Outboard Engine

[j.hunter9999]

Our MD6A is still chugging along after more than 30 years of use. We rebuilt it about 8 years
ago, which of course increased her life. However, if she goes again (and I just get tired of
fixing her) I'm considering other options. Does anyone currently cruise with an outboard? If
so, how is it attached? How do you charge the batteries? What size is the engine? What
would you do different in retrospect? Has the outboard improved handling going in reverse?

There is so much space down there, I'd love to be able to use it in a few years when we head
to the Carrib for a year (or more). However, I've heard that an outboard is good for nothing
more than flat water. Does anyone use a particular outboard with a deeper prop or more
travel on the mount?

Thanks,
Hunter

 

[coldnorthtoy]

Yamaha high-thrust, 8hp. It's great. 6a alternator - does the job
for my limited electrical needs (autopilot and lights). Mounted on a
Gaerlick bracket out back, on centre on the transom.

In terms of manoeuvrability, I like to pretend I have an inboard, so I
leave the outboard set straight and drive with the tiller, even while
docking; however, if I need more control, my Vega becomes a dinghy -
the outboard lets me do things that an inboarder could only dream of.

Cheers,

Jonathan
#2221

 

[hinterholer]

I agree with Jonathan for the most part, after fooling with my original gas engine in my 1970 Vega for years I finally put on a 1987 Yamaha high trust 9.9. extra long shaft. It was mounted in the middle of the transom with an OMC piston lift. It was electric start with an alternator that kept the battries up. AS I became weaker with age, the Yamaha became too heavy, especially removing etc. between seasons. It weighted 115 lbs.
Now, I have an 8 hp 2 stroke long shaft 1990 Evinrude YachtTwin. It comes in at 50 lbs. It seems to work O.K. but does not have that high thrust power. It gets me in and out of the slip easy. I have not used it in more than 2 to 3 foot waves in the chesapeake bay. ZO

 

[rogerefairest]

I have a 6 hp yamaha 2 stroke engine, i have used it in probably 6 foot seas, coming towards the beem and the prop has only been out of the water due to wave action about 10 times all together and i will have to say that the inboard would have also come out.

however in September this year going upwind on a F6 + with squalls with waves about 4 meters one of them broke heavily on our port side and ripped the engine mount off the transom (the base remained attached to the transom), i had a line attached to it, so it just stayed surfing on the water till i recovered it. the braket lasted 1000 nm.

Basically what i am trying to say is that you will need to reinforce the mounting some how.

 

[albinvega1493]

I have a 13hp yanmar inboard. I've been in 6 foot square waves, 8
foot square waves (8 foot height, 8 foot between waves, and 17 foot
storm waves and my inboard prop has NEVER come out of the water. I
think you'd have to turn the boat over 180 degrees for that to
happen.

 

[coldnorthtoy]

Take it off, put it in the former engine hole. If/when we get to run
away offshore in this boat, the 8hp's going to be sold, to be replaced
by a 3hp or something (just for movement in harbour, etc), and as soon
as we depart the harbour, it'll come off the stern and go in a locker.
I think that's the only solution, given the power of breaking waves.

 

[rogerefairest]

Yep, i agree about the remobing the outboard, but if only doing (which was my case) 25 nm the urge to just leave it in place was too much! plus the fact that i would have had to put it back and on those seas i was really dreading the prospect; but i guess i should have removed it!

 

[j.hunter9999]

Thanks to all for your input. Should the diesel go the way of the dodo, I believe we'll find
an outboard on the back. Great to hear the stories and experiences.