We bought our first sailboat last year, a 1972 O Day 22. Needless to say we’re having a blast with it but are in need of a new engine. I think we’re going to go with an 8hp Mercury with an alternator. We’re hooked on sailing and hope to transfer a sound engine to any future purchases, but mainly we want a safe and sound engine so we won’t have to do any worrying while trying to get out or back to the dock. What I need to know is what shaft length I should buy. The outboard that was on this would hit the tiller if it was turned towards it and that just doesn’t seem right. Any input on this is greatly appreciated, whether the engine we’re choosing may be wrong or what I might need to do to support the added weight of the new engine etc.
Shaft length for outboard?
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Curt, as a rule...
...you want the longest shaft you can get. Most long shafts are 20 inches and the extra long are 25 inches. The long should work, the extra long should work better. From what I read the way the Oday 22 tiller is designed, (Which is very good) you will have the problem of the motor hitting the tiller for almost every motor. It is something you have to account for. By the way, my engine man said to lock the engine in the straight ahead position and use the tiller for steering. I plan to try that when I get it wet! Hope that helps. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
...you want the longest shaft you can get. Most long shafts are 20 inches and the extra long are 25 inches. The long should work, the extra long should work better. From what I read the way the Oday 22 tiller is designed, (Which is very good) you will have the problem of the motor hitting the tiller for almost every motor. It is something you have to account for. By the way, my engine man said to lock the engine in the straight ahead position and use the tiller for steering. I plan to try that when I get it wet! Hope that helps. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
K
ken
outboard length
Curt, Even though you are a lake sailor.... buy the long shaft (20"). I think they are only a few $$ more and you will be happier in rough weather. And of course you will be buying a 4 stroke. Jack is correct on the steering..... lock your outboard and use the tiller for steering. Good luck!
Curt, Even though you are a lake sailor.... buy the long shaft (20"). I think they are only a few $$ more and you will be happier in rough weather. And of course you will be buying a 4 stroke. Jack is correct on the steering..... lock your outboard and use the tiller for steering. Good luck!
keeping the engine powerhead dry
The longer the shaft length, the higher above the seas will be the engine power head, so the longer shaft will be less apt to get soused by a following sea. You can raise the motor bracket to a higher point when you use a long shaft engine and yet still keep the prop and cooling water intake under the surface. Of course, with the longshafts you must lock the motor to the straight ahead position, so you do not wrench the motor bracket sideways. Steering with the tiller is also better because then the prop is less likely to hit the tiller blade. You will see no difference in handling etween a long and short shaft motor, except that the prop will remain under water more consistently with the long shaft and should cavitate less.
The longer the shaft length, the higher above the seas will be the engine power head, so the longer shaft will be less apt to get soused by a following sea. You can raise the motor bracket to a higher point when you use a long shaft engine and yet still keep the prop and cooling water intake under the surface. Of course, with the longshafts you must lock the motor to the straight ahead position, so you do not wrench the motor bracket sideways. Steering with the tiller is also better because then the prop is less likely to hit the tiller blade. You will see no difference in handling etween a long and short shaft motor, except that the prop will remain under water more consistently with the long shaft and should cavitate less.
W
Warren
Outboard for "22"
I have had my "22" since new in 1972. You need a long shaft. As far as the prop hitting the rudder....they all will do that when turned sharp. I started out with a 3 HP Johnson, used it for 8 years. Adequate in all but the worse conditions. Currently I have a 6HP Evinrude (2 stroke). This seems to be perfect (power & economy). Don't write off a two stroke, your a sailor, not a power boater, thus the comparative economy will not be a factor. I feel the #1 factor is weight...the lighter, the better! Good Luck!
I have had my "22" since new in 1972. You need a long shaft. As far as the prop hitting the rudder....they all will do that when turned sharp. I started out with a 3 HP Johnson, used it for 8 years. Adequate in all but the worse conditions. Currently I have a 6HP Evinrude (2 stroke). This seems to be perfect (power & economy). Don't write off a two stroke, your a sailor, not a power boater, thus the comparative economy will not be a factor. I feel the #1 factor is weight...the lighter, the better! Good Luck!
B
Bob
Engine size
I also am looking to upgrade my outboard. I am looking at a 9.9 mercury. Is this too much engine. I currently have a 24 " shaft. It seems the only engine with this long a shft starts at 9 horse. Can I downsize the sahft on this 19.2 oday?
I also am looking to upgrade my outboard. I am looking at a 9.9 mercury. Is this too much engine. I currently have a 24 " shaft. It seems the only engine with this long a shft starts at 9 horse. Can I downsize the sahft on this 19.2 oday?
Thank You for the help
Thank You for all the very useful help. I actually found a 1993 8hp Mercury long shaft for our boat with electric start etc. Would love the four stroke but the price was right and it's coming from a very reputable marina. Thanks Again, Curt
Thank You for all the very useful help. I actually found a 1993 8hp Mercury long shaft for our boat with electric start etc. Would love the four stroke but the price was right and it's coming from a very reputable marina. Thanks Again, Curt
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