If you want to make a long passage against stiff wind and sea, the 2 horse Honda may be marginal, but then so are all the other small, light motors. You'll need something more substantial, 4-5 hp perhaps, and inevitably heavier. On the other hand, if you just want a kicker to get you in and out, and for making passages in benign weather, the small Honda's perfect. I've used one for five years, and am very happy with it. Drives the boat easily at 4-5 kts for hours at a time. Also is a real gas sipper. My estimate under easy conditions is around 30 - 40 mpg Rick M17 #633 Lynne L On Sunday, September 23, 2012, Stan Susman <stanpfa@pacbell.net> wrote:
I push my M-17 with a Honda 2hp. I have been impressed with how well it does. I think it actually make more hp then 2. I think Honda now makes a 2.5 or maybe 3 that would be worth looking into, I really like the light weight. My boat is some what lighter then standard however I'm not sure if that's an advantage or a disadvantage when going into a stiff breeze
Stan
________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?