Will a smaller outboard power a 26.5?

[justin Morris]

I have owned my Hunter 26.5 since 1988. And I've sailed her pretty hard. I race in PHRF races in the Southern Chesapeake, and actually do pretty well, particularly in light to moderate air. However I still have the original Nissan 9.9 on the stern and it still runs, but is on its last legs. I am seriously considering downsizing to a 2 stroke 5hp outboard. This size outboard will not only save me about 60 lbs, but will allow me to take the engine and stow it below while racing. Has anyone else downsized to a 5hp? Does it push the Boat? Obviosly I don't epect to power into a stong headwind and high seas, hey I can't do that now.

 

[Jude Dippold]

Powering 26.5

I haven't used a 5 h.p, but I had a 6 h.p on my 26.5 and found that it did quite well at powering my boat in some very rough condition -winds over 20 knots and waves over 5 feet. Only problem was keeping the prop in the water at times, a condition that can be compensated for by judicious use of the rudder when going over waves. I'm not sure I'd care to go any smaller unless I was using the boat strictly for racing. I was always a tad nervous about the motor when crossing the lake to Canada but fortunately never was in a situation where I had to depend on it alone in those circumstance. I did use it once to motor most of the way from Buffalo to Erie into a very strong headwind and it never faltered once I nursed it slowly up to speed. It would move the boat at right about 6 knots.

 

[ted]

smaller engine

we have a tohasti 8hp which does our job very well - original with our '89 26.5. good for pushing through the ice last winer on way to layingup!i would, if necessary, consider a smaller engine depending on requirements, etc. if necessary. but our 8p does us well and would not consider weight a factor in anything but the most frugal of racing - are you in new zealand at the moment!60lbs weight saved you say. this mst iclude the new ear's resolution of heavy dieting!are you considering selling your 26.5'. know two people who have always regretted selling theirs and want to repurchase!!