Hi Roger, I'm on the other side of the pond in New Westminster, and have a '74 17. I use a 4.5 2-stroke 21" o.b. It is a twin cyl; smooth and I like the backup cyl. If I could I would have the extra-long, as it can still cavitate; I have an external mount though. Only attraction of a bigger motor might be a generator... The biggest concern, for me, is weight. Lighter is better! Quiet is good too - esp if u plan to use it a lot. Many on this list use a 2.5 to 5 hp 4stroke. Congrats on ur M17...a great boat! Cheers Doug On 2012-01-28, at 10:36 AM, Bill Wickett <billwick@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Roger,
Welcome the list. You live and sail in a wonderful part of the world. Wish I was not so far from the west coast.
I really think that the 8HP is over kill for the boat, even considering the tides/currents you encounter in the islands. You won't go any faster with the larger engine as you say. If there is a heading current over the hull speed of the boat, you won't get through that channel at that time any way.
I believe the Yamaha 8HP is something close to 97 lbs. The Yam 6 is 60 lbs, as is the Honda 5 (older design). The Merc/Tohatsu 6's are in the 60# area.
I think you will pay a huge penalty for the extra weight in boat trim aft and to port side with the bigger motor. The Yam 8 is nice because of the 2 cylinder design. If you want a 2 cylinder, there are non-current 6HP 2 strokes, that are 2 cylinder.
Extra long shaft may present a problem of clearing the water when tilted especially with the transom cutout. You should have a long shaft (20-21" IIRC).
Best of luck in your search, and I am sure others on the list may contribute more info for you to base your decision on. Many are on their way to Havasu or preparing to depart. (wish I was going)
Bill Wickett Makin' Time M17 #622 Cambridge, ON
On Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 12:55 PM, Jeanette Matcham <jeanmatcham@shaw.ca>wrote:
Subject: Outboard Motor Selection Issues with a Montgomery 17
I have recently purchased an M17 1979 . This being the model with the cut out in the transom designed to accept the outboard motor.
I live in Victoria BC and plan to sail and motor around the Gulf Islands.
My questions on which I will welcome some help and comments are these:-
1) I wish to install a Yamaha 8 HP motor or larger if possible as I plan to use this boat for motor sailing with the family and sailing solo. Wind and tidal currents in this region suggest a larger motor will perform more comfortably. Clearly the max hull speed is fixed but I wish to have more power in windy conditions if not using the sails.
I will appreciate views.
2) I plan to use the transom location but may use an outboard bracket if members suggest that this has some advantage.
3) I assume that a long shaft motor is appropriate. I have identified an extra long shaft and wonder if this is also suitable.
Many thanks for your time.
I look forward to comments .
Roger