ob topic rears ugly head again - please do advise

[LaGatta]

Best I can tell, most Sun Cats sail with 4,, or 5 or 6 hp auxiliary gas outboards, but I am new to the Sun Cat and to this area: SC, Calibogue/Port Royal Sound.  Tides here are fully 8 feet, with currents around 1 - 1.5 kts.(shoals on way to open water).  I have a 10-yr-old Yamaha 4 (4 stroke) in good enough condition, but I am thinking that something with more oomph would be a good idea for both safety and psyche.  I appreciate the thoughts of any who care to share them w/ this novice  Jeff

[Craig]

The 4hp should be sufficient for the Suncat. That being said,we had a6hp Tohatsu on Cattitude. You should test your present motor under various current/wind conditions. Personally, I would err on the high side of hp. When you need it there is no such thing as too much power,

[capt_nemo]

LaGatta,

My newer Yamaha 4 HP 4-stroke pushes my Sun Cat at hull speed at around ½ throttle or so. Therefore, there should be sufficient throttle (additional thrust) remaining to overcome 1 to 1½ knot currents and/or punch through a rough chop against heavy winds out on the sounds.

Agree with Craig's recommendation that you test your current OB in various conditions BEFORE buying a larger more expensive OB. You may be pleasantly surprised.

capt_nemo

[johnbeard43]

check it out and you will find the 4, 5, and 6hp Tohatsu have the exact same torque, which is what you are looking for in a displacement craft.  I used a 4hp Tohatsu on a 26ft 5000lb sloop and found it quite adequate.  Save yourself a few hundred bucks and go with the 4.

[frank]

I have had my 4hp 4stroke on my suncat since new and have never wished for more power or felt in any way underpowered. Trailered her all over to various conditions during 8yrs.... can't see needing more..."hull speed is hull speed"... even in a current it won't plane and go any faster...and the 4 does it at less than 1/2 throttle. Just my 1 1/2 cents  :-)
PS...great boat!!!

[kickingbug1]

    i have a 4 hp merc 4 stroke (tohatsu?) on the back of my catalina 18 (1550 displacement) and it pushes it easily to hull speed less than half throttle. should be more than enough. one thing, dont add extra weight if you dont have to