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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

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.

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

Good to know, thanks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.