Transom height?

[edsonfarm]

Hunter 26.5 Motor Mount

Does anyone know the transom/motor mount height on a Hunter 26.5? Will a 20" long shaft motor work, or do I need a 25" extra long shaft?

What is the weight rating of the motor mount?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Clark]

The 26.5 is a good-sized boat to run an outboard. I'd do the XL shaft especially if I am frequently in lumpy water. The longer shaft will cavitate less.

The weight rating depends entirely upon which mount is installed. Is it an adjustable brackert or a fixed mount? What motor is on the boat now?

 

[edsonfarm]

The boat currently has the fixed factory mount on it. The current engine is an 8hp 2-stroke. I was considering buying a newer 9.9 or 15hp outboard. Theoretically the 8hp should get the boat to hull speed, but I was thinking a bigger engine might be better for traveling in current, etc. I'll be doing some extended trips on the ICW where sailing the whole time might not be feasible.