I have an '81 Hunter 25 that had a 9.9 Johnson 2 stroke that recently failed. The marina assures me that a new 5 HP 4 stroke will move the boat just as well. Is a 5 HP outboard large enough?
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Hunter 25 Outboard
Ever buy a car with an engine that had a hard time keeping up with traffic and merging? The same thing applies with outboard engines. You'll find lots of discussion on this subject in the archives. Anything over 10HP is overkill. I'm sure a 5 hp outboard will move the boat OK in normal conditions but 5HP seems a little wimpy to me for an all-around motor. Also, you might want some of the features that come with larger engines such as electric start, electric tilt, and alternator. I'd think real hard before settling for 5 hp.
Ever buy a car with an engine that had a hard time keeping up with traffic and merging? The same thing applies with outboard engines. You'll find lots of discussion on this subject in the archives. Anything over 10HP is overkill. I'm sure a 5 hp outboard will move the boat OK in normal conditions but 5HP seems a little wimpy to me for an all-around motor. Also, you might want some of the features that come with larger engines such as electric start, electric tilt, and alternator. I'd think real hard before settling for 5 hp.
Outboard
Recently went with a Johnson 9.9 sailmaster with four blade working prop. I have an inlet to deal with that is always full of nasty currents, even on the sweetest day.I cannot believe the improvement over my old evinrude, also a 9.9, with a three blade high pitched prop, which used to suck the stern of the boat down at full throttle. The extra five inches of lower unit length has virtually eliminated cavetation problems in a heavy chop.
Recently went with a Johnson 9.9 sailmaster with four blade working prop. I have an inlet to deal with that is always full of nasty currents, even on the sweetest day.I cannot believe the improvement over my old evinrude, also a 9.9, with a three blade high pitched prop, which used to suck the stern of the boat down at full throttle. The extra five inches of lower unit length has virtually eliminated cavetation problems in a heavy chop.
5 horse outboard?
We have a Merc 7.5 on our H25.5. Its just fine on our small inland lake until we start to get some heavy wind. Then it can be a slow struggle to get back. That said, I don't recall ever fully openning the throttle. The 5 seems a little small if there is much wind or current. Or both.
We have a Merc 7.5 on our H25.5. Its just fine on our small inland lake until we start to get some heavy wind. Then it can be a slow struggle to get back. That said, I don't recall ever fully openning the throttle. The 5 seems a little small if there is much wind or current. Or both.
Too small
You'll move it ok, but slow! Never under power a boat. That is the first rule of safety! Current and rough weather will require more power. You have a 25 foot boat! That too big for a 5 HP unless you sail in a lake and don't care about speed!
You'll move it ok, but slow! Never under power a boat. That is the first rule of safety! Current and rough weather will require more power. You have a 25 foot boat! That too big for a 5 HP unless you sail in a lake and don't care about speed!
Addendum to Outboard Motor for H25
I have a 9.9 Evenrude long shaft on my H260. Went for a sail yesterday and had a great time sailing downwind until I had to come back in over 20mph head winds, gusts to 30mph and 2 foot waves. Speed at full throttle with minor cavitation for 2+ hours was 3.7mph. Do that with a 5HP motor! Always opt for the long shaft. You'll be glad you did.
I have a 9.9 Evenrude long shaft on my H260. Went for a sail yesterday and had a great time sailing downwind until I had to come back in over 20mph head winds, gusts to 30mph and 2 foot waves. Speed at full throttle with minor cavitation for 2+ hours was 3.7mph. Do that with a 5HP motor! Always opt for the long shaft. You'll be glad you did.
Some additional thoughts
I have read that a basic rule of thumb for HP is for every 500 lbs of boat displacement, about 1 HP should be adequate. So for 3000 lb boat, about 6 HP is in the ballpark. You could consider this a minimum, especially if you are in tidal waters. I have also read that contrary to "bigger is better" it is actually better to have a smaller engine running at high revs more frequently. The reason is that residue and gunk does not have the opportunity to build up inside the engine, especially in the 2-stroke variety. On my Hunter 23 WK, I replaced my old 9.9 OMC with 6 Hp 4-stroke and the power is more than enough for my motoring requirements. good luck B
I have read that a basic rule of thumb for HP is for every 500 lbs of boat displacement, about 1 HP should be adequate. So for 3000 lb boat, about 6 HP is in the ballpark. You could consider this a minimum, especially if you are in tidal waters. I have also read that contrary to "bigger is better" it is actually better to have a smaller engine running at high revs more frequently. The reason is that residue and gunk does not have the opportunity to build up inside the engine, especially in the 2-stroke variety. On my Hunter 23 WK, I replaced my old 9.9 OMC with 6 Hp 4-stroke and the power is more than enough for my motoring requirements. good luck B
Safety
Last week I replaced the Honda 5 horse on my H25 with a new Honda 9.9 extra long shaft (27") high thrust electric start, and I'll never go back. Power
Last week I replaced the Honda 5 horse on my H25 with a new Honda 9.9 extra long shaft (27") high thrust electric start, and I'll never go back. Power
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