I thinking of putting a new out board on my 6m Redwitch. I like the little Honda 2.3hp four strock because they are lite and air cooled so you dont have to flush them out or worry about replacing impellars ect, but i am not sure if 2.3HP will be big enought. Just like to here any opinions on what size out boards others are using and on what size boats .
Cheers Karl.
I have an 18 foot space sailer and use a 5 hp longshaft Tohatsu. I generally sail between Perth and Rottnest (about 12 miles each way)
It depends on what you want to use the boat for, if you are doing a bit of coastal cruising anything less then 5 hp is a bit small for pushing into the wind when entering bays or going aganist the tide through Swan River Bridges
I had a 3.5hp that was perfect for the river but struggled in the ocean.
Hope that helps
Karl69
Its a 2 stroke, pushes the boat at hull speed on just over 1/2 throttle when no slop or current.
Really just depends on what you want todo with the boat!
Cheers
I have a 2hp honda and it pushes my boat great.Even does 4.5 knots in reverse!! But i imagine she is a lot lighter than a redwitch.And its pretty noisy being air cooled.And i find it doesnt like being layed on its side at all.even the correct way.I think 5hp at the bare min.My boat is a waller 5.4.
I have myself a bigger boat than yours (Binks 25) I had a 2.5 hp and it would push it along with no wind or waves. For safety I replaced with a 15 HP electric start, I run at 1/2 throttle an get hull speed. The gain is less noise, less vibrations, low fuel consumption, separate fuel tank. My regret is not to have a long shaft.
One of the guys at my club has a Red Witch and is running it with a 9 HP longshaft and reckons is the bare minimum if you go at sea.
