Outboard HP for 22' trailer sailor

[drumbeater]

I've got an 82 Hunter 22. It currently has a 9.9hp Evinrude Yachtwin on it that has plenty of power but has idling problems and other typical 2 stroke motor issues. It's also 85#'s which I feel is too heavy for my transom. I'm thinking of going to a 4 stroke and with a 6hp.

Someone I know has a new Nissan 5hp 2 stroke that they will let me have, but I'm thinking that's getting a little small for the Hunter. Anyone else have some input on this? We are in coastal South Carolina with pretty strong currents and trying to avoid things like bridge pilings. I don't want to get pushed around with an underpowered motor.

 

[Dave602]

I ran my H22 for years on a Nissan 8hp. It worked very well with plenty of power, never had to get her up to full throttle to get to hull speed except in the worst conditions. I've never had any issues with two strokes as long as you treat them right.

 

[drumbeater]

This one wasnt treated very right. Not alot of crazy wire splices and stuff, just allowed to sit for along time. I'm going to take a last stab at adjusting the throttle stop this weekend to see if I can get it stop shutting off while you are docking. Nothing like an out of control sailboat, in a current, and wind, drifting towards an immovable object.

 

[sailcrouch]

I used to sail a 1984 Spindrift 22, a similar size and layout. My Mariner 4 hp was plenty of power to motr the boat and charge the batteries. and was very reliable. On Kansas lakes we don't deal with currents, but some strong winds. I never felt underpowered.

 

[MrUnix]

The H23 came equipped with a 5Hp 2 stroke Nissan outboard. Even though the H22 is about 750 pounds heavier than the H23, I imagine it would work just fine for you.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Benny17441]

Yes I would concur that 8 HP would be a nice fit for your boat. Make sure you get the right prop for your boat. A 5 or 6 HP will do the job in calm waters but may likely be underpowered in heavy winds and high seas.

 

[Capt Mike]

I have a 1984 H22 with a Johnson 6HP-2stroke and it works fine on the boat.

 

[HukilauMike]

I think the 5 hp would be enough power for all but the most trying conditions. There are other issues to consider as well if you are moving to a four stroke. Make sure the mounting bracket is rated to handle a four stroke. Four strokes are generally heavier than their two stroke cousins of similar hp, so the bracket has to be robust to handle the extra weight. However, the bracket has to be more robust to handle the extra torque as well. Is it ok to mount a small four stroke on a bracket rated to handle a big two stroke? I have no idea. I wouldn't do it, but that's me.

If you do choose to go with a new four stroke, keep in mind that some very desireable features are generally not offered on engines smaller than the 9.9. In particular, I am referring to long shaft models and electric start. I think long shafts are pretty much required for sailboats, and the extra long shaft models (25") are worth whatever they cost. And while I really like and appreciate the electric start feature, my wife thinks it is a safety necessity; she is much more comfortable knowing that she can start the engine in an emergency without my help.

Good luck.

 

[Merlin Clark]

If your motor has been sitting for an extended period, the carburator almost certainly needs cleaning if you haven't already.
Sounds like your low speed jet is gunked up.

 

[drumbeater]

Already rebuilt the carb. Apparently there is a knob on the end of the tiller you can turn to adjust idle/trolling speed. I'll try that and see if it improves.

 

[Dave602]

Before my Nissian the old motor wouldn't idle. I took the carb apart(very simple) and there was a small tube that went from the bowl to the idle jet. It had disintegrated. Bought a rebuild kit which had the tube, gaskets and o rings. Once all replaced she ran for years until the bottom unit went out. Head still ran fine. I always made sure to run her dry before leaving for the day. Kept the gunk down.

 

[Sumner]

...... And while I really like and appreciate the electric start feature, my wife thinks it is a safety necessity; she is much more comfortable knowing that she can start the engine in an emergency without my help. Good luck.

This is an excellent point and one we didn't really consider until this....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/MacgregorTrips-3-Powell09/09-10-9-Powell-09.html

...happened. We now have a 9.8 HP extra long shaft Tohatsu with electric start. If you were to go overboard it is imperative that who ever else is on the boat can get back to you. Can they start the outboard or do they actually have the skill to sail back to you? If you become sick or injured can they get you, they and the boat to a safe place.

On the outboard if the person says they have a new Nissan 5 HP 2 stroke I'd ask what is new. I think it has now been a few years since they made the 2 stroke 5 HP, but I might be wrong.

I would worry some about the 5 HP with the currents you mention. We used our Nissan 4 stroke 5 HP on our Mac once when the older Honda wouldn't start and it pushed us fine into 20 mph winds and I use to think the 5 HP with a high thrust prop, like we had put on, was adequate. Now after spending time in Florida and the currents there in some of the cuts I would want at least a 8-9 HP. It isn't the HP so much, but you need a larger high thrust prop and to push a larger prop you need more HP. Just compare the prop size of a 4-6 HP Tohatsu/Nissan vs. a prop for the 8-9.8 HP models.

I'd feel very comfortable with a 5-6 HP on lakes, but not where currents and winds combined are concerned,

Sum

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[OldCat]

I think a 4-6hp is plenty for a 22' boat. The poster who mentioned needing more has a larger boat - more windage - more hull to get smacked by waves - probably more boat weight. 4 has held me hove too under power against some very bad t'storm micro-bursts. Web wisdom seems to be that 8-10 is required for a 25-56 foot boat.

If I was buying new for a 22' boat, for the ocean or large lakes, I would get a Tohatsu 6hp SailPro - sailboat prop, XL shaft to keep the prop in the water in waves, alternator, very reasonable price. A friend really likes his, and as a beginner it has bailed him out several times. IMO, the SailPro is too closely priced to the 4-5 hp models to make the cost delta an issue.

OC

 

[48dodge]

My Honda 100 (10hp 4 stroke) didn't want to idle when I first got the boat. I pulled the carb and cleaned everything, even putting it in a soak tank. No luck. Took it to an outboard shop and he only got it marginally better. I ended up replacing the carb and it worked as new. If i let it sit too long ill get the same issue but I can pull the jet, clean it out and I'm back to normal. The honda motors (and the Nissan/Tohatsu motors. I've heard) are notorious for small passages in the carbs that can clog up.

 

[Solace of Freedom]

I've got an E-rude 8 that had always ran poorly (I don't use it on my sailboat). This year I decided to mess w/ it. I cracked the fuel filter (a lil mess screen) housing, in front of the fuel pump, and replaced it. The fuel filter screen always looked clean, but I found dirt built up on the inside of it. Now, the motor runs much better (cleaned the carb, too). Something to check.