Help with motor purchase

[groundedsailor]

I am a first time sailor and purchased a 1975 Mirage 24. The 6 hp Johnson was not in the best of shape when I purchased the boat but I used it a couple of times with some degree of frustration. The motor is now shot and I'm in the market for a now one. I have several questions.

1 does any one now the maximum hp for a mirage 24
2 how long of a shaft do I need, 20 or 25"?
3 Yamaha dealer close by suggested 8hp with turbo, would that be too much?
4 with motors in short supply at this time the choices are Yamaha 6 4strope, Honda 5hp 4 stroke or Mercury 6 hp 4stroke. Any preferences, things that would be helpful to know.

Any assisstance would be helpfull.

[lapworth]

Two years ago I was in the same boat. Well at least it was a 24 footer I went with Merc 6hp and she gets me up to hull speed. The only time I could have used more horse power was when I got caught in a nasty storm.

Where are you sailing?

[T37Chef]

Check out Tohatsu, the Mercs & Nissan's are basically versions of the Tohatsu with more bells & whistles. I purchased my T 9.8 from Discount Marine and Boat Supplies - Inflatable Sales - Defender, great price and shipping was very reasonable.

Here is a 6HP: 6 HP 4-Stroke SailPro or for slightly less $$ 6 HP 4-Stroke

Keep in mind, while I cant speak of Johnson, Honda, etc...there is a significant weight difference in the Tohatsu 6HP and a 8HP, or about 20lbs.

[dabnis]

Groundsailor,

I had a Coronado 25, about 4,000 lbs, a 6hp 2 stroke was marginal for
San Francisco Bay conditions. Went to a 15 hp which was plenty. Don't know
what your sailing conditions are or motor mounting setup but would
suggest the largest HP motor with the longest shaft that will fit. Here
is a an article you might be interested in, not the same exact boat size,
but a good mix of information:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...-sailboat.html

Dabnis

[Anonymoose]

I also have a Mirage 24, although mine is a '76

I have a newer 5hp Honda (2007) that serves me extremely well. Pushes the boat with very little trouble even when waves get to 4 or 5 feet. I'm sure it'd handle more, but why bother unless you get "caught"

In any case, like others have said it also depends on where you sail, I am on lake erie (Port Stanley)

[SlowButSteady]

Get the long-shaft, if you can. If you have to motor through any large chop a short-shaft OB will tend to pop its prop out of the water from time to time, just when you need all the push you can get (the over-revving that comes with this isn't good for the motor either). A Mirage isn't likely to be as bad in this respect as some other boats, since it doesn't have much of an aft over-hang. But, the few extra bucks it will cost you for the long-shaft will be worth it, even it you only rarely need it.

[groundedsailor]

An extra long shaft would be great, my old Johnson 20" would come out of the water in moderate waves, only in reverse. Reverse is important since I have to back into a birth. How can i tell if a extra long shaft would be too long or not.

[dabnis]

Originally Posted by groundedsailor

An extra long shaft would be great, my old Johnson 20" would come out of the water in moderate waves, only in reverse. Reverse is important since I have to back into a birth. How can i tell if a extra long shaft would be too long or not.

Don't know what your rudder configuration is but the only possible
problem I can think of is the lower unit hitting the rudder if it is of
the "swept back" design. You mentioned reverse, make sure the tilt lock mechanism is locked. When locked properly you shouldn't be able to
tilt the motor up by hand.

Dabnis