The only real problem with outboard is in rough weather--motor may come out of water(prop) if it is not mounted deep enough--then it may submerge on the other end???? I have been in rough weather with my mcgregor 26x avec 9.8 nissan where prop almost out of water. jorgen
OUTBOARD EXPERIENCE
- Thread starter tjelle1946
- Start date
Vega Friends:
I'm facing the Re-engine issue known to most of you.
Would love to go the Beta route, but the cost may be prohibitive.
Have been looking at a 9.9 Sail Drive Mercury, remote controls.
I would appreciate any comments from those of you who have gone the
outboard route regarding pros and cons -- especially what it has done
to the boat's handling. I sail Lake Michigan and do some cruising.
Not the smallest pond around.
Would like to know if any of you think the outboard route is a valid
option or just a big time mistake. Thanks for any counsel or advice.
Paul Rutgers
No. 709 out of Burnham Harbor, Chicago
I'm facing the Re-engine issue known to most of you.
Would love to go the Beta route, but the cost may be prohibitive.
Have been looking at a 9.9 Sail Drive Mercury, remote controls.
I would appreciate any comments from those of you who have gone the
outboard route regarding pros and cons -- especially what it has done
to the boat's handling. I sail Lake Michigan and do some cruising.
Not the smallest pond around.
Would like to know if any of you think the outboard route is a valid
option or just a big time mistake. Thanks for any counsel or advice.
Paul Rutgers
No. 709 out of Burnham Harbor, Chicago
Hi Paul;
I've sailed Lake Michigan for years- including Mackinaw and North
Channel and
all the way up to Lake Superior. You're right- it's a 'big pond'! And
also very
beautiful- though with a short sailing season.
(
I'm now sailing the waters around Florida- including the Bahamas. A few
years ago
I needed to replace the Albin 0-21 engine. I got me a new Yanmar and
installed this
engine myself. The installation requires some work to accommodate this
engine- but
I can tell you- it was worth it! I utilized the existing stern-bearing
and stuffing box with
a 25 mm shaft. Everything else is new. This Yanmar 10 hp engine has
never failed me- it
just keeps on running and running- with between 4 and 5 hours to one
gallon of diesel!
I never thought about going to an outboard.
Wilhelm V-257
I've sailed Lake Michigan for years- including Mackinaw and North
Channel and
all the way up to Lake Superior. You're right- it's a 'big pond'! And
also very
beautiful- though with a short sailing season.
(I'm now sailing the waters around Florida- including the Bahamas. A few
years ago
I needed to replace the Albin 0-21 engine. I got me a new Yanmar and
installed this
engine myself. The installation requires some work to accommodate this
engine- but
I can tell you- it was worth it! I utilized the existing stern-bearing
and stuffing box with
a 25 mm shaft. Everything else is new. This Yanmar 10 hp engine has
never failed me- it
just keeps on running and running- with between 4 and 5 hours to one
gallon of diesel!
I never thought about going to an outboard.
Wilhelm V-257
Hi.
Here in Sweden you can find original, refurbished engines at a good price
(recently I saw an Albin, maybe not the best, for about 500 USD). Probably
because of that, I rarely see a Vega with an outboard engine. Anyway, I do
not think you'd have terrible disadvantages, apart from the sound (noise) of
the outboard engine, which is really annoying to me.
marco
Here in Sweden you can find original, refurbished engines at a good price
(recently I saw an Albin, maybe not the best, for about 500 USD). Probably
because of that, I rarely see a Vega with an outboard engine. Anyway, I do
not think you'd have terrible disadvantages, apart from the sound (noise) of
the outboard engine, which is really annoying to me.
marco
Hello Paul,
I think it's a better idea to mount an inboard motor in your Vega.
My experiences with outboard motors is that when you need them the most that the propelor comes out of the water.
This does never happen during nice weather. If you have to enter a port with some waves hitting you from astern you might get into trouble.
The advantages of an outboard:
1) Low weight so better performance of the boat under sail.
2) For maintanance you can take the motor home or to a dealer.
3) Easy to fit on the boat.
4) Cheaper solution.
5) Extra storage space in the boat.
Disadvantages:
1) Runs on petrol (I don't like petrol on a boat).
2) Pitch of the propelor was not specialy designed for the boat.
3) Higher fuel consumption.
4) Not as reliable during rough conditions.
5) Does it have a 12 Volt alternator to charge your batteries?
So I personaly would go for an inboard. If you can not afford it, it is always an option to use an outboard for the time beeing.
Regards Jan van Craaikamp V973 Holland.
P.S. I have a Yanmar 16 HP in my boat and can send you a picture if you like.
I think it's a better idea to mount an inboard motor in your Vega.
My experiences with outboard motors is that when you need them the most that the propelor comes out of the water.
This does never happen during nice weather. If you have to enter a port with some waves hitting you from astern you might get into trouble.
The advantages of an outboard:
1) Low weight so better performance of the boat under sail.
2) For maintanance you can take the motor home or to a dealer.
3) Easy to fit on the boat.
4) Cheaper solution.
5) Extra storage space in the boat.
Disadvantages:
1) Runs on petrol (I don't like petrol on a boat).
2) Pitch of the propelor was not specialy designed for the boat.
3) Higher fuel consumption.
4) Not as reliable during rough conditions.
5) Does it have a 12 Volt alternator to charge your batteries?
So I personaly would go for an inboard. If you can not afford it, it is always an option to use an outboard for the time beeing.
Regards Jan van Craaikamp V973 Holland.
P.S. I have a Yanmar 16 HP in my boat and can send you a picture if you like.
Hi Paul.
Here is my humble opinion, whatever it\'s worth. Last season I trashed
the reversing mechanism third day on our 4 week sail with my family.
Yeah, panic! Unbelivably I managed to find a used -94 Honda 9.9Hp 4
stroke w electric start for only $350. 24 h after brakedown we were on
our way and ever since, I LOVE IT!
I\'d like to agree in most of what Jan and others are writing. A few
comments though:
1) Propeller pitch can be adjusted to boat, but size of prop will
likely be smaller. This will give you less grip in the water, most
notably when using the reverse to "brake".
2) I have a -94 9.9 Honda 4 stroke, and it will run more than 4 h per
gallon if not pushed too hard (5.5 kn). Much less than your old O21.
3) An outboard can charge your battery (more than your 11 A dynastart)
but much less than new diesel would.
4) Nobody mentioned handling so far. I\'s a dream! I sit on the stern
with one hand on the tiller and one hand on the engine. You wouldn\'t
belive the maneuvers possible...
5) Noise is not a problem with a 4 stroke engine. My O21 had the
original dry exhaust system and that made much, much more noise.
(Original quote: "No dad, It\'s not a helicopter. It\'s a VEGA"
6) I\'m not sure about the performance advantage. Since the weight is
so much more astern, I guess the difference is very small.
I don\'t know of the wether conditions where you sail, but the prop
coming out of the water "all the time" may be reason enough not to go
for an outboard. In the baltic where I sail, it\'s really a small problem.
Again I agree with Jan. If cost is not a very big issue, go with the
inboard. For me is was not a realistic option, but I\'m VERY happy with
my outboard.
Best luck and wishes,
/Peter Szendröi, VEGA 419
Here is my humble opinion, whatever it\'s worth. Last season I trashed
the reversing mechanism third day on our 4 week sail with my family.
Yeah, panic! Unbelivably I managed to find a used -94 Honda 9.9Hp 4
stroke w electric start for only $350. 24 h after brakedown we were on
our way and ever since, I LOVE IT!
I\'d like to agree in most of what Jan and others are writing. A few
comments though:
1) Propeller pitch can be adjusted to boat, but size of prop will
likely be smaller. This will give you less grip in the water, most
notably when using the reverse to "brake".
2) I have a -94 9.9 Honda 4 stroke, and it will run more than 4 h per
gallon if not pushed too hard (5.5 kn). Much less than your old O21.
3) An outboard can charge your battery (more than your 11 A dynastart)
but much less than new diesel would.
4) Nobody mentioned handling so far. I\'s a dream! I sit on the stern
with one hand on the tiller and one hand on the engine. You wouldn\'t
belive the maneuvers possible...
5) Noise is not a problem with a 4 stroke engine. My O21 had the
original dry exhaust system and that made much, much more noise.
(Original quote: "No dad, It\'s not a helicopter. It\'s a VEGA"
6) I\'m not sure about the performance advantage. Since the weight is
so much more astern, I guess the difference is very small.
I don\'t know of the wether conditions where you sail, but the prop
coming out of the water "all the time" may be reason enough not to go
for an outboard. In the baltic where I sail, it\'s really a small problem.
Again I agree with Jan. If cost is not a very big issue, go with the
inboard. For me is was not a realistic option, but I\'m VERY happy with
my outboard.
Best luck and wishes,
/Peter Szendröi, VEGA 419
I am learning that the best thing about owning a Vega is to learn about all
the good folks out there. Wonderful to get your help!
I am going ahead and explore both the Beta diesel (seems obvious first
choice) and an outboard installation. I guess the thing that most concerns
me about the latter is keeping the prop in the water in rough conditions --
pretty common on Lake Mich. Has this been a big problem for those who have
chosen that route? No surprise to most of you; cost may finally drive the
choice.
Paul Rutgers
the good folks out there. Wonderful to get your help!
I am going ahead and explore both the Beta diesel (seems obvious first
choice) and an outboard installation. I guess the thing that most concerns
me about the latter is keeping the prop in the water in rough conditions --
pretty common on Lake Mich. Has this been a big problem for those who have
chosen that route? No surprise to most of you; cost may finally drive the
choice.
Paul Rutgers
I am learning that the best thing about owning a Vega is to discover all
the good folks out there. Wonderful to get your help!
I am going ahead and explore both the Beta diesel (seems obvious first
choice) and an outboard installation. The thing that most concerns
me about the latter is keeping the prop in the water in rough conditions --
pretty common on Lake Mich. Has this been a big problem for those who have
chosen that route? No surprise to most of you; cost may finally drive the
choice.
Paul Rutgers
the good folks out there. Wonderful to get your help!
I am going ahead and explore both the Beta diesel (seems obvious first
choice) and an outboard installation. The thing that most concerns
me about the latter is keeping the prop in the water in rough conditions --
pretty common on Lake Mich. Has this been a big problem for those who have
chosen that route? No surprise to most of you; cost may finally drive the
choice.
Paul Rutgers
It appears that you have decided to repower inboard. Regardless, I
will add my experience with outboard power.
I usa a Yamaha 9.9 hp 4 stroke extra long shaft. The prop of a
previous old Honda 7.5 hp long shaft did emerge on one occasion in a
really steep chop, but the "XLS" of the Yamaha (25" shaft) stays
under, and I recently crossed the Strait of San Juan de Fuca on a
vertical water day under power.
This Yamaha is one of the best displacement auxiliary outboards
because the prop is designated "HT" (high torque) and designed for
the task. The alternator puts out 10 amps charging. 4 stroke is lots
quieter that 2 stroke outboards, more fuel efficient, and smoke
free. The electric start works every time with an automatic choke.
It will push my Vega more than 7 kt at full bore. I avoid that, but
the reserve is there. I get somewhere around 15 nm/gal at 5-6 kt.
Fortunately, the color of the 1992 model matches my hull. I can take
the thing home or to the shop easily.
The best attribute is maneuverability. I lock the motor steering in
the center out in Puget Sound, when motoring is required, and steer
with the boat's tiller, or use the tiller autopilot. In marinas, I
can lock the tiller in center with the autopilot, and steer with the
motor tiller. It permits me to back down with no prop walk. It will
steer without any way required, that is no boat velocity providing
flow over the rudder. The Vega's prop location above the rudder
particularly requires way for steering, as there is no propwash over
the rudder like in other inboard cruisers.
I know some hate the aesthetic of the outboard, and I myself find
marine diesel's, to be beautiful machines, but for now I keep the
Yamaha.
A mechanic at a shop that sold both Honda and Yamaha as well as
Mercury told me that the Yamaha is the "Cadillac" of the
auxiliarys.
Doug, #712
will add my experience with outboard power.
I usa a Yamaha 9.9 hp 4 stroke extra long shaft. The prop of a
previous old Honda 7.5 hp long shaft did emerge on one occasion in a
really steep chop, but the "XLS" of the Yamaha (25" shaft) stays
under, and I recently crossed the Strait of San Juan de Fuca on a
vertical water day under power.
This Yamaha is one of the best displacement auxiliary outboards
because the prop is designated "HT" (high torque) and designed for
the task. The alternator puts out 10 amps charging. 4 stroke is lots
quieter that 2 stroke outboards, more fuel efficient, and smoke
free. The electric start works every time with an automatic choke.
It will push my Vega more than 7 kt at full bore. I avoid that, but
the reserve is there. I get somewhere around 15 nm/gal at 5-6 kt.
Fortunately, the color of the 1992 model matches my hull. I can take
the thing home or to the shop easily.
The best attribute is maneuverability. I lock the motor steering in
the center out in Puget Sound, when motoring is required, and steer
with the boat's tiller, or use the tiller autopilot. In marinas, I
can lock the tiller in center with the autopilot, and steer with the
motor tiller. It permits me to back down with no prop walk. It will
steer without any way required, that is no boat velocity providing
flow over the rudder. The Vega's prop location above the rudder
particularly requires way for steering, as there is no propwash over
the rudder like in other inboard cruisers.
I know some hate the aesthetic of the outboard, and I myself find
marine diesel's, to be beautiful machines, but for now I keep the
Yamaha.
A mechanic at a shop that sold both Honda and Yamaha as well as
Mercury told me that the Yamaha is the "Cadillac" of the
auxiliarys.
Doug, #712