Outboard Recomendations for CP-23

[sam23]

I am in the market for a new outboard for my CP-23 and was hoping other members would share their advice on what I should buy.  I've been using an older Honda BF8 (4 stroke 8 hp) but want a newer and presumably more reliable engine.  Any guidance will be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Sam

[Bob23]

Well, Sam:
   I use a 1988 Nissan 8 2 stroke- it's the one that came with the boat. If it wasn't so darned reliable, I'd upgrade to a new Honda 8 or 10 4 stroke. 10 horespower is probably overkill but in an emergency, it's nice to have more instead of less power.
   A typical 2 stroke is designed to run at about 75% rpm which means my 8 should be running higher than I need. A 4 stroke can be run lower keeping the extra power for reserve.
   Have fun!
   Bob23 in NJ

[NormD]

The Honda outboards are nice but overpriced IMHOP. I would recommend looking at a Tohatsu in the 5 - 8hp range. Tohatsu are also re-branded as Nissan and some of the smaller four stroke Mercury outboards.
I also recommend you make sure to specify the right prop for a heavy displacement hull. If you look on the Tohatsu website under parts and accessories, you'll find a list of props.
There are a number of online dealers for Tohatsu outboards. Google it and you'll see them all. I bought my 3.5hp from PortaBote. They weren't the cheapest, but they were the only ones willing to ship to Canada. I saved $250 over buying from a local dealer, + I didn't pay any taxes.
If you do order a motor this way, remember to put oil in it before firing it up!

http://www.tohatsu.com/outboards/index.html

[sam23]

Thanks for the feedback.  Do I need a long or extra-long shaft motor?

[NormD]

The 6hp and 9.8hp Tohatsu/Nissan are available with an extra long shaft. If you sail on big water or very choppy water, the extra long shaft may be a benefit. If you sail on calmer waters, the standard long shaft should go deep enough.
Factor in also that the extra long shaft may tend to drag in the water when tilted, more so than a standard long shaft.