What size engine for a Hunter Duette 23?

[Macseast]

I have just purchased a Hunter Duette and she came with 2 Honda 5hp short shaft engines.I am selling both of these and buying one new one but don't know what to get.should I buy a long shaft or short shaft? I am looking at the Tohatsu sail drive but is it too long?
Any advice gratefully received

 

[twodzusfittings]

Try using one of the many sites explaning which length the shaft needs to be. Here is a link to one, but there are many, so before rushing off to buy one, read up on it.

http://www.smalloutboards.com/shaft.htm

 

[kloudie1]

Had to see what a Duette was ! They aren't sold here in the US.. Long shaft will be a LOT better to get you around.. My first boat was a 23 footer and first engine was a "loaner" short shaft.. When I bought a new engine, I bought a long shaft .. motoring was MUCH better in waves.. The prop stayed in the water much better..

 

[Paladin27]

Definitely long shaft. In any waves, a short shaft will be bobbing in and out. I bought a Honda 8HP short shaft for my Hunter 23 and bought the parts to convert it to a long shaft since I got the Honda cheaply from a friend.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The Hunter Duette 23 is a differrent manufacturer I believe located in the UK. It is not affiliated with Hunter Marine. I do not know that boat but forget the standard shaft of 15 inches. It depends on how high the motor mount is off the water whether the 20 inch or 25 inch shafts will work the best for you.

 

[mglapa]

I just (this spring) purchased at 6hp, 4 stroke Tohatsu motor for my Hunter 23. They offered 3 verions... regular, long and extra long. I got the extra long (don't recall the dimensions) on the advice that for this boat, it couldn't be too long. The wing keel draws more than the motor. This motor is a great compliment to this boat. Moves it about very nicely.

 

[Landlocked Todd]

Short (S) = 15 inches, long (L) = 20 inches, and extra long (XL) = 25 inches

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Mglapa;

FYI, the 6 hp Tohatsu is the same engine as the Nissan and Mercury as Tohatsut builds all of them. Therefore parts will intermingle in the three brands and do not let any mechanic tell you otherwise.

When using this engine, disconnect the fuel line or fuel shut off so to run the fuel out of the carb. Very good advice and if you can buy straight gas without ethanol or as I call it corn fidlesticks.

crazy dave condon