I thought I would ask the group a couple questions regarding outboard motors for a 260. 1) 9.9 vs 15hp: I see that most, if not all, of these motors are basically the same weight and size, and only a couple hundred $ difference in price. With that in mind, seems logical to go with the 15, eh? 2) however, it also seems that the 15hp motors only have 20" shaft lengths whereas the 9.9 are available with 25" shafts. Seems to me that the longer the shaft, the better. So I guess that boils down to a 15hp, 20" or a 9.9hp 25" I'm interested in folks opinions about this dilemma. Also, while I'm at it, has anyone had any experience in doing any custom ordering from Hunter like say for dual batteries or outboard remote controls on the pedestal, yada, yada? Thanks in advance for your responses!
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Dave Condon
One who knows
Max horse power for this boat is 9.9. A 15 horsepower will allow you to plow through the water thus slowing you down. As for dual battery systems and controls on the pedestal, that is for your dealer to install. I do it all the time for my customers and got it down to an art for installation. Happy sailing my friend Dave Condon
Max horse power for this boat is 9.9. A 15 horsepower will allow you to plow through the water thus slowing you down. As for dual battery systems and controls on the pedestal, that is for your dealer to install. I do it all the time for my customers and got it down to an art for installation. Happy sailing my friend Dave Condon
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Mike Pajewski
Look at a 4 stroke
I have the 8 horse Tohatsu/Nissan on my 26. While usually adequate, I've often wished for the 9.9. If I were purchasing the boat today, I would insist on 9.9 Honda 4 stroke. The four strokes will go twice as far on a gallon of gas, don't require mixing oil, don't pollute & are quieter. A couple of sailing mags have compared 2 & 4 strokes, and they were quite interesting to say the least. Many states are targeting 2 strokes as polluters, (They are now banned on Lake Tahoe) and in truth they are. A side benefit is that the Honda has a more powerful, regulated alternator, whereas the Tohatsu output is unrregulated and could overcharge your battery. Mike Pajewski
I have the 8 horse Tohatsu/Nissan on my 26. While usually adequate, I've often wished for the 9.9. If I were purchasing the boat today, I would insist on 9.9 Honda 4 stroke. The four strokes will go twice as far on a gallon of gas, don't require mixing oil, don't pollute & are quieter. A couple of sailing mags have compared 2 & 4 strokes, and they were quite interesting to say the least. Many states are targeting 2 strokes as polluters, (They are now banned on Lake Tahoe) and in truth they are. A side benefit is that the Honda has a more powerful, regulated alternator, whereas the Tohatsu output is unrregulated and could overcharge your battery. Mike Pajewski
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Ron Hughes
Outboard-Sometimes more IS more!
I am not familiar with the differences between a 26 and a 26.5, and don't claim to be a Hunter dealer,but my friend, who has a 26.5(trailerable) and a 15 hp Mariner outboard (electric start and alternator), can easily keep up with me in my 40.5 in flat water, at 7 kts. He still has throttle left, and doesn't make a huge "hole" in the water. I figure he is probably approaching something like a plane as his bottom is quite on the flattish side, but regardless, he is able to go that fast. My knot meter is properly calibrated, at least within 1/4 kt or so. He also keeps it on the trailer and so has a clean bottom. It amazes us too! Ron
I am not familiar with the differences between a 26 and a 26.5, and don't claim to be a Hunter dealer,but my friend, who has a 26.5(trailerable) and a 15 hp Mariner outboard (electric start and alternator), can easily keep up with me in my 40.5 in flat water, at 7 kts. He still has throttle left, and doesn't make a huge "hole" in the water. I figure he is probably approaching something like a plane as his bottom is quite on the flattish side, but regardless, he is able to go that fast. My knot meter is properly calibrated, at least within 1/4 kt or so. He also keeps it on the trailer and so has a clean bottom. It amazes us too! Ron
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Tom
To much power?
Dave Tell me more about plowing thru the water with to much power. Wouldn't it be nice to have the extra power available if one has to 'plow' thru a 30 kt headwind in a race with a T-storm toward the marina? If I don't need 15 horses pushing me I just won't open the throttle.
Dave Tell me more about plowing thru the water with to much power. Wouldn't it be nice to have the extra power available if one has to 'plow' thru a 30 kt headwind in a race with a T-storm toward the marina? If I don't need 15 horses pushing me I just won't open the throttle.
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Tom
Been there....
I went through the same process early this year. Hunter said that the outboard motor bracket might not stand up to the added thrust of the 15 HP. Strongly recommended against it. After much research, I ended up with the Evinrude 9.9 four stroke and love it. 12 Amp regulated output for battery charging, automatic choke, electric start, easy to pull start when needed and GREAT tilting mechanism. Also, Evinrude has a large dealer and service network in the northeast. Hunter installed engine controls on the Pedestal at the Factory -- along with binacle and Compass. Fair winds.. Tom twarneke@cisco.com
I went through the same process early this year. Hunter said that the outboard motor bracket might not stand up to the added thrust of the 15 HP. Strongly recommended against it. After much research, I ended up with the Evinrude 9.9 four stroke and love it. 12 Amp regulated output for battery charging, automatic choke, electric start, easy to pull start when needed and GREAT tilting mechanism. Also, Evinrude has a large dealer and service network in the northeast. Hunter installed engine controls on the Pedestal at the Factory -- along with binacle and Compass. Fair winds.. Tom twarneke@cisco.com
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Marcie Robson
engine size
Here are a few things I found when we had problems with our outboard. Find what is common to your area, one manufacture may be prefered personally but getting it worked on when its peak season is impossible because theres only one shop(not your preference) and its miles from your boat. Find one that you can do some of the work yourself, easy to work on, available manuals and available parts. Our motor has special gas fittings and finding them was a pain. I found here most general marinas carry common parts for only one of the manufactures(not ours). Going with a 4-stroke is a plus, not having to mix gas but is it worth the cost and Im sure youll have to pull it off the boat for oil changes. Our motor is 9.8 for H25 and im sure its a long shaft on the H25 thats preferable but Im not sure how the 260 is set up. As far as the hp exceding the hull speed recomendations is a waste of money. As the previous post said "They were keeping up with them and still had throttle left " meaning they werent using all the hp. Were on Lake Erie, some of the hardest waters to motor in when its rough because the waves are so close together and at the mouth or the river its worse, and we motor ok. Also if you exceede hull speed when motoring you tend to plow pushing the hull farther down into the water making the engine work harder. Extra hp dosnt help backing enough to notice. If it had to buy a motor and I spent extra Id look into a 4 stroke but im not as familiar with them and dont know the cons......Hope this helps......
Here are a few things I found when we had problems with our outboard. Find what is common to your area, one manufacture may be prefered personally but getting it worked on when its peak season is impossible because theres only one shop(not your preference) and its miles from your boat. Find one that you can do some of the work yourself, easy to work on, available manuals and available parts. Our motor has special gas fittings and finding them was a pain. I found here most general marinas carry common parts for only one of the manufactures(not ours). Going with a 4-stroke is a plus, not having to mix gas but is it worth the cost and Im sure youll have to pull it off the boat for oil changes. Our motor is 9.8 for H25 and im sure its a long shaft on the H25 thats preferable but Im not sure how the 260 is set up. As far as the hp exceding the hull speed recomendations is a waste of money. As the previous post said "They were keeping up with them and still had throttle left " meaning they werent using all the hp. Were on Lake Erie, some of the hardest waters to motor in when its rough because the waves are so close together and at the mouth or the river its worse, and we motor ok. Also if you exceede hull speed when motoring you tend to plow pushing the hull farther down into the water making the engine work harder. Extra hp dosnt help backing enough to notice. If it had to buy a motor and I spent extra Id look into a 4 stroke but im not as familiar with them and dont know the cons......Hope this helps......
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Jim Covey
Also check state registration
Here in Oklahoma all motors over 10 HP have to be registered each year, under 10 HP you only pay sales tax when you purchase it. I think this may be the case in other states as well, hence the 9.9 HP instead of 10HP. I have a 9.9 4 stroke Honda on my H26 and love it. I had a 8HP Yamaha 2 stroke (which was stolen the 1st year %$###!!!) and I was amazed at the difference in thrust between the 2 motors. The Honda is a great motor. Good luck, Jim Covey s/v Wampeter
Here in Oklahoma all motors over 10 HP have to be registered each year, under 10 HP you only pay sales tax when you purchase it. I think this may be the case in other states as well, hence the 9.9 HP instead of 10HP. I have a 9.9 4 stroke Honda on my H26 and love it. I had a 8HP Yamaha 2 stroke (which was stolen the 1st year %$###!!!) and I was amazed at the difference in thrust between the 2 motors. The Honda is a great motor. Good luck, Jim Covey s/v Wampeter
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PAUL BENSTEAD
Had a 9.9 changed to 15
For the last four seasons I used a Yamaha 9.9 four stroke and have this year replaced it with a Honda 15 four stroke electric start same weight and dimentions as yamaha and I was supprised at the differance. Speed has increased by 1.5 knots and fuel economy is the same there is increased speed through all the throttle range and it is probably a little quieter. I was very happy with the Yamaha before I was forced to trade it in for this second hand Honda and did so only on availabillity and cost but was very plesantly supprised at the proformance and heartily recomend a 15 no problems with plowing at all.
For the last four seasons I used a Yamaha 9.9 four stroke and have this year replaced it with a Honda 15 four stroke electric start same weight and dimentions as yamaha and I was supprised at the differance. Speed has increased by 1.5 knots and fuel economy is the same there is increased speed through all the throttle range and it is probably a little quieter. I was very happy with the Yamaha before I was forced to trade it in for this second hand Honda and did so only on availabillity and cost but was very plesantly supprised at the proformance and heartily recomend a 15 no problems with plowing at all.
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Dean Eiland
Honda 9.9
It is my understanding there is restrictions and additional tax in some areas and lakes if you go above 9.9 hp. However, I have never seen it. My question to the Honda 9.9 owners is, has anyone considered changing props? I have a H26 and it seems I reach max rpm's with power to spare. Thanks, Dean P.S. I love my Honda and wouldn't consider anything else.
It is my understanding there is restrictions and additional tax in some areas and lakes if you go above 9.9 hp. However, I have never seen it. My question to the Honda 9.9 owners is, has anyone considered changing props? I have a H26 and it seems I reach max rpm's with power to spare. Thanks, Dean P.S. I love my Honda and wouldn't consider anything else.
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