Outboard Size for 23ft sailboat?

[TohatsuGuru]

Buy the 4 hp. If you need the additional 2 hp just buy the 6 hp carburetor and bolt it in place of the one that comes on the 4. The 4 hp Tohatsu is a 6 hp engine with a restricted carb on it.

[snider]

Just the info I was looking for! I'm going to look at the Honda 5hp and compare prices with the 4hp Tohatsu. Thanks

[snider]

Originally Posted by TohatsuGuru

Buy the 4 hp. If you need the additional 2 hp just buy the 6 hp carburetor and bolt it in place of the one that comes on the 4. The 4 hp Tohatsu is a 6 hp engine with a restricted carb on it.

Does that mean I could have the 5 or 6 hp with an internal tank by swapping out the carb? or does the larger carb use the space where the tank is? Thanks

[mstern]

I use an 8 hp on my Oday 23 (which is heavier than your boat (over 3000 lbs.). It is more than adequate. I'm no expert, but I haven't seen an outboard larger than 4 hp with an internal tank, and 4 hp is definitely too small, especially if you have to deal with currents.

For shaft length, 15" is standard; 20" is what is considered a "long shaft". Some manufacturers also offer 25" models. If you can, go for the extra length. The first time you are in any sort of seaway, you will appreciate it.

Also keep in mind that if you buy a new engine, you no longer have a choice of two vs. four stroke engines; they haven't made new small two stroke engines for a few years now. This is good for the environment and your fuel consumption, but also means that you need to make sure your outboard bracket can handle a four stroke engine. There are two reasons you need a stronger bracket: fours weigh more than their hp equivalent twos; and fours generate more torque. There have been a number of threads here debating whether you really need a bracket rated for a four stroke. A number of posters have questioned the need for a four stroke bracket if they (for example) have a 8 hp four stroke engine to be put on a bracket rated to handle a 20 hp two stroke. The 8 hp four stroke weights a lot less than a 20 hp two stroke, but how much of that is offset by the increase in torque? I have no idea.

The practical implications of replacing a two stroke bracket with a four stroke can be considerable. The new bracket might require drilling thru the transom, adding support on the inside of the transom, replacing or augmenting the "spacer" block (that angled hunk of fiberglass between the bracket and transom), etc. Nothing insurmountable, just enough of a pain to make one look for every reason to keep the existing set up.

[snider]

If I'm in enough wind to make a seaway I'll be sailing

Seriously, I've thought that it would be nice to take enough fuel and have an extra long shaft so if I'm offshore and there is a swell without wind, I can motor home. Realistically though I've never had that problem. Generally if there isn''t enough wind to get you back there isn't enough wind to get you there in the first place.

I have turned around because I felt like the wind was dying, and I didn't have a motor if it did. I really wouldn't want to anchor in a busy rolling inlet.

Also it would be nice to have something to get me out of the way of all the huge ship traffic in Charleston, that and something for around the dock is why I'm leaning towards the 4hp. It'll probably be a few weeks before I get something so keep the opinions coming and I'll let you know how it turns out.

[TohatsuGuru]

Snider,

Yes, buying the 4 with the internal tank and then putting the 6 hp carb on will give you a 6 with the internal tank....Or you might wait a week and see what new model engine gets released for the 2010 model year There is a six with internal tank that is coming out....But, I think it will only be in the 25" leg model. You can look on our website after August 1st to see when they will be released.

[snider]

I was looking at your site before you chimed in here and was more than likely going to order through you guys anyway

Whats your opnion on length shaft and size for what I'm looking for? Still say 4hp 20"? Thanks Brandon


Edit: Forget I aked that, just found the long thread over in gear and maint. on Tohatsu. I'll make my own choice any words of wisdom though would be nice.

[snider]

I guess all I'm saving by getting the 4 over the 6 is some money, especially if a 6 with a internal tank is coming out. The only way to go lighter would be the 3.5. So I guess the 6hp extra long shaft internal tank model would be the wise choice. Unless the weight goes up due to the tank. Hmmmm this is getting interesting.

[TohatsuGuru]

The weight goes up two lbs on the internal tank model or will once they release it. Discusions about shaft length usually end up with agreement that people get by with a 20", but a 25" leg makes it an all weather outboard.

[snider]

Nice. I have the same boat as that other fellow with the long outboard thread. I think that new model will serve my purpose perfectly. If I look you guys up online can you set me up from the start with the prop you suggested for my boat? Thanks Brandon