screw it up, you didn't lose anything because you were going to buy a new one anyway. Oh, and on the original question. I use a 7.5hp Chrysler sailor on my 25. It's more than enough, even in the strong currents of the Delaware River. Stephen Fierro Captain of Calamity
Repair
The outboard is old and hadn't been used for a few years. (P.O. has not done maintenance on the boat or motor.) The way it ran we just figured that it was near death. Since our bad experience last Saturday, we have been considering alternatives. We are going to have a pro look at it to determine the problems and the cost to make it reliable. I certainly DON'T want to invest in a new motor before we have drained the last useful hour from this one. BTW, it was suggested to us to get a large trolling motor as a spare. Thoughts?
The outboard is old and hadn't been used for a few years. (P.O. has not done maintenance on the boat or motor.) The way it ran we just figured that it was near death. Since our bad experience last Saturday, we have been considering alternatives. We are going to have a pro look at it to determine the problems and the cost to make it reliable. I certainly DON'T want to invest in a new motor before we have drained the last useful hour from this one. BTW, it was suggested to us to get a large trolling motor as a spare. Thoughts?
8 horse merc
I have a 8 horse merc with a powerthruster. Works great on that lake for a slightly smaller boat (h240)
I have a 8 horse merc with a powerthruster. Works great on that lake for a slightly smaller boat (h240)
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