Motors

[Jim Stanford]

I'm looking for a new motor and I wanted to get some feedback from other O'Day 23 (or close to this size)owners. What size motors do you guys have on your boats. I know what the manufacturer recommended, but I want to know the minimum that seems to work for puttering into and out of the slip.

 

[Gene Kauffman]

Jim, My 22 has a 9.9 long shaft and I feel it's a bit heavy. I would go with a 5 or 6 hP long shaft. A 4 stroke will weigh more than a 2 stroke. I have to fight the river current here to get out to the gulf so the extra kick sometimes helps, but my stern is lower than I would like it to be.Gene

 

[David Garrett]

Motor

I just bought an O'Day 23 that has a 6 hp with it. I haven't put it in the water yet, but the previous owner told me that it moves the boat very well. Everything else he's told me has turned out to be true, so I feel he's being honest about the motor.

 

[Mike]

replacement motor

I have a 9.9 2 stroke with electric start. If you do decide to go with a four stroke, make sure that you have a bracket that is specifically made to handle the extra torque. A 9.9 is probably more horsepower than you "need", but its nice to have the extra. Make sure you get the longest shaft model they make. By the way, I will probably go with another 9.9 when I repower, if only because it is the smallest engine made with electric start, which I really like and my wife insists upon.

 

[Warren]

"Ideal" O/B Size???

I have an O'Day 22 (30 years!) I have had everything from a 3 HP Johnson to A 9.9 Volvo & a 5 HP Seagull. Currently I have a 6 HP Evinrude...Seems to be about right. You will want to keep the weight as low as possable. I suggest you look for a good long shaft two stroke 5 or 6 HP outboard. Don't forget your a sailboat, not a power boat.Good Luck!

 

[Josh]

7.5 Merc...

I have an old 7.5 Merc that came with the boat. I'm actually pretty suprised with the amount of push it gives. I had thought about going with a more powerful 4 stroke with electric start, but am rethinking that as there's nothing wrong with what I have now!The only problem I have is that the motor mount doesn't fully retract the prop out of the water. If I moved it up though, then it wouldn't put the prop far enough into the water. Creates a little bit of drag, but nothing that bothers me.Josh

 

[Dick Lemming]

Mike...

Just to let you know that several manufacturers make 8 hp models with electric start. If you go to a 4 stroke you can get by with a 5-6 hp on an oday 23 to 26.