I've also been quite happy with my Honda 2.3 for my M17 "Pajarita." Ditto John T's comment about using ethanol-free gas, that's what I've been doing. Usually available in "premium" grade only, there are probably apps now that will find you the nearest source. That said, the motor (recent years anyhow) is spec'd as fine with "regular" grade auto gas (typically 87 octane with 10% ethanol in these parts - west coast). There have been multiple threads here in recent years about pushing an M17 with a Honda 2.3HP. My brief summary would be: 1) really high winds (if you have to motor instead of sail for some reason) may be a bigger issue than current in terms of having enough power. Current you cannot overcome with any amount of HP, if the current is faster than somewhere close to your hull speed. Big motors will not save us from failing to pay attention to current! 2) I tested mine in moderately high winds on Fern Ridge reservoir (near Eugene, OR) some years ago and posted results here. Went out motoring in dead calm mornings, and also in what I estimated as 20 mph+ with gusts to 25+. I lost about half a knot of speed motoring into the wind vs. dead calm. That includes that I have a padded luff roller reefing jib (more windage than bare forestay). So If I was going 4 knots at half throttle in dead calm, I'd be down to 3.5 knots at half throttle into the described wind. Strongest gusts would briefly knock off another .1-.2 knots. That's not "really high winds," but is as much as I'd go out in on purpose for fun & recreation. Getting caught out in say 30+ is another issue. I figure brute force isn't going to save me then either, I need to be prepared, know where I can get to on a manageable heading (vs. wind & waves) for some shelter. You could also consider the Suzuki 2.5 hp, which comes in a long shaft since several years back. About $120 less (street price) than the Honda. Water cooled instead of air cooled if you prefer that. Claims same weight (31 lbs). cheers, John On 2/4/22 10:52, Peter Zimowsky via montgomery_boats wrote:
Hi folks: I’ve been sailing the San Juans for a few years and have a Mercury 4-stroke, 4 hp, that has served me well in getting around the islands on those windless days. However, I’ve been hearing more and more about not leaving the motor on the transom when traveling. I always have. But I’m getting a little worried about it. It weighs 75 pounds. It’s a real pain to put on and off the boat. So, I’m thinking of the 2.3 honda as an alternative and at much less the weight. Have you guys had good luck with that motor? And, is it enough power to push through the currents of the islands. Thanks, Pete WinterSky (Zimowsky)
San Juan Islander lost inland - an old salty stuck in the sagebrush
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"We Can Not Control the Wind But We Can Adjust Our Sails"
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