I have an '84 Rebel Spindrift Daysailer 1 (17'). The PO "threw in a motor" b/c it wasn't working and he never had it looked at. It was sitting in the boat outside -possibly for a couple of years. It's a 2005(ish) 5HP 4 stroke Nissan Marine. After cleaning it up it looks brand new- it also looks mint/brand new under the cowl. I changed the oil, spark plug, fuel filter and gear oil. As expected it doesn't start so I'm thinking of dropping $100-200 to have it looked at. My question- assuming it's something major, is it even worth it? When I went for a 17' boat I assumed my canoe paddles would do the job when needed. I'm also concerned about the weight- it's a heavy 50 lbs or so. Would have been good for my old Catalina 22 but is this too heavy and too much power for my DS 1?
Motor for daysailer 1
- Thread starter bburke
- Start date
I have a 4hp 2-stroke Johnson long-shaft on my DS II, could get by with less power, but the 4hp only weighs about 36-38# and does give me that extra oomph if needed.
I previously had a 2.3hp Johnson short-shaft, would have had enough power if propped correctly, but I never did find a correct pitched prop. I tried a 1984 2hp Johnson short-shaft once, more power (due to better matched prop) than the 2.3hp. 5hp is not overly "too much" power, but that 50# is pretty heavy for the DS, and you really don't "need" that much power. As I say, 2hp to 3 hp is plenty most of the time, I bought the 4 hp mostly for the long-shaft option and the remote gas tank option.
If you were to sail out of Plymouth Harbor, I would want a small outboard (could use an electric) with the paddle as back-up. It would be a long, tiring paddle back in if the wind died, and worse if the wind became too much for comfort. I would definitely want a long-shaft with the outboard clamped to the transom (I don't recall if Spindrift had the kicker-pit of the O'DAY DS I, or a accessary mounting bracket for an outboard). Short-shaft will work, but will be prone to lifting out of the water in waves.
I previously had a 2.3hp Johnson short-shaft, would have had enough power if propped correctly, but I never did find a correct pitched prop. I tried a 1984 2hp Johnson short-shaft once, more power (due to better matched prop) than the 2.3hp. 5hp is not overly "too much" power, but that 50# is pretty heavy for the DS, and you really don't "need" that much power. As I say, 2hp to 3 hp is plenty most of the time, I bought the 4 hp mostly for the long-shaft option and the remote gas tank option.
If you were to sail out of Plymouth Harbor, I would want a small outboard (could use an electric) with the paddle as back-up. It would be a long, tiring paddle back in if the wind died, and worse if the wind became too much for comfort. I would definitely want a long-shaft with the outboard clamped to the transom (I don't recall if Spindrift had the kicker-pit of the O'DAY DS I, or a accessary mounting bracket for an outboard). Short-shaft will work, but will be prone to lifting out of the water in waves.
Thanks for the info- I've thought about an electric given its ought weight and not having to deal with all the crap that comes with a gasoline motor. Would an electric do the job on a DS1?
An electric outboard is used by many DS owners on lakes and for approaching/leaving the ramp. I'm not sure how well it would do in current, like if you were coming in when the tide is going out, or if trying to move into a strong wind. Also depends on size of electric (pounds of thrust). One of those new Torquedo electric outboards is intriguing.... but $$$$ is a downer!
Maybe you could find a friend with an electric outboard that you could try out?
Maybe you could find a friend with an electric outboard that you could try out?
I use a Minn Kota Endura 50 for my O'Day 19. It is a nice simple (not too expensive) solution for maneuvering around docks and mooring fields. It is not for long distance motoring or currents greater than 3 knots.
Remember, it's a sailboat!
Remember, it's a sailboat!