motor selection

[wetland]

Hello all:
I've been considering a new motor for my CP16.  It seems that that there are no current motors in the three to four HP range that are light enough (for me) as they are all four strokes.  In the two hp range I am concerned with the power rating. Mostly concerned about not having to get back in in rough bay waters should that happen.  Can a two HP motor propel the CP16 anywhere near hull speed or be effective in a strong tidal current..?  Currently I am using a six HP two cycle  (had it from another sailboat).  The problem is that the six HP is to difficult for me to pull up this while sailing.  It must weigh about 60 lbs.  The Honda 2 hp is 27 lbs and the Suzuki 2.5 HP is 30 lbs (and the Suzuki is water cooled).  I am sure they are fine motors and also expensive.  The Suzuki isn't advertised in a long shaft version.  Another question would be (the ComPac 16 is specified for a regular or a long shaft motor).  Is the benefit of the long shaft only the ability of the prop to stay in the water when the boat is rocking..?  Has anyone used both shaft lengths..?  So in searching the internet I came across a motor by "Island Hopper Small Outboard Motor Inc".  It is a two HP four stroke adjustable shaft, centrifugal clutch outboard that is only 20 lbs.  Its cost is 545.00  which is half or more the cost of the other outboards in this HP range.  Normally I would say one gets what one pays for however it is my experience that if one purchases anything with the name "boat" in the same sentence it costs at least twice as much.  After all what is one buying anyway - a 50cc motor, a carb, a couple gears, a shaft, a spark plug,  an ignition on a chip,  and a toy propeller.  I think 545.00 is a fair price.  I would be concerned about the 20 lb weight (which I would really like) compared to the Honda 27 lbs.  Where are the weight savings made?  Is it the drive train or somewhere that could have a negative effect.  You can check out the motor at "www.smalloutboardengines.com/index.html" or search on the previously mentioned manufacturer.  Does anyone have any experience with this motor or company?  Any responses on any of these issues would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening,
Tom

[Rick Klages]

I like the 2 hp Honda longshaft.  I had one on a Hunter 212 and then a Precision 15.   The Honda pushed the 1800 lb. Hunter with absolute authority at or close to hull speed even in moderate chop.  If I didn't get my current Tohatsu with my CP-16 I would buy another Honda.  I will buy one when I need another small gas outboard.  A Diesel version would earn my money today.

ick

[B.Hart]

Tom, the 2 hp seems to be plenty of power for the 16. This subject has come up alot and one thing people agree on is get a long shaft. HAPPY SAILING   BILL

[rchiare1]

The CP-16 owners manual, calls for a 4hp standard length motor.
This is just my opinion but I have found that used 2 cycle motors that are on small sailboats like ours tend to have very little use.
I currently use a 1984 Suziki 2HP to push my West Wight Potter15, it has a few scratches on the outer plastic case, from bouncing around for 20+ years, but after I ran a tank full of gas with 'sea foam'  additive thru it, the motor has been running great. starts on the first pull and has very little vibration. I mention using an additive to clear out the carberator because I have found the most common problems is that the engine is stored with old gas, sometimes for years and that turns to sludge and makes for problems.
I'd look for a newer 2cyle for sale on ebay approx 4hp with forward and if possible reverse gears. If it is in good shape, and you take care of it, you'll have all the motor you ever need.
On my CP-16 I have a 4hp - 2cycle Mercury - 2001 engine weight is listed at 43 pounds. It is just the right motor for me.

[multimedia_smith]

My two cents... I use the Honda BF2hp long shaft and it pushes the boat at 4.5 mph at just above idle... if I crank it to full gas sucking speed... it then goes the other 1.5 mph to hull speed.   Last fall we did a rescue where we towed another sail boat back to the harbour straight into a 20+kt headwind...
The 4stroke has a lot of torque and is more than enough for this boat.  Last spring, we were headed to Ship Island about 14 miles offshore in the Gulf... the wind died and we ran the motor at the low speed for most of the way there and never had to refuel the quart of gas in the internal tank.  Luckily the trip home was a broad reach at hull speed sailing all the way.
Some lakes no longer allow 2strokes as they put a lot of oil in the water, so the 4stroke is the way to go... in my humble opinion.  Much has been written on the board regarding this topic... have a look.
Best Regards
Dale

[wetland]

Thanks for the motor advise everyone.  I purchased a new Honda 2 HP at the Atlantic City Power Boat show last weekend for 750.00 which is supposed to be a discount.  It is a nice looking engine with its silver metalflake paint (as much as a motor can be nice looking without destroying the nice lines of a sailboat).  My final selection was between the Honda 2 and a configuration on one of the power boats at the show that had four 300 HP outboards installed. Then I realized that might be a bit over powering for the CP-16.

Thanks again,
Tom M.

[B.Hart]

Never put more than 3 300's on a CP16.   BILL