CP-16 Outboard Delimma

[ChuckO]

Ahoy ... Good question!  As with so many boat things ... It depends on where you are using it and where you are going to use it  ....  it sounds like you need the power.  I have owned both ...  on a lake the 3.5 would work well, but with the tidal flow it would appear with the wind in your face  ... you would need to wait for the tide change if you wanted to move the boat.... so .. the smaller motor will not meet your needs ... don't kid yourself.

As the old sailor said "I'd rather be on the beach and wish I was at sea than be at sea and wish I was on the beach".

ChuckO
Charleston, SC

[jpfx]

following on from chuck o above.
however, if this OB this the one that is marketed as mercury, nissan & tohatsu AND is the same OB for 4, 5 & 6HP except for a carb change, then...
I spent a lot of time researching what would be a suitable smaller alternative and I'd use the suzuki in a skinny minute vs. the 5HP nissan I have. the reason being the weight and the resulting imbalance.
I'm sure the smaller OB will run a CP-16 at hull speed and tide is going to make no difference. if the tide is running faster than hull speed in the opposite direction then you're going to go backwards no matter how big the motor. you just have to 'kick it old school' and plan around the tides. there's many places around the world where tides aren't as mild and going against them is foolhardy or worse.

[Salty19]

As the old sailor said "I'd rather be on the beach and wish I was at sea than be at sea and wish I was on the beach".

ChuckO
Charleston, SC

Words to live by.  I've heard a similar version..."I would rather be in the boat with a drink on the rocks than in the drink with the boat on the rocks".

[Craig]

Theoretical hull speed is calculated as: HS=1.34xsq root of LWL. Note that I said "theoretical" since there are many variables (such as the condition of the bottom). Wave action can be a factor as well, not so much on theoretical hull speed per se but as a factor preventing it from being reached if sufficient power is not available. Displacement boats CAN exceed hull speed as in surfing or even when towed. With sufficient power a displacement boat can exceed "hull speed" it is just not economical to do. All that said, if I have to punch thru waves or fight wind I want as much power as I can reasonably carry. Its not so much about "most of the time" it is about those critical "other times" (to echo previously expressed sentiments)!

[JonnyB]

Thanks all, for your input. On a side note, I found my original CP-16 owners manual yesterday and it recommended a "3 to 4 hp short shaft." For what it's worth, I'm leaning toward the heftier Mercury 4 hp. My next step is to upgrade my motor mount to something 4-stroke compatible.

Thanks again!
Jon