Outboard motor suggestion for 1992 Hunter 27

[Susan E. King]

I just purchased a 1992 Hunter with a 9.9 Evinrude motor mounted on the port side. It is a long shaft and the owner evidently added a wood block to bring the engine out of the water about 2-3 inches higher than the outboard extension provided by Hunter. In choppy waters in the bay, the engine comes out of the water and is impossible to run. I also find the maneuverability of the boat difficult in docking situations.The motor does have an electric start in the cockpit. I have read some who use both.. but I am very short... and do not have the reach to handle the tiller and the motor at the same time.Since the motor does not appear to be working all that great, I am contemplating changing out the motor to something that is more manageable. One of the captains suggested a Yamaha 15 long shaft 4 stroke. I understand that there is not that great of a difference in the 9.9 and the 15. Are there any other secrets on mounting that makes it easier to manuever since the engine is mounted port side?Does anyone else have good experience with a motor and mounting that might work better?Susan

 

[Steve Dion]

what type of mount.

Susan:I am not familiar with your boat. Does it have a fixed mount? If it does there are some mounts that would allow you to raise the engine while you are sailing and lower it while you are motoring. This would give you the best of both worlds. I am assuming that you are looking at a long shaft because yours is a short shaft. I would see if you can find one of these adjustable mounts before you anty up for a new engine. I think that a new 10hp Honda starts at about $2300 and the Yamaha 15 is probably a lot more than that, so it is not a cheap investment. Also when you look for the motor mount be sure that the springs are powerful enough to assist you in lifting the engine. This can be difficult to do. And the heavier the engine the more difficult it is. These 4 stroke engines are very heavy.

 

[Susan E. King]

Heck if I know

Steve,I am not sure I know how to explain this but looking at the picture there is a white mount.... apparently from the factory that is mounted to the back of the boat... just under the port step. It matches the finish on the boat. It sticks out about a foot from the hull.... the previous owner then mounted a piece of wood about 6" x 8 x 2" onto the mount... and then mounted the motor. The motor is sitting about 3-4" higher out of the water than the original motor mount.The motor is actually a long shaft, Evinrude 9.9. My understanding is the original owner did not run it regularly and this created some problems. The motor evidently spent a great deal of time sitting in the water with the amount of corrosion in some places. I guess what I am saying is that the original mount appears to be something that was factory bought... and I don't know why the owner felt the need to lift the motor up a few inches. I have found in choppy waters that it pretty much makes the motor non-function... However, when looking at the Evinrude manual it appears to be in the water at the recommended depth. I have seen some of the spring load mounts... but I haven't tried one with a motor on it. I can say that I am having great difficulty by myself lifting the motor out of the water. I have also seen some power ones as well which will do the hoisting for you.. <grin>Susan

 

[Greg Stebbins]

Wading in as a fellow out-boarder (sigh)

Susan,1. Previous owner probably added block to raise the engine a bit and keep it from dragging in a following sea. It's probably best to put it back and let it drag a little.2. In chop, on outboard will tend to do that. It doesn’t stay out so you're not going to kill it. It is irritating though.3. Maneuverability with an outboard isn't all that bad. The secret is to leave it alone. Actually, you should not turn the engine unless extreme conditions exist. Leave the motor straight on and maneuver with the tiller. As long as you’re moving, the tiller gives you much better control and maneuverability. As you attempt to use the engine to vector thrust, things get sloppy in a hurry. You probably noticed this. In most cases you’re actually trying to fight the keel and rudder and the math gets pretty complicated. Just practice with the engine straight ahead, skill will come. Leave your sails down and go practice maneuvering with the outboard. It gets fun!4.Before you get a new outboard have the one you've got checked over by a authorized service rep. They can usually bring a motor back to life for hundreds vs., thousands for a new one. My outboard is 12 years old and works perfectly and has sat idle for more than a year at a time. Give the old girl a chance and have her cleaned/tuned up.5. As you get accustomed to outboard dock work and maneuvering, you'll find it less of an access problem. You’re afraid of it now but that will disappear with experience. If given a choice right now of an inboard or an out board on my boat, I choose the out, hand down. Especially reading about all the “stuff” Steve Dion and others go through with their antiquated diesel monstrosities. ( Oh yea Steve! Well the diesel hasn’t changed appreciably in OVER a hundred years!)In general: Outboards are a good choice in a boat under 28 feet. Let the boat achieve some speed and steer with the tiller. The problem is we tend to think we can blow the boat sideways or around a tight corner with the engine when the truth is the tiller in most cases is you best tool.Whew,GregH23 Faster-