What is magic about keeping the outboard engine horsepower below ten horsepower? I see a number of engines rated at 9.9 Hp and now I am hearing of a 9.95 Hp. Also, now that most outboard engine manufacturers have a line of four stroke engines, is there one or two that seem to be the best suited to the smaller Hunter boats like the 260 and the 240?
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The legislators
Many private lakes and other recreational boating locations have a legal limit of 10 HP to curtail abuse and foster an environment for quiet enjoyment. Manufacturers bend to this demand by providing as close as possible for those legals that insist that 10 HP is not under 10 HP. Go for a Yamaha 4 stroke or other non-American if you want more power. They are rated at the propeller so are slightly more powerful. Long shaft, probably.
Many private lakes and other recreational boating locations have a legal limit of 10 HP to curtail abuse and foster an environment for quiet enjoyment. Manufacturers bend to this demand by providing as close as possible for those legals that insist that 10 HP is not under 10 HP. Go for a Yamaha 4 stroke or other non-American if you want more power. They are rated at the propeller so are slightly more powerful. Long shaft, probably.
agree 9.9
I have a H240 with a Honda 8hp f stroke and it works great, and very quiet. The lakes here in Pa. have a 9.9 limit as per Jim's response. I must say I appreciate the limit when i sail in these rated lakes i.e. no pwc's buzzing around!!!
I have a H240 with a Honda 8hp f stroke and it works great, and very quiet. The lakes here in Pa. have a 9.9 limit as per Jim's response. I must say I appreciate the limit when i sail in these rated lakes i.e. no pwc's buzzing around!!!
Nissan 5
I have a H240. Sail it on a midwest lake in Wisconsin. I keep the boat in a slip, down a channel. I have found the Nissan 5 horse / 4 stroke to be quite, fuel efficient, and very little vibration. It has all the power this sailer needs, even in 25 mph winds like this last Friday. Enjoy!
I have a H240. Sail it on a midwest lake in Wisconsin. I keep the boat in a slip, down a channel. I have found the Nissan 5 horse / 4 stroke to be quite, fuel efficient, and very little vibration. It has all the power this sailer needs, even in 25 mph winds like this last Friday. Enjoy!
Experience
Sam; From experience, the maxium hp for the 240 is an 8 hp. You would be over powered with a 9.9 two orfour stroke and the boat will plow in the water. You might consider a long shaft 8 hp with electric start and alternator for example the Tohatsu or Nissan which are the same motor. On the Hunter 260, no more than the 9.9 either 2 or 4 stroke because you will be over powered with any larger engines. I like the Tohatsu 9.8 long shaft with elecfric start and alternator to recharge the battery as it is lighter than a four stroke and less costly and easier to maintain. The 9.9 four stroke engines are good too but intially cost more but you do have to check the oil reserve from time to time.
Sam; From experience, the maxium hp for the 240 is an 8 hp. You would be over powered with a 9.9 two orfour stroke and the boat will plow in the water. You might consider a long shaft 8 hp with electric start and alternator for example the Tohatsu or Nissan which are the same motor. On the Hunter 260, no more than the 9.9 either 2 or 4 stroke because you will be over powered with any larger engines. I like the Tohatsu 9.8 long shaft with elecfric start and alternator to recharge the battery as it is lighter than a four stroke and less costly and easier to maintain. The 9.9 four stroke engines are good too but intially cost more but you do have to check the oil reserve from time to time.
outboard motors
I thought the motor size was determined by the hull rating ie. H25 rated for 9.8 hp. Id like to know why this is though, ive motored the boat on smooth waters and Im sure you can sail faster than that ..... overpowered? the boat weighs over 4000 lbs...how can the boat be overpowered .. the motor maybe.
If you are looking into motors get one that you can use the controls despite the transom getting in the way on the larger(small) boats you need to move the motor in the direction of the rudder at slow speeds for better(any) control. Reverse, whats that? If you can invest in a four stroke checking the oil before leaving the slip is alot easier than mixing in an emergency. We'll always have a reminder of that day stained into our cockpit floor. Any idea how to get that out? I really am curious about the hull rating any insight would be appreciated...thx
I thought the motor size was determined by the hull rating ie. H25 rated for 9.8 hp. Id like to know why this is though, ive motored the boat on smooth waters and Im sure you can sail faster than that ..... overpowered? the boat weighs over 4000 lbs...how can the boat be overpowered .. the motor maybe.
If you are looking into motors get one that you can use the controls despite the transom getting in the way on the larger(small) boats you need to move the motor in the direction of the rudder at slow speeds for better(any) control. Reverse, whats that? If you can invest in a four stroke checking the oil before leaving the slip is alot easier than mixing in an emergency. We'll always have a reminder of that day stained into our cockpit floor. Any idea how to get that out? I really am curious about the hull rating any insight would be appreciated...thx- Status