UPGRADE TO 4-STROKE

[Bob Allen]

Hi: Advice please? I'd like to upgrade from my 1990 Evinrude 8hp long shaft to a 4-cycle engine. Boat is 7000lb/displacement hull sailboat (won't plane; hull speed = 6kts). Motor lower unit is in well;powerhead above deck. My choices based on weight and fit into the well are:<br />Honda 5hp, Mercury 6hp, Yamaha 8hp. Merc and Honda look like a better fit but are they powerful enough to make hull speed (6kts) without beating their brains out?<br /> Quality assessment vs. cost of the three from any of you? Honda 8hp might be too heavy. What about corrosion in Honda engines?<br />Thanks,<br />Bob

 

[kev_79]

Re: UPGRADE TO 4-STROKE

What are your weight restrictions? I would put the most hp that the boat will hold.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: UPGRADE TO 4-STROKE

I would consider a work or "sail power" outboard that is geared/propped to push such a load. I've also heard of sliding prop hubs to give more effective reverse thrust by venting the exhaust away from the direction of travel when backing up. I think a 5 or 6 horse would be too small for such a heavy boat.

 

[closerhauled]

Re: UPGRADE TO 4-STROKE

How did things work out with your new 4 cycle? I've got a Kettenburg PC that also has a well that I'm thinking of dropping a 4 cycle into. Was looking at a Honda 8 4 cycle. Any luck on the corrosion question?<br /><br />Anyway, happy sailing!

 

[Bob Allen]

Re: UPGRADE TO 4-STROKE

Hi: In response to the guy asking about my 8hp 4cycle motor well installaton:<br />I haven't bought the engine yet; we're in the downturn for sailing weather except for the truly stalwart Hemmingway types. Will wait until spring. The Honda 8 is too large, I believe, for my installation...The Merc 6 hp is not powerful enough and their 15 is too heavy @120 lbs. This leaves the Yamaha 8hp as my first choice. 1800 bucks, though, so I will wait until spring to bite the bullet. No word about Honda corrosion problems; hopefully, they've fixed the problem or else there are a lot of dumb boaters out there.<br />Thanks,<br />Bob

 

[closerhauled]

Re: UPGRADE TO 4-STROKE

Interesting; so the Honda 8 is smaller than the Yamaha 8? Do you happen to have the actual dimensions (of the anticavitation plate, for example) relating to use in a well?<br /><br />Good luck back at ya...<br /><br />Norm

 

[Diesel]

Re: UPGRADE TO 4-STROKE

Interesting. I have a Honda 8 on my boat as an auxillary to my 90 Yamaha. I looked at the 8 Yamaha and didn't notice much difference in size at all. Are you looking at the "high thrust" models or the standard? I was comparing standard models. Settled on the Honda as it was an 8hp 2000 model new and I got it at $1500 Cdn. I liked the fact it has provision to charge (all be it a trickle) while running.<br /><br />As for the corrosion problems. We see a lot of Honda's up here and no noticeable trouble with the newer units. Nothing like the old blue and whites from years back.