proper motor size Mac 17

[technicalman]

Hello All!

I'm considering purchasing an old '69 MAC 17. It doesn't come with an outboard motor. Does anyone know the proper size and type of outboard or at least the minimum and maximum sizes?

I'm thinking of sailing out of Marina Del Rey, Castaic, and Piru and any other body of water I can find.

Thanks for any input you give me.

--Randy

[ricklee_v17]

I have a V17 and am using an old Johnson 6HP. It moves the boat pretty well but I had to put a new, lower pitched prop (Thanks Glen and Alan) on it to get any type of reverse. I was told that the V17 can take up to a 10HP but I don't think I would want to add that much to it. The 6HP moves the boat along at an average of 5-6 knots which is plenty for me on the Potomac and the bay around here.

[technicalman]

Are you using a 15" shaft or a 20" shaft. Is it best to use the longer shaft on a MAC or can one get away with using a 15" shaft?


Thanks,
Randy

[ricklee_v17]

Honestly, I haven't measured my shaft (well not since I was 14 anyway ). I am pretty sure it would fall into the 15" range. Its certainly not a long shaft (never had any complaints though). I have had issues with reverse, as I said, and the new prop helps but I am certainly not going to be purposefully putting myself in any situations where precision and quick response is going to be needed. Its a dog in reverse but it works. It handles really quite well moving forward.

I don't know much about the specifics of outboards, so I am not really the guy to ask about shaft length regarding performance. (Oh how I could go on with the inuendo here). I would imagine that you would see some improved handling in reverse with a longer shaft.

[technicalman]

Thanks for the information, but I was refering to your sailboat motor shaft. I think I was pretty clear. Am I in the wrong forum? TMI!!!!!