Outboard Size for 23ft sailboat?

[roline]

I hava a 95 Johnson 3.3 hp 2 stroke( painted black and sold at mercury also) 28lbs internal tank on a Santana525, 2400lbs. It will cruise at 5.3 knots wide open. going through the calculations, to go hull speed, I would need 5hp. There are advantages / disadvantages to an internal tank, convienient until it runs out, smaller volume than an external tank. Just shy of 1/2 gallon, I can get 45 minutes on a full tank. My priority was weight, wanting to keep under 30lbs if possible

[dabnis]

Snider,

I had a Coronado 25 which weighed about 4,000 lbs, IIRC, sailed out of Sausalito on San Francisco Bay for many years. Started out with a 6hp Evinrude 2 stroke which was marginal for beating through the steep rough chop and fast currents both inside and outside the bay. Went to a 15 hp, which was the same weight as the 9.9, and it really did the job. The Coronado had a well so had no problem with the long shaft motor coming out of the water. I would suggest you get the strongest motor with the longest shaft you can fit on the transom. Electric start with a charging feature would complete the package.

FWIW, Dabnis

[TohatsuGuru]

The 6 hp 25" comes with the pig prop now directly from the factory.

[retclt]

Most agree on one thing . . . 25" for sure. I've seen Charleston Harbor get pretty rolly . . . especially where the Cooper comes out. Tohatsu is a good motor but wouldn't want to be limited to a half hour of fuel. Get and external and explore a little more of the area.

[snider]

Originally Posted by retclt

Tohatsu is a good motor but wouldn't want to be limited to a half hour of fuel. Get and external and explore a little more of the area.

I do my exploring under sail! Ha Ha. Seriously I really sail all the time. I hope Thats what I enjoy most, working up into tight places under sail alone. I use to not have the option of a motoring and I hope I don't motor more just because I have it. Motoring takes a lot of fun out of it for me. Sure I've had to go to alternate anchorages and ran aground a few times but it's the challenge I like. I'll Probably carry an extrnal tank if I'm going to be overnighting or if I have to work the next day, but I really just need the motor as a back-up and if I have to get back and can't tack against the current. My slip is really easy to get into and out of, I could easily sail into it. It's not a T-head, I'm on the inside of all the T-heads on a long dock.

I;'m not discounting the fact that one day I may be in a real slip, thats one reason I want the motor. Docking with a crosswind and a ripping current can be a pain.

So far I think I'm leaning toward the 25" 6hp internal tank model that's about to come out. I appreciate the input. Brandon

[TohatsuGuru]

Run time on the 4 hp with the integral tank is 45 minutes at WOT and about 2 hours at 1/4 throttle.

[TohatsuGuru]

Quick update on the integral 6....Not going to be released until at least January, probably even later. Not sure why. If I can find out I'll post the result.

[casioqv]

On my Catalina 22 I have a Motor Guide 82lb thrust 24v electric trolling motor along with 2 115aH batteries. It moves the boat at about 3.5 knots, and will run almost all day long (haven't ran it empty yet).

I love that it's totally silent, the motor is light weight, no danger or cost of gasoline, and the fuel (batteries) can be located near the keel as extra ballast, which improves sailing performance unlike a huge motor and fuel tank hanging off the stern.

For me, the motor is just a backup and is used for docking and loading onto the trailer. People sailed all around the world before motors were invented, and they're not a necessary item on a sailboat IMO.

[snider]

Originally Posted by casioqv

For me, the motor is just a backup and is used for docking and loading onto the trailer. People sailed all around the world before motors were invented, and they're not a necessary item on a sailboat IMO.

FINALLY Someone who understands!

[snider]

Originally Posted by TohatsuGuru

Quick update on the integral 6....Not going to be released until at least January, probably even later. Not sure why. If I can find out I'll post the result.

Well that stinks!! Wish I could find a 2 stroke around 3.5-5hp. Something under 35lbs would be sweet!!! I got the 9.9 Nissan running. Just needed some fresh fuel. That thing is heavy!! Right were you don't want extra weight. In the ends of the boat.