Outboard Motor

[Whitsonenator]

I just bought a Hunter 18.5 and I need to buy an outboard motor. What size motor is recommended for this size of boat.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[shemandr]

I would think one of the 3.5 two strokes would be more than adequate. Nisson or brand de jour. We use one on a 23 foot Seafarer and it is fine. We rarely run it more than about 1/2 speed. Self contained gas. It's nice to have neutral and reverse. Note we just go in and out with it. If you want to motor somewhere, you might consider the 4 stroke - but they weigh much more. Others on this forum will tout the electric which may be a good option too.

 

[kloudie1]

I agree.. 5HP max and 2HP min.. Needs to be a long shaft, I think.. Many of the small ones are all made by Tohatsu under different brands .

 

[Whitsonenator]

Thanks - very helpful information and thanks for the suggestion it be a long shaft. I wondered about that too. I didn't want to get something too small and on the other hand not to big.
Again, thanks!

 

[jssailem]

Joe, Honda, 4 stroke, 2.3HP Long Shaft 31 pounds dry. Had the 2HP on my Montgomery 15. Worked great. Always started. No oil gas mixing. spin it around to go forward or backward. Pushed the little boat at hull speed. Easy to lift and carry. Top of the line for small boat power.
http://marine.honda.com/outboards/motor-detail/BF2.3

 

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[Crazy Dave Condon]

AS a former dealer for Hunter who sold quite a few of the 18.5 wing bulb keel, due to weight, I supplied a 5 hp with either an internal tank or separate gas tank by Tohatsu who also makes the Nissan and small Mercury engines. There was one other but cannot remember as it has been a while. The 3.5 worked fine but not good if at the coast in a strong headwind with current.