I am new to sailing and just bought a 1969 O'Day Ranger 26". I need to get an outboard but unsure og Longshaft or Shortshaft... What size horsepower? I willing mainly be sailing in California Channel Islands. Thanks
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outboard size
Since you will be sailing to the Channel Islands (summer only?) you should seriously consider a minimum of 7.5 hp and even go to 9.9 hp. I have been sailing and powering in the area for more than 40 years and more than once ran into heavy winds and rough seas where my outboard barely handled it on my 24' sailboat even though it was a 9.9. By all means buy the long shaft and a minimum of 27" or your prop will come out of the water when heeled. Good luck, the area is fantistic. Novelman
Since you will be sailing to the Channel Islands (summer only?) you should seriously consider a minimum of 7.5 hp and even go to 9.9 hp. I have been sailing and powering in the area for more than 40 years and more than once ran into heavy winds and rough seas where my outboard barely handled it on my 24' sailboat even though it was a 9.9. By all means buy the long shaft and a minimum of 27" or your prop will come out of the water when heeled. Good luck, the area is fantistic. Novelman
9.8 hp 4 stroke long shaft would be your best bet.
California has very restrictive laws on the outboards that you must use. Check your state laws before you buy. Tohatsu, Nissan, and Mercury (all manufactured by Tohatsu) meet the stringent California requirements.
California has very restrictive laws on the outboards that you must use. Check your state laws before you buy. Tohatsu, Nissan, and Mercury (all manufactured by Tohatsu) meet the stringent California requirements.
" Auxiliary engine"
A six h.p. longshaft will do hull speed and less weight. If there is wind sail it! watch your tides and keep a spare plug, extra fuel, pull-start rope, and a hand-held VHF. The channel Isles? Invest in a 25 lb Bruce, and spend 60 bucks a year for Vessel assist and remember...it is a sailboat; if you d not feel confident to go out there wait until you do, and definitely practise reefing and take a USCG 'Power Boat Squadron' course they are offered free from the local USCG Auxiliary. Then feel confident to go have some fun!
A six h.p. longshaft will do hull speed and less weight. If there is wind sail it! watch your tides and keep a spare plug, extra fuel, pull-start rope, and a hand-held VHF. The channel Isles? Invest in a 25 lb Bruce, and spend 60 bucks a year for Vessel assist and remember...it is a sailboat; if you d not feel confident to go out there wait until you do, and definitely practise reefing and take a USCG 'Power Boat Squadron' course they are offered free from the local USCG Auxiliary. Then feel confident to go have some fun!
i'vi got a 27' santana
and i stowed a3hp lightwin ive mounted it once and it did fine for around the docks in the marina.its amazing how little it takes to push a boat that size
and i stowed a3hp lightwin ive mounted it once and it did fine for around the docks in the marina.its amazing how little it takes to push a boat that size
I have an 8hp........
OMC (Johnson/Evenrude) with a long shaft on my Pearson 26. It is perfect. I've been out in some heavy blows on Chesapeake Bay and she just keeps pluggin' along at 5-6 kts. However, I just started working at West Marine in Woodbridge, Va. and that 9.9 Merc with elec start, hydro lift, and in-cockpit controls looks real nice. Probably over $3000 with instalation though. David
OMC (Johnson/Evenrude) with a long shaft on my Pearson 26. It is perfect. I've been out in some heavy blows on Chesapeake Bay and she just keeps pluggin' along at 5-6 kts. However, I just started working at West Marine in Woodbridge, Va. and that 9.9 Merc with elec start, hydro lift, and in-cockpit controls looks real nice. Probably over $3000 with instalation though. David
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