Outboard Power on a 26D

[Maraquita]

My 19089 26D came with a 2 stroke Mariner 8 HP. It is getting time to replace the old girl and think that I would like to try Electric. It looks as though going from 5 HP equivalent to 10 HP moves from 24 volts to 48 volts, which of course requires more weight, battery, and expense.

I really only use the outboard for docking and loading onto the trailer, and I don't believe that I have ever even had it over 1/2 throttle so I suspect that the 5 HP equivalent might be doable. Has anyone here powered their classic 25 or 26 with an outboard in the 5 or 6 HP range? Was it enough power to get you moving at say, at least 1/2 hull speed?

Thanks

[PSNA]

You will be fine with a 5 hp long shaft for getting in and out of the slip pretty much anywhere.

Most will opt for a 9.9 for all around power.

[Interim]

We used a 5hp last year when our 9.9hp was out of commission. The 5hp worked fine, but we only had it in lighter winds. I don't think it would have been able to take us into a 15mph wind if the situation called for it.

--john

[Maraquita]

Good to know, thanks

[adudinsk]

We have a member at our club that as a 26D, that came with a 30HP when he bought it.
He hated it.. stating you could not drive it straight, unless at very very low RPM. (since the O/B is off to the side)

I believe he put a 9.9 on it.. and is happy.

[BillyBobV]

I have a 26S and just switched from the 1996 9.9 Evinrude to a 5 hp Mercury (both 4 stroke).

So far the Merc works great, I can get to 5 kts easily enough without going full throttle, but comfortable light load will get me 3-3.5 kts and minimal throttle (just above the "restart" setting). I'm using it on inland waters (lakes & CA delta), I'm not sure how it would fair in bigger waters, though.

[Maraquita]

That's pretty much my sailing also. My 8 HP 2 stroke has literally never been above the start power setting except when I test it each spring. I'm just not in that much hurry!
I'm thinking I'll splurge on the 5 horse electric if I can get the battery situation worked out for it. So far, 24 volts and 120 Amp Hours is looking pretty heavy, even with Li. batteries. Im still looking at options.

[BillyBobV]

The Merc I bought was about $1800, I think it was called the "Sail Power" or something like that. It's a 20 inch shaft and has a 50W alternator for charging on, which is pretty low power but I don't need much and have a solar panel to help, too.

[NiceAft]

Merc make a good motor.

I have a Merc 6HP 4stroke that I use on my 9' Achilles inflatable. It is sixteen years, old and running strong.