Outboard motor size

[Jim Morris]

What is the best size motor for a 1976 Catalina 27? I'm thinking of using a 15 hp Honda 4 stroke. Is it too heavy? Will be using it on the Northwest coast. I see a lot of 9.9's on these boats, but most are 2 strokes. Also, how long of a shaft is best?

 

[Phil]

In the transom or outside of the transom?

If you are going to use a 15 HP 4 stroke, it will have to be mounted on the back of the boat. That size of engine will never fit into the transom opening. A 5-6 HP 4 stroke is the largest size engine I found that will fit into the transom without modification of the fiberglass. A long shaft would work best.

 

[Skip]

9.9 is fine

I have a 1975 Catalina 27. I bought the boat it had a 9.9 Johnson. I thought I would be upgrading to a 15. However money was tight, I gave it a try and have never had a problem. I have motored 30 miles, Traveled in 20-25 mph wind and she truges through 6-8 foot waves. There are a few times going dead to weather I wish I had a few extra ponies but that is rare.Also with the 9.9 it fits well into the transom. I don't want to ever see the loud and stinky thing.Good luck!Skip"Kid Napper"

 

[Joe Ford]

Add some weight....

Those 4 strokes weigh about twice as much as the two strokes, maybe 60 pounds. Why not hang a few weights off the transom to see how much it affects the trim. Alson, what's really important is being able to mount the motor so the shaft doesn't interfere with the rudder when the motor trim angle is set correctly.

 

[Joe Ford]

Add some weight....

Those 4 strokes weigh about twice as much as the two strokes, maybe 60 pounds. Why not hang a few weights off the transom to see how much it affects the trim. What's really important is being able to mount the motor so the shaft doesn't interfere with the rudder when the motor trim angle is set correctly.