outboard size

[Dan Miles]

I need more power sometimes to maintain course in the tidal currents around the passes. Has anyone put a Honda 4-stroke 9.9 hp instead of the standard 5 ph? Does it do OK? Did you reinforce the transom? How much was the hull speed increased? dmiles@hiwaay.net

 

[Tony Z]

Horsepower and/or propeller

I used to have a Catalina 22 that had a 4.5 horsepower longshaft outboard. I replacd it with an 8 HP Sailmaster. I must say that hull sped did not increase that much ie: flat out on a calm day, but in tidal conditions and strong wind the differance was unbelivable. I think the differance is in the propeller as mush as the power. The sailmaster's (or probably any outboard designed for sailboats) propeller has less pitch and a larger diameter than a standard outboard. I actually kept the 8 HP outboard when I sold the boat and put it on a Catalina 25. It pushed it very well even in strong tidal conditions (4.5 kts).

 

[Joe]

I have a 72 Johnson 9.9 on my 23.5 and love it. When I first took delivery on my boat, there was a 5 hp Tohotsu on it which the dealer said I could have or the 9.9 Johnson. After one outing I new I didn't want the Tohotsu. The Tohotsu didn't have an external fuel tank but was more fuel efficient than the older Johnson. The biggest dislike for the Tohotsu was the vibration throughtout the boat even at slow speeds. If I tried to increase the engine speed the vibration became intolerable. I am now in the market for an electric start motor as I suffered a stroke in October and my mate says electric start motor or she won't go with me as she can't start the Johnson even though it starts on the first or second pull for me. I will be looking for at least a 9.9. I have no personal experience with the Honda outboards but have read in other forums that the dealers have to work on them as many other "mechanics" don't have a clue. My advice bottom line, buy the largest engine practical; you don't have to use the power unless you need it.

 

[F Pratt]

consider the yamaha 9.9

We had a 9.9 yamaha 4 stroke with a high output alternator and high thrust prop. It came on the boat used but it was one of the best features on this boat it was quiet, and would move the boat through current with ease. It is a bit of an expense but if you use the boat in salt water it is well worth the extra money.we ail wit a San Jaun 24 that had a 2 stroke johnson on it we had to motor at reduced throttle to allow them to keep up with us. We used about half the fuel they did and did not have to mix oil

 

[F Pratt]

consider the yamaha 9.9

We had a 9.9 yamaha 4 stroke with a high output alternator and high thrust prop. It came on the boat used but it was one of the best features on this boat it was quiet, and would move the boat through current with ease. It is a bit of an expense but if you use the boat in salt water it is well worth the extra money.we sail with a San Jaun 24 that had a 2 stroke Johnson on it we had to motor at reduced throttle to allow them to keep up with us. We used about half the fuel they did and did not have to mix oil