tophatyachts.com

What size outboards do people find a minimum for a Mk1
i am thinking 8-10hp, was wondering if a 6 is enough on a windy day to drive her on to the mooring ?
Thanks,
David.

Hi David,

A few thoughts;

The prop needs to be in the water at all times so with a transom hung outboard it will need a long shaft. Tohatsu make an extra long one for sailboats.

The prop needs to be selected for the motor hp/boat speed or the engine will not develop its maximum power. Often a prop from a smaller motor in the same manufacturers range will be available (with a finer pitch). Tohatsu actually make a yacht prop for some of their motors.

The site of your mooring has an influence too. We can cop a fair amount of wind but 6hp drives us up to our mooring in 20 kts as there is flat water behind the breakwater.

This topic has been aired before if you like to do a search. I am sure others will add their experience too.

Good luck,

Tom

I have an 8hp Tohatsu on the stern lifting bracket. It stays locked on permanently, but is slightly cumbersome to operate as there is no remote gear shift or throttle. It also has the standard leg, but only cavitates in certain conditions. The worst was leaving the Swansea bar, but there were only three complete prop clearances in the whole trip.

It pushes us at 5 knots on 3/4 throttle, using 1 litre or so per hour. It's not the ideal power choice, or place to mount an outboard, but it does make one practice sailing on and off the mooring!

Thanks for the replys,
Was thinking 8hp minimum, and agree theres not much room to manouvre back there.

Storm Petrel has an old 14HP Yanmar twin diesel. A few calculations show that you need 8-9HP, rather than 6HP, to cruise at hull speed. So your choice of 8HP seems wise.

Because I have to negotiate the tidal flow through Half-tide rocks every time I go for a sail, I really need a motor that can generate a bit of torque when needed. If I re-powered I would probably go for the low reving (3000RPM) Nanni 10HP twin diesel.

Cheers,
Mark

Hi their I have a new generation mercury 6 hp long shaft in a well. It will use a litre a hour at 3/4 throttle and that pushes the boat at 6 knots anywhere. It weighs 25 kg and is a breeze to take in and out of the well, $1500 new with 5 year warranty.
Cheers john

I have an 8HP Mercury, long shaft with a sailing prop and charger.

Forgive me if I do not use the props teknikal terms boys.


Long shaft. Essential for a sail boat to keep prop in water.
Sail prop to give more oomph when reversing. Wonderful

Charger to charge batteries.

The lightest weight when I was looking 26 ish kg.
6 and 8hp same weight.

Weight can be an issue if you do not have huge muscles.

Went to the local dealer the other day and they can supply a 6hp long shaft Tohatsu for about $1500, same as Mercury, seems that the Mercury range up to 15hp is made by Toahatsu now, same motor different stickers

Gday David,

Also check out your local Mercury dealer (may be cheaper)....Mercury should provide a sail drive (or whatever they are called) prop, at no extra cost, Tohatsu will try to charge you for the sail drive prop!!
And if its the same motor....

cheers