larger engines - Honda 75-90

[a1sailboats]

Would like to hear from anyone who has a 26M powered with a 75-90hp engine. Specifics on motor and prop, performance data, fuel economy etc. "Downsides" ? Am considering installing Honda 75 on new 26M. - Capt Jim

[corriganken]

Captain Jim !! I have a mac26x with a 70 HP Nissan outboard since 1998 .The extra HP is great when you need it , such as high winds , heavy current or trying to outrun a storm to get back to the marina . However most of the time I just use the motor to get out into Lake Erie then sail for the rest of the day .The heavier motor does not help sailing . It is too much weight in the stern . I don't know about the 26m but I suspect that you will waste your money on a bigger motor . Ken

[corriganken]

Captain Jim ... What motor do you have on your boat now ??? I am looking for a smaller motor .

Ken

[jrmccormack]

Captain Jim,

I bought my 26M with the Yamaha 50HP fourstroke. I am not sure what you have now but this unit allows me to cruise comfortably at 15Kn with full ballast and load.

If I dump the ballast ( on the smooth ) this will rise to a good 22Kn.

It also has little effect on sailing as it is substantially less weight than the bigger powerplants. This may be worth considering as you choose.

cheers johnmac

[CaptKermie]

Caapt Jim:
I have the Honda 50 on my M and it works fine it is light weight and plenty of power. The Honda 75 & 90 model is way too heavy for the Mac. If you want a bit more oomph get a smaller engine that swings a 14" diameter propeller like the Evinrude e-tec 60hp or the Mercury bigfoot 60 or Yamaha HT60 all of which fall into the aprox 250# weight range. There is a 90 hp engine in the 300# range and that is the maximum weight you should ever put on the transom. Too much weight aft will hinder sailing performance.