I am looking for a motor for my 1993 Hunter 23.5. I am leaning towards a brand new Nissan 8 hp 4 stroke w/ electric start. My question is, is 8 hp a reasonable size for this boat? The previous owner ran it with a 6, but I'd like to have some reserve power for rough conditions and operating at lower rpm's. And with that in mind, would it be worth an extra $300 to get a 9.8 (Nissan 4 stroke)? Thanks!
- Status
Six is Plenty of Horsepower
Anything more than 8 is over kill. Look at the new line of Mercury lightweight four strokes. They have the grip shift so you will be able to turn the tiller and the motor as well as throtle and shift forward to reverse without lifting your hands, very very handy.
Anything more than 8 is over kill. Look at the new line of Mercury lightweight four strokes. They have the grip shift so you will be able to turn the tiller and the motor as well as throtle and shift forward to reverse without lifting your hands, very very handy.
8hp
In scanning through the owner reviews on this site, a lot seem very happy with their 8hp motors. If there are any concerns, opt for the high thrust / low boat speed prop.
In scanning through the owner reviews on this site, a lot seem very happy with their 8hp motors. If there are any concerns, opt for the high thrust / low boat speed prop.
Mine's an 8
I have an 8 HP Tohatsu that came with the boat orginally in 1993. It's a 2 stroke and is more than capable of pushing up to hull speed without much problem (at less than 1/2 throttle). I think at the time my 1993 23.5 was built, they had an option for a 6 or 8. The 8 works fine for us.
I have an 8 HP Tohatsu that came with the boat orginally in 1993. It's a 2 stroke and is more than capable of pushing up to hull speed without much problem (at less than 1/2 throttle). I think at the time my 1993 23.5 was built, they had an option for a 6 or 8. The 8 works fine for us.
New Motor
I'd focus on the features before the HP. This boat is so light that I think you'll see only marginal difference between the 6, 8 & 10 HP. Higher torque/weight can do strange things to transoms of smaller boats so I'd check with Hunter to see what they recommended. Get the longest shaft you can find. Power tilt and Electric start are also nice if you can get it.
I'd focus on the features before the HP. This boat is so light that I think you'll see only marginal difference between the 6, 8 & 10 HP. Higher torque/weight can do strange things to transoms of smaller boats so I'd check with Hunter to see what they recommended. Get the longest shaft you can find. Power tilt and Electric start are also nice if you can get it.
Rick do you have a new Merc?
Many of the new four strokes I've seen in the 6 hp size and smaller seem to vibrate a lot. How's the new light weight merc for vibration and noise?
Many of the new four strokes I've seen in the 6 hp size and smaller seem to vibrate a lot. How's the new light weight merc for vibration and noise?
Frank, I Only Wish
I have a 2 stroke Merc 6hp. It is great if it were a four stroke it would be perfect. I am not sure if the 6hp motor on the new line of four strokes is two cylinders or not. If you have to go up to 8 to get two cylinders it may be worth it to get the smoother running motor. Mine will probably never die giving me an excuse to buy the four stroke. I really love the grip shift for the 23.5 as you can hold both tillers and really manuver the boat in tight situations.
I have a 2 stroke Merc 6hp. It is great if it were a four stroke it would be perfect. I am not sure if the 6hp motor on the new line of four strokes is two cylinders or not. If you have to go up to 8 to get two cylinders it may be worth it to get the smoother running motor. Mine will probably never die giving me an excuse to buy the four stroke. I really love the grip shift for the 23.5 as you can hold both tillers and really manuver the boat in tight situations.
8 hp 4 stroke Nissan - comments
My new 8hp 4stroke is too heavy for my 78 yr old body to lift, and its weight puts my stern lower in the water while sailing. I am selling my motor with only 5 hours on it, bought new four months ago for $1500 and going to a much lighter 6hp. Two strokes are no longer being made or I would go back to them. If anyone is looking for a deal, manual start, tank etc. still in warranty, phone me @ 864-647-0577
My new 8hp 4stroke is too heavy for my 78 yr old body to lift, and its weight puts my stern lower in the water while sailing. I am selling my motor with only 5 hours on it, bought new four months ago for $1500 and going to a much lighter 6hp. Two strokes are no longer being made or I would go back to them. If anyone is looking for a deal, manual start, tank etc. still in warranty, phone me @ 864-647-0577
Thanks, decision made...
I picked up my new Nissan 8hp 4 stroke. I appreciate all the input, now I'm having buyer's remorse hearing Arturo mention this motor putting his stern too low. Oh well, I'm sure it will be fine for my purposes (learning to sail).
I picked up my new Nissan 8hp 4 stroke. I appreciate all the input, now I'm having buyer's remorse hearing Arturo mention this motor putting his stern too low. Oh well, I'm sure it will be fine for my purposes (learning to sail).
- Status