MOTOR SIZE

[gcallender]

I am in the process of restoring a Venture 222. I have been looking at different motors, and wondering if anyone has any experience with the Honda 8 HP with a boat this size. Any feed back will be appreciated.

[mastreb]

8 hp is the ideal motor size for a 22 foot sailboat. I don't have any specific knowledge of the Honda.

[mac22+]

I have an 8hp long shaft Mercury for my 22. It's a perfect fit for bay and lake sailing. It's cut thru choppy waters with no problem.

[Tomfoolery]

I used to have an Aquarius 7.0 (an A23 with a stern rudder instead of the 'cassette' type, and an off-center OB), which weighed a little more than the 222, and the 9.9 was plenty in calm-ish water. It was better once I put on a high-thrust prop, including reverse. In really rough water, the prop would come out of the water (rocking, pitching, or both), but that was an issue with the motor location and the skipper more than it was with the engine hp.

I would think the 8 would be perfect for the 222.

[TheJoe]

4hp is all that's needed to get max hull speed, according to an online calculator I used.

I have a 9.9 on mine now, got it thinking I could get more speed and have more torque for fighting wind, especially in reverse.
Haven't found the right prop to get any more real power out of it yet.

[mastreb]

4hp is all that's needed to get max hull speed, according to an online calculator I used.

I have a 9.9 on mine now, got it thinking I could get more speed and have more torque for fighting wind, especially in reverse.
Haven't found the right prop to get any more real power out of it yet.

That's in ideal conditions and only for forward thrust. You want extra margin for fighting wind and currents and for reverse-stopping.

[TheJoe]

Right, my boat did perform well with the 4 horse that came with it though. I'm just not sure the $800 I spent on new motor/heavier mount/prop and extra fuel consumption was worth it.

I got a 4 blade 9.25x8 for my 9.9, did not meet expectations. Had more thrust in reverse with the john boat prop that came with it. I had a frantic moment backing her off the trailer last year and had to jump out of the boat to keep from grounding out on the ramp due to the wind.

Think I'm going to try the same prop in a 7" pitch or an 8" 3 blade if they are cheaper.

What are you guys running on your 9.9/10's?

[Catigale]

The 9.9 Bigfoot mercury is probably perfect for a small, hull speed kicker on an or

No installation costs, clamps on, and can be carried off for repair with Admiral help.

I have a trip report from last year where I pushed an back on ocean with a Nissan 4 at 4 knots WOT