Converting to power

[Miked01]

I have a 21', 2100lb Spirit 6.5 sailboat and direct access to a beautiful, (but too narrow to sail) river. I'm seriously considerring to hang a motor off the transom and use it as a cruiser. I suspect that a 15 to 20 hp motor will push it around about as fast as the hull will allow. The river is subject to tidal inflence being on the chesapeake bay watershed. Any Advice?

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Converting to power

I would think that a 15 to 20 hp. motor would be far more engine than needed on a sailboat of this size. A 5 hp. should be fine and would certainly push the boat to hull speed in most conditions. A 9.9 hp. would be the largest I would go...and should drive it through anything.

 

[flashback]

Re: Converting to power

I have a 27ft fixed keel, with a 7.5 hp kicker on it, and when the bottom is clean I can make about 5 knots.. I guess I could use a little bigger but then it's just that much heavier also... Ive seen 6.5 under sail but thats about it for this boat..

 

[ED21]

Re: Converting to power

A 6.5 is about 25'? A 10 hp should bring you up to hull speed. Are you on the Susquehanna above the dam & can't reach the bay? If you can't, just putt around & enjoy. If you need a powerboat trade up or down & ENJOY TOO.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Converting to power

I'm a little fuzzy here, but I think that 6.5 meters is about 21.5 ft. Unless this is some sort of "powersailer" design, then 5-10 hp. should be plenty.

 

[ED21]

Re: Converting to power

I still think a 10 would get you to hull speed easily. Are you going to remove the mast & motor only. I know people w/ 25' & 27' that use a 10 hp as an auxilary.