MacGregorSailors.com

Just purchased a used Mac Venture 25. Plan on using it both on rivers and the ocean. What would you all suggest for a motor, size, manufacturer?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

Congratulations on your purchase. Welcome to the world of classic Macs.

I have a 2001 Mercury 6hp 4-stroke on my Mac 25, and it is all the motor I need for Lake Erie. For coastal sailing, with strong currents possible, I would prefer to have either an 8hp or a 9.9. Anything over 9.9 is overkill for both your transom and your back if you remove the motor for trailering much. 2- or 4- stroke is purely a matter of personal preference...4-stroke is heavier, but quieter and much more fuel efficient. 2-stroke is cheaper to buy, but you'll spend much more in extra gas over its lifetime than you'll save in the purchase price. 2-strokes may also eventually become illegal to use in certain locations. Of course, if you plan to buy a new motor, the point is moot as I believe 2-stroke motors are only available on the used market nowadays.

However you go, don't forget to make it a long shaft.

Welcome

I own a Mac 26D

Agree that more than 9.9 would be overkill. I have a Honda 8hp 4stroke. It's all the OB my boat needs and it sips the fuel. I carry 6 gallons normally, but I usually can go on a week trip on three (this includes motoring a few hours through some canyons).

I can do 6+ knts at a little over half throttle and guess what....... I can do a little over 6 knots at full throttle too.

I'd go for a 4 stroke, no question. 2 strokes are being outlawed from inland waters all over the country. (unless you are only ocean sailing)

I think you could use as little as a 6hp, unless your sailing grounds include extreme currents (like some river inlets, for example).

Best Breezes,
Steve K.
Mac 26D "Three Sheets"

You'll be able to get to hull speed with a 4hp motor, and you might consider the 3.5hp Tohatsu if you don't mind being a tad underpowered, because you could move it between your Mac and a dinghy easily, where it would be a fast motor for your tender.

I'd go with either the 3.5 hp Tohatsu or a 4hp Mercury if swapping onto a tender was useful. If you deal with high winds or currents, or have a difficult launch ramp, I'd get an 8hp mercury so you've got some stopping power.

Matt,

Your wrote:

I'd get an 8hp mercury so you've got some stopping power.

Just wondering....... Why not the six or eight Tohatsu 4stroke?. They are very reasonable and I thought I read somewhere the small Mercury OBs are actually built by Tohatsu, just like the Nissans.

Some pretty good looking deals here..............
http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Tohatsu- ... otors.html

Before I decided to re-built my Honda ( really just needed new seals, gaskets and a main shaft, but required a complete tear-down) I was going to buy from these guys.

Again, just wondering
Best Breezes,
SK

I don't really have a brand preference for Mercury, they're just available retail here in San Diego at a bunch of locations, and the Tohatsu's you'd have to hunt down or order online. I tend to think of Mercury first for small outboards only because they're easily available.

When I need it, I'll actually be getting the 2.5hp Suzuki for my tender because its so light and can easily be stored off stern.

I'm no expert on motors, but I have a Mac 25 also. I had intended to go with a lower power motor, but I went along with my wife when she advised me to go with the highest power that would be useful. So I got a Merc 9.9 fourstroke longshaft 'bigfoot'. Very pleased! Absolutely no worries in maneuvering in currents or strong winds, it's got the muscle and then some.

If you’re shopping in this power range, I would not overlook the Lehr line of motors, which run on propane. Practical Sailor (the “Consumer Reports” of the sailing world) gave it a positive review, and it completely removes the headaches of ethanol-in-fuel, and fuel storage from the picture.

http://golehr.com/new/

For the D boat, I'd move down to a 5 or 6 hp IF I knew I'd never have to fight a strong current or windy launch ramp.

But ya never know

Not to mention, if I beach the boat a little hard, it can be difficult to get her off the beach the next morning with a marginal OB.

When i got my Catalina 22, it came with a 25hp Merc. I asked the guy why the big OB? He told me he got stuck off shore from Newport harbor (CA.) and couldn't get back in due to big waves and head winds. So he dumped the 5hp and got a 25hp.

Needless to say, this was overkill. I picked up a 7.5 Suzuki extra long shaft, sold the Merc for a net gain (which got me new rope clutches and deck organizers) and never had an issue (boats are about the same weight, BTW).

Whatever one gets, it should have a long shaft.

(I was just curious..... Mercs are great OBs)

BB,
SK