Newbie needs electric assistance.

[synchronicity]

New Mac 21 owner.(So new, not even home yet.)Lake sailer. - Small water compared to what most of you guys even consider.Need motor for moving about mooring and dock, and clearing launching area.Priced outboards.Looking at electric trolling motors.How much thrust do I need?

 

[Ross]

If you only had to

move the boat in a flat calm then a paddle would be enough. But the wind does blow not always in the direction that we wish to go so we must over come that. Electric MIGHT be enough but I would plan on about five horse power. That will get you home when you are on the wrong end of the lake when the wind stops. It will also get you into the slip or onto you trailer when the wind is against you.

 

[B Noble]

I vote for 5hp

Having sailed my Hunter 23 for three years on a 365 acre lake in Nebraska I would also vote for at least a 5hp outboard. Last year I was able to sail out of and back into my slip 20 times without ever getting the propeller wet. BUT there was that ONE day when the winds died while I was at the WRONG end of the lake. I don’t think I would have made it back with an electric.BobS/V Miss Lisa

 

[Benny]

Get a used gas outboard.

Electric trolling motors are rated in pounds of thrust not in horsepower. 75 pounds of thrust equals approximately 1 HP. The price of trolling motors in that range is in the average of $600+. The power consumption at 12V will be approximately 45 amps which would only give you 1 hour running time from a standart group 24 deep cycle battery to 50%. With all this in mind you will still be underpowered to fight wind. Not familiar with your boat, but it should be in the range of 1,200 to 1,500 pounds with a water line length of 16' to 18'. I would advice you find a used two stroke gas engine of at least 2.5HP with a 20 inch shaft. I would not go more than 4 or 5 HP because of the weight and usually those engines require a separate fuel tank. That would be my advise.

 

[tony z]

Moror agreement

I had a Catalina 22 that came w/a 3 HP motor.It was absolutly not enough power to get the boat home on any given day. Plus it was alway maxed out and making a racket. Also don't screw around w/ used outboards either. If you must, do not buy one that has seen salt water activity. It will be real obvious if you look close.Anoter thing, a two cylinder motor is smooter, quieter and starts easier. And has it's own back-up (it can still run on one) I think 6 HP is the first size that has two pistons.I know they are expensive. but a new 5 -6 hp motor if taken care will last you a long time.There is nothing that will ruin your day out worse that a significant equipment breakdown.I seem to remember a place in Newyork that had a lot of leftover new motors. I believe it was Electra marine or something like that.Good luck

 

[Brian]

Electric Motor Is

Not Enough! I'm with these guys. If you have one it will get you buy maybe till you get an outboard. I have an electric on a 17' sailboat. It is 1 notch above the PADDLE. We did sail 1 summer with 2 paddles only and of course the sails. That's adventure! Regards, Brian

 

[Drew]

Good Rule of Thumb

Is 2hp per 1,000 lbs. of boat displacement. A little less is fine (round it down), but if you read through 5 years of archived forum messages here, you will not find a single post from anybody whining about too much engine on his boat! Good luck and congrats on the new Mac!

 

[ruedi ross]

Hello Sync,

Congratulations on your new boat! I sail a reservoir in western Colorado so we probably see alot of the same conditions. I have used small trolling motors on the lake and they work fine until you get into a bind. I have been at the wrong end of the lake when a thunderstorm started blowing 40+ wind speed right towards the lee shore. The 9.9 HP honda was barely enough to get me out of trouble! Granted, I was in a hunter 260, but I think you see the point. There is always going to be that one time when you are going to need more than electric will provide. Also, think about when you are going to want to trailer to different, bigger adventures! Good luck with your new boat.

 

[mezr]

Happy with electric

I have a 30# trust Minnkota, it is just enough for what you describe, you may want to get something a little bit more powerful. If you are not in open waters or strong winds you should not have problem.