we want to upgrade our engine from a 5hp outboard to an 8hp.. what model is recommended.. has any one had experience ofan 8hp on a horizon 23. thnak you for your help
outboard engine
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Outboard
Practical sailor did a review on small 4 stroke outboards in the December 2006 issue. The review was limited to 2.5 hp engines but I'd imagine a lot of the analysis would apply to 8 hp engines. There were small differences between the major brands. Yahama, Tohatsu, Mercury and Honda all were found to be reliable and well built. I'd look for the longest shaft you can get and price accordingly. You'll find additional options such as electric start, alternator and power tilt nice to have but not essential. There has been a lot of discussion regarding mail order purchasing and you can probably get a good deal that way. You might pay a little more at the local dealer but make sure you can get it serviced before taking the mailorder option.
Practical sailor did a review on small 4 stroke outboards in the December 2006 issue. The review was limited to 2.5 hp engines but I'd imagine a lot of the analysis would apply to 8 hp engines. There were small differences between the major brands. Yahama, Tohatsu, Mercury and Honda all were found to be reliable and well built. I'd look for the longest shaft you can get and price accordingly. You'll find additional options such as electric start, alternator and power tilt nice to have but not essential. There has been a lot of discussion regarding mail order purchasing and you can probably get a good deal that way. You might pay a little more at the local dealer but make sure you can get it serviced before taking the mailorder option.
Outboard Motor
I have a Hunter 25.5 and sail it out of St. Marks, Fl. THe distance from my slip to the Gulf is about 8 nautical miles. The waters in the area are spring fed so there is always a nice current going out. Coming in, however, if you don't have the tide with you could be tedious. I have a 9.9hp Yamaha and it is fine, giving me about 4 knots against an outgoing current. I would not recommend anything smaller.
I have a Hunter 25.5 and sail it out of St. Marks, Fl. THe distance from my slip to the Gulf is about 8 nautical miles. The waters in the area are spring fed so there is always a nice current going out. Coming in, however, if you don't have the tide with you could be tedious. I have a 9.9hp Yamaha and it is fine, giving me about 4 knots against an outgoing current. I would not recommend anything smaller.
8hp is about the upper limit
Of what you would need on an H23. Anything more is a waste of money. Remember she's much lighter than a 25.5 and takes less to get moving. I run an 8HP honda (stock) and it rarely requires much over half trottle. Wide open, it just makes more noise, the boat doesn't go any faster as youre limited to your hull speed.
Of what you would need on an H23. Anything more is a waste of money. Remember she's much lighter than a 25.5 and takes less to get moving. I run an 8HP honda (stock) and it rarely requires much over half trottle. Wide open, it just makes more noise, the boat doesn't go any faster as youre limited to your hull speed.
Six is Plenty anything over Eight is A Waste
You'd be wasting money on the purchase and fuel everytime you use it. I would be tempted to go with the eight over the six in order to go with a twin versus single cylinder as they run much smoother. You could hang a 20 HP motor on there and you are not going to get through any current much faster. As for model look around to see what all the other boats have. I do not think there is much difference between the brands so go with one that has easy availability of parts and service to you.
You'd be wasting money on the purchase and fuel everytime you use it. I would be tempted to go with the eight over the six in order to go with a twin versus single cylinder as they run much smoother. You could hang a 20 HP motor on there and you are not going to get through any current much faster. As for model look around to see what all the other boats have. I do not think there is much difference between the brands so go with one that has easy availability of parts and service to you.
Six will do...
When my 5hp Mercury gives up the ghost I will most likely replace it with a 6hp 4 stroke Tohatsu. Tohatsu makes the Nissan outboards. I'll be going with the 25" ultra long shaft model for my Hunter 23. The extra shaft length will be a huge improvement over my current engine when I'm forward or when she is bobbing up and down in the wake created by other craft. My current long shaft model bobs out of the water far enough to suck air. I don't like that. 6hp will be enough for getting in and out of the fleet or back to the mooring ball when becalmed on the far side of the lake. I don't know if 6hp would be enough if I had to deal with currents though... The 6hp ultra long shaft comes equipped with a 12v charging system, also a plus.
When my 5hp Mercury gives up the ghost I will most likely replace it with a 6hp 4 stroke Tohatsu. Tohatsu makes the Nissan outboards. I'll be going with the 25" ultra long shaft model for my Hunter 23. The extra shaft length will be a huge improvement over my current engine when I'm forward or when she is bobbing up and down in the wake created by other craft. My current long shaft model bobs out of the water far enough to suck air. I don't like that. 6hp will be enough for getting in and out of the fleet or back to the mooring ball when becalmed on the far side of the lake. I don't know if 6hp would be enough if I had to deal with currents though... The 6hp ultra long shaft comes equipped with a 12v charging system, also a plus.
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