Downsizing to a 9.9 Opinions

[mastreb]

Great info! Mike Inmon at the factory said that an 8hp motor was the right small motor for the M, because a bigger motor still wouldn't get you any more speed, just more fuel use as you try to climb the bow wave. Sounds like your experience with the 9.9 kind of confirms that--you'd get the same speed out of an 8hp?

[Ixneigh]

Those engines are way too small to do anything but get in and out of a protected harbor.
You won't be making distance upwind when it's either too windy, or you are running out of time to sail. I've had plenty of underpowered outboards. Even a 10hp is barely enough for a powersailor.
Ix

[bahama bound]

I just priced a new Honda 9.9 sail drive .86 lbs was thinking about putting one on a bracket for long passages and back up to my 90 etec .say they burn 1 litre at hull speed ? My little motor pushed my x fine but currents and docking were scary ?