American 16 questions

[Southernsail]

i recently purchased my first sailboat, a American 16 but was wondering what size outboard motor I should get for it and if anyone knew what the towing weight it is with the trailer?

Thanks, Aidan

 

[LONG_KEELER]

This may help a bit.

SailboatData.com - AMERICAN 16 Sailboat

 

[scozzy]

I've got a 17ft bilge keel and use a 4hp 2stroke outboard for getting me in and out of harbour ,I'm not much bigger than yours but heavier so I'd suggest that 4hp is plenty, you could go for a small electric if you sail on lakes

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Folkboats round here use 2.3 hp outboards. But then again, they’re all nuts. The answer outboard wise is the smallest, lightest motor with forward and reverse gears that you can afford, find second hand, whatever. A 4hp would be loads. All up towed weight with the usual kind of trailer is going to be in the region of 400kg. No need for a braked trailer, and any car that can have a hitch fitted would tow that effortlessly. Your biggest problem is remembering it's behind you.

edit to add…. Any outboard will give you decent flat water performance. Any at all. When the going gets tough, you might be glad of the 4hp. Stopping the boat with the wind behind you is the biggest challenge engine wise, in my experience.