Horsepower

[Timwp]

My dad just gave me a 5hp motor for CP16 is that too much horsepower? I have a transom folding ladder and planned to keep 2 small gas cans (2.5 gallons) in it. I'm not sure what to buy to get hooked up to the gas cans? My older motor was a 3.5 with a self contained tank on top (1 gallon).

[skip1930]

I have a 5hp on a CP-19. So your 5hp on a 16...go like the wind.
Just a plastic gas can lowest [in height] one possible, about five gallons give or take, the fuel hose and a one-way squeeze ball check valve.
Your dad's engine ought to have the plug-in fitting for the hose to plug into. And that should snap into the engine's plug.
Every O/B has it's own style and size...so be careful to select the correct connections.

You might want to look~see in a West Marine catalog. That will really muddy the waters, so to speak.

skip.

[Salty19]

Weight, not hp is the question.  5hp is more than enough, but will it weight the aft end down too much? I'm thinking yes. Might want to stow your onward items well forward to keep the boat balanced. Just an opinion...

Skip is correct about the fittings. Match the brand of gas line and tank to the motor.

[whitecap]

i've got a 2hp & 6hp that i toy with between my cp16 & gheenoe.  i do notice the weight on the transom w/the 6hp.  also, with  a sailboat displacement hull that can't plane, i don't notice a big difference in speed between the 2hp & 6hp on the cp16, plus i can carry my mariner 2hp with one hand & it goes far on little gas.  i don't run any tide or currents & have never needed more then 2hp even in strong wind, those who sail on the ocean may say different.

[riggerjohn]

Got a 5 tohatsu short shaft on my 16. Works great and  has a charge coil and f-n-and most importantly reverse! Only thing I would change is a long shaft for rough water or weight forward. May try it on my new to me 19!

[TimW]

I use a 6hp Tohatsu on my CP16 - As already mentioned it's keeping the total weight down that's most important -and I got the 6hp because there was really minimal weight difference between it and most 3 or 4 hp motors (I think it weighs 50lb).  I'm guessing the extra hp has helped me get back to dock before sundown on more than one occasion when the SF bay winds have be non-cooperative.
-Tim

[Pacman]

I am using a Honda 2 HP and it gets the job done nicely on my little boat.  It is only 27 pounds and uses very little fuel. 

But if you already have a 5 HP, I recommend that you just use that motor and store your gear as far forward as possible to balance the boat. 

That will help eliminate the dreaded "transom squat" often seen on C 16s that kills speed when under sail.

If you change your mind later you can always sell the 5 HP and get a smaller motor, but for now, I would just sail the boat and use what you have.