What hp and what shaft?

[scameron7]

I have a 208 renken seamaster with a 165hp i/o and Cuddy,i am looking at putting an engine bracket on the back and I was wondering what is the smallest hp outboard that would work and what length shaft. The motor is more for my piece of mind getting back in if I have a problem with the I/o when out. We don't have a tow service here.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: What hp and what shaft?

The longer the shaft the better. If your on most lakes a 10 HP will be fine. If your trying to go up a 6 foot swell you will need a bunch more.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What hp and what shaft?

A 20 footer needs at least 9.9, but 15 is usually the same physical size and much better. Long shaft, short shaft, or sailor model, all will work depending upon how you mount them However a short shaft engine might be awkward to start and steer when in the down or running position. If you have the transom height for a sailor model, it is worth the extra bucks because they usually have electric start.

Back to engine size: a 9.9 will move the boat at somewhere between 3 and 5 MPH. If you are battling a 3 MPH current, it isn't going to get you there very fast or at all. Never ask smallest engine size, always ask biggest you can use.