I'm restoring a Hunter 23 (victim of Hurricaine Sandy) and need to repower. I have access to buying a Mercury 3.5 h.p. 2009, apparently good shape, little used, $500.00, and wondering if it is enough power. I think the price is ok. Sailing conditions are variable; South Jersey, mostly summer, and tidal changes are approximatly 4 feet. I am an experienced open ocean sailor on larger sailboats and have never needed a motor this small. Thanks for any input.
outboard repower for sandy victim
- Thread starter Williammeis
- Start date
I had a Georgian 23 with a Honda 8 HP and I wish at times it was a 9.9. It was fine in good weather but when the wind started to blow and the waves built it kept the 8 HP busy. If I were to buy one for a 23 I would like a 9.9. All the best with the restoration
My previous boat was a Clipper Marine 23 with a 10 H.P. Honda. When that was out of service (propeller was stolen) I temporarily installed a 3 H.P. Gamefisher and it was pretty poor, barely able to beat the tidal currents in the San Joaquin delta.
That boat only weighed around 2000 pounds.
That boat only weighed around 2000 pounds.
Thank you all. I did visit other forums; the general rule I noted was 2 h.p./ ton. The J 24 uses a recommended 4 h.p. The Hunter 23 is about 2,400 #. Interestingly, the Mercury co. could not give me a definite answer, although the representative I spoke with did not seem to care about my question...for what it's worth.
Willieameis;
I am a retired Hunter dealer and was the top dealer for the 23 wing keel in my day. Chuck that 3.5. Minimum is 5 hp but if in the ocean, go with a 6 hp. If you want electric start, go with a 8 hp which will also recharge the battery when the motor is running.
No question on the 20 inch shaft but if using the old motor bracket in the ocean, you may want to consider the 25 inch. As for Tohatsu, Mercury and Nissan small motors, they are all the same but with a different name and color on the engine all built by Tohatsu.
crazy dave condon
I am a retired Hunter dealer and was the top dealer for the 23 wing keel in my day. Chuck that 3.5. Minimum is 5 hp but if in the ocean, go with a 6 hp. If you want electric start, go with a 8 hp which will also recharge the battery when the motor is running.
No question on the 20 inch shaft but if using the old motor bracket in the ocean, you may want to consider the 25 inch. As for Tohatsu, Mercury and Nissan small motors, they are all the same but with a different name and color on the engine all built by Tohatsu.
crazy dave condon