Pearson Ensign Outboard Motor

ToddG

.
Sep 14, 2025
3
Pierson Ensign New London
We have an Ensign at a dock. It used to be at a mooring but for various reasons we have switched to a dock. To get to the ocean to sail, we need to thread a fairly narrow channel of maybe 100 yards. with rocks on the sides. We need a reliable motor to do so. We have an electric motor but it has proven unreliable and underpowered if there is some wind / current. Any advice on an outboard motor in the 3-6 HP range, with a long shaft, that would work for an Ensign? The electric motor is maybe 20 years old so maybe there are better ones available now. But a gasoline outboard could also be possible. Advice welcome. Thanks you.
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,579
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
First, buy the brand that is easy to be serviced by a good shop where the boat or your house is.
Second, you are likely to get treated better when you go in for service if you bought the motor from the same place you are getting the motor serviced.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,515
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
The 6-hp Honda or Yamaha is a good four-cycle engine for your needs.

If you are interested in an electric outboard, I would consider the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus as an option.
spirit
 
  • Like
Likes: kloudie1
Jan 1, 2006
7,674
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I just have a few observations about the Ensign. The transom is a bit of a long overhang, a little narrow and without a lot of volume to counteract the weight of the motor. So I would be mindful of the weight of the motor.
I raced (I know an oxymoron) on an Ensign for several years and we sailed if off a mooring. So we didn't have a motor. The sailboatdata site show a pic of an Ensign with a motor on the transom. It hurts my eyes. But the mount may be more important than the horsepower. You'll need a long shaft and the mount would have to raise the motor well out of the water since the Ensign sails with a good deal of heel.. Better check with the 4 stroke manufacturer because not all 4 strokes are amiable to that.
Basically I'd be looking for a used 2 stroke. Maybe a 4 hp.
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,579
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Thanks. Good advice. Any thoughts on a brand or HP range?
I'd get one large enough to have a forward and reverse rather than the smaller one that you have to spin the motor all the way around.

At least 4hp no more than 6.

Watch the weight if the 6 is much heavier than the 4 go with the 4