Overwhelming Outboards...

[MGoBoat]

When we got our 192 it had no outboard. For this season we just used a 55# trolling motor with great success. It pushes the boat at a tolerable speed from our slip to the area where we raise the sails and go. This is on an inland lake. Next year we are planning on bigger water where the electric might not be up to the task.

In doing research, it seems opinions are like elbows. The things that I have decided are at least 4hp but more than 6hp is more than rated for the boat. An alternator will make our long weekends aboard better (yes we sleep on our 192). Our local guy works on all brands and has been repairing since the Arc was built. The real question is do we just buy the cheapest 6hp long shaft alternator motor, or does brand matter enough to pay more, sometimes significantly more? We have been unable to find a used motor that we trust.

 

[Indysailor]

I have a 4hp four stroke on my 23. Works fine for me on a pretty big inland lake. We motor to coves for swimming in the dead of summer and it gets us there very nicely.
May not push us quite at hull speed, but I'd say it's pretty close.

We went with the smaller motor for two reasons- it has an integrated 1/3 gallon tank and it's light enough for my wife to raise. Having a small tank requires me to be diligent about gas; I buy ethanol free and bring new gas to the boat whenever I go out, which I believe is better for the motor anyway.
Also, without the need for an external tank, I have extra cockpit storage. I keep a gallon in the tank locker, which is more than enough in case I have to motor for a long distance, with room left for cleaning supplies.

 

[djplatt@cogeco.ca]

I had a 6 horse Nissan on my old boat. It worked well but it was a single and it vibrated a bit.