outboard

[Rudy]

what horsepower and long or short shaft when I look for a outboard for my just purchased 1971 catalina 22? If I pick up a short shaft will it be ok or will I have lots of problems when the boat rolls. since there are so many short shafts out there thats what I would like to buy if you think Ill be ok when launching and motoring. thx

 

[Dave]

I would definately go with a long shaft. 8hp max.

 

[Randy]

Motor Choice

There have been discussions about this in the past. You can access them in the archive using the word "outboard" and you'll find lots of advice. The summary is: long shaft for sure. Some people like the 8 HP 4 strokes like the Honda I use and others prefer less powerful but lighter motors including 2 strokes. People in lakes can get away with less power and people who have to go against currents tend to like a bit more power. In our marina, in a lake, several C22s use electric trolling motors to get in and out of the docks. Personally I wouldn't go that route because even on a like high wins can be tough for those trollers to push against. I think anything between 5-8 HP would be just fine. Randy 13227

 

[UnBelizeable]

8HP YachtMaster

I use a 8Hp OMC Long shaft. A good feature of this model is it has a built in generator. Make sure you ask for one that has this feature...it's worth not having to stress about battery charge on a trip.

 

[Barry Lenoble]

5 HP Nissan

Hello,My boat came with a 5 HP Nissan 2 stroke long stroke. I have sailed it only 3 times, but the engine seems perfect for the boat. It weighs about 40 lbs, so it is nice and light. It does nothave an alternator, but I rarely use the engine,so I don't think it would charge the batteryanyway (and I don't use the battery much either).Barry

 

[David B.]

Agree with the other posts, but would add the following. You definietly need a long shft motor. As for power, I think 6 hp is probablu ideal. I have an 8 hp Nissan which is great, but I usually only need 1/3 to 1/2 throttle to move along nicely. Unless you routinely need to battle strong winds or tides, 6 hp should be plenty, will weigh less than an 8, and some 6s are available with a charging coil for charging the battery. But unless you motor frequently, the charging coil on a small outboard won't likely keep your battery charged anyway; think about going solar for that.

 

[Ben]

Agreed

My Capri 22 came with the same motor as Barry's; I've been very happy with it. There have been a few instances of high winds in which I may have appreciated the extra power of a 6hp motor, but only for a bit of increased speed and not because I felt dangerously underpowered. Mine normally gets used only for getting me in & out of the slip, anyway. Also, I want to keep the weight down, and my current engine is relatively light.And I agree that a long shaft is ideal. Every now and then a wave/wake is still big enough to bring my motor out of the water or come close to swamping it, so I have to imagine that a short shaft would have problems.