need hoursepower advise

[jnanjorl]

hello all, I have a 26 foot full modified keel (5400lbs) folkboat knockoff that used to have a 5-6 hp diesel and am now using an 5 hp outboard gas honda that work well when calm. I am looking to replace it with larger in the event i get into a fix weather wise. Any out there with ideas as to what a 5-6 diesel hp equivilant would be? and what you are all using for gas powered outboards to push yours beyond harms way? thanx for your input.........jeff

[hamiam]

many years ago i had a 26' pearson with a 10hp honda on the back. she was a fin keel and lighter than your boat. others may disagree but personally I would put the largest hp motor on the back that you can. given your underbody and the wieight of the boat I would imagine she can handle at least a 10hp motor. 4 stroke engines are cleaner, use less gas but are heavier. 2 strokes are lighter but pollute more and use more gas and you have to do the mix thing. someone smarter than myself with know the diesel hp to gas hp ratio. im going to guess its about 1.8: 1 /

[sailingfool]

I don't think I've ever seen anyting bigger than a 10 HP hanging off a stern. In addition to the weight at the end of the boat, you'd need to be concerned about the ability of the mounting system to handle additional power..
As to your desire for extra push for weather relief, I'd think the limiting factor may be more the question of keeping the prop in the water than just HP. Even assuming you start with a long shaft motor, where you install it on the stern will affect its effectiveness.
Does your current prop pop out in a seaway?

[jnanjorl]

to your question of the prop. I have costructed a bracket that will allow me to keep it in the water and to be able to hang just about any size motor without too much aditional weight as the inboard diesel has been removed. thanx

[haffiman37]

Horsepower advice (?).
On that boat you do not need horsepower - you need prop power. Unfortuately there is a tendancy amongst sailors to encrease hp when what is needed is mostly change of propeller. Right prop for you boat is very difficult to find, the only one I know about is for the Johnson 9.9/15 HP which even fits on the 4-strokes. One very good feature is that it lets the exhaust out in front of the prop when reversing which gives an exelent maneuvering in addition to tremendous pull forward.