Gary, Thanks for your input. I note a quote by a famous Rat at the foot of your message. The same Rat is featured in my e-mail address. He did have a way with words (and boats). Ron --- Gary M Hyde <gmhyde1@mac.com> wrote:
Ron: In rough water the long shaft Honda 2hp is a must, at least with the older fixed motor bracket. It also allows a bracket modification that raises the motor a couple of inches so it can be easily tilted up while sailing. --Gary Hyde Pullman, WA gmhyde1@mac.com M17 #637 'Hydeaway 2' M15 #235 'Vanilla' "...There's nothing quite like messing about in boats..."
On Apr 5, 2006, at 7:00 PM, judy casino wrote:
--- "Steve R." <stever707@MAIL.SAABNET.COM> wrote: Thanks Steve . I do agree that it would be inappropriate to use a motor too heavy for the proper balance of the boat . I also know that except for surfing down a wave under the right conditions and with the right kind of underbody , a displacement hull can't go faster than its theoretical hull speed . I was just thinking that with a solid hull to deck bond , one could use a slightly more powerful ( and heavier ) motor to punch through rough water or swift current . But rest assured that if I buy an M15 , I will most likely get a 2 hp Honda to power it . BY the way , would you recommend a short shaft or long shaft version of the motor ? I know that a long shaft will be less likely to cavitate , but will it dig too deep to properly propel the boat ? Ron
Ron,
A M-15 hull does not plane like a water skier. It is a displacement hull, which has a speed limit due to the laws of physics. A larger motor will not cause the boat to go faster. I guess I have the throttle open 60% on my 2hp Honda when my speed tops out.
Also, a larger motor will put more weight on the transom. The bow will float higher, the stern lower. The center of lateral resistance of the hull will move aft. This can cause lee helm. It will also slow the boat. You may want to read up on lee helm and weather helm in a sailing book, or take a look here:
http://www.sailingusa.info/sailboat_balance.htm
As I mentioned in my other post, I sit as far forward in the cockpit as possible to balance the boat, and use a tiller extension.
From time to time you will find large motors on sail boats. I know of a father who purchased his daughter a 15 hp outboard for her 12 foot sailboat. The boat has been sailed only one time.
steve
Steve R. M-15 #119 Lexington, KY
-- Ron wrote:
Also , I thought I read somewhere that the pulpit adds strength to the transom hull-deck joint because of the through bolting of the stanchions, thus allowing a larger motor to be used without joint separation . Any input?
Ron
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