Outboard Sizing???

[Gorlog]

Hello, I have a Venture 21 with a waterline lenght around 17',the beam's 8' Light displacement, swinging keel. Would a 9.9hp Honda, weighing in at 108 lbs, be too much? or would a 6 hp weighing 60 lbs. be more suitable? I woulden't mind having the extra power of the 9.9, but the extra weight is my my concern. For one it's much more difficult store, transport and handle. Secondly I concerned that it's too much weight too far out from the center of gravity of the boat, and will affect the boats handing ability when under sail. I do intend to take the boat out in the the Sacramento River, and in the Pacific along Southern Calif., where I may encounter currents stronger than in lakes. Is the 6 hp underkill?, is the 9hp overkill? I don't know, and so I ask you - Thanks for your answers - Gorlog

[Gorlog]

Didin't mean to post this one twice

[sailingdog]

The 9.9 is not only overkill, it would cause the boat to squat, with the bow up... and affect the sailing performance. It would increase weather helm by shifting the COE aft because it is effectively raking the mast.

[JimsCAL]

A 6 is plenty for that size boat. Even a 4 might work.

[75R20]

I have a 20' sailboat, with a Honda 7.5 and it is way too much for the boat. It weighs in at 80 lbs. I never open the throttle past the "start" indictator on the twist grip to push the boat at 4.5/5 knts (hull speed). The boat came this way, and I'm looking at a Honda/Tohatsu/Suzuki 5 hp or even a lighter 2-stroke, if I can find one with F N R and charging for the battery. I operate this current motor at such a low speed that it does not charge the battery on the boat, and with the smaller motor it will require more throttle to push the vessel to hull speed so it should be better for charging.
Best of Luck
Kary
S/V Mariah
#49080