horizon 23 diesel option revisited

[BChandler]

Thanks to all who responded to my question, because of the costs the only option is to upgrade my Yamaha 5 outboard. With the larger outboards mentioned (Mariner 6,8 and9.9) is it possible to control via remote and also lift the engine when sailing?. I can with the Yamaha 5.

Regards,
Bryan (bchandler)

 

[graham]

Bryan I dont have any knowledge about the Hunter specifically,but I think that with the vastly improved reliability of outboards these days the huge extra expense of an inboard for a boat less than 25 foot is not worth it.

Also the extra storage space you gain and if the outboard does go wrong you can take it in for repair instead of an expensive visit to the boat by an engineer.

Like you I have a Yamaha 5 on my 22 foot drop keeler ,the only time it struggles is into a strong wind and a short chop.But even then because of the inboard well you never get the prop lifting out problems of a transom bracket.

Witrh the greater windage of your boat compared to mine I would think you would be better off with an 8 or 9.9 .

With the popularity of the boat someone out there must be using that combination of boat and engine.

Come on people get typing and give the man some first hand recommendations...

 

[dickh]

Make sure you specify a "SAIL DRIVE" prop - the standard one is like an eggwhisk; some outboards are made specifically for small sailing cruisers and will be considerably better than the standard ones. Also investigate 4 stroke outboards - you will get much better fuel comsumption and no messy 2 stroke oil, also make sure your chosen engine fits your well - you may have to modify the well.
You should be able to control with remotes but don't know about the tilting...

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[rex_seadog]

Afraid I can't comment on the Horizon 23 but on our heavier Hunter Delta 25 we have a 2-stroke Mariner 8 Sailmate. This is generally satisfactory and pushes the boat at close to hull speed except into strongish head winds. We have remotes connected but cannot 'raise and tilt' when sailing as intended by Hunters. When leaving the boat for any period we can unclamp and lift the engine (to reduce fouling) and store it in a horizontal position in its locker. Unfortunately in this position the engine is about an inch too large for the locker lid to close completely. We can, however, leave the cables connected.

We use our Delta for cruising rather than racing and have to live with the extra drag resulting from leaving the engine in the down position. We have given a lot of thought to how we can raise the engine when sailing but it does not seem possible unless we switched to the Yamaha 5 that Hunter originally recommended. That would be underpowered for our purposes.

Before we bought the Mariner we persuaded the local dealer to bring a similar engine for a trial fit. A Honda 8 failed this test.

Our previous engine was a Yamaha 10 4-stroke but this was so large that it had to be operated without its cover in order for the locker lid to close. It didn't seem to appreciate this exposure and we suffered expensive problems with carburettor corrosion. The prop was so large that it had to be removed before the engine could be lifted out. Even then it was a shoe-horn job and so heavy that we had to use the mainsheet as a block and tackle. Apart from that it was an excellent engine with plenty of power in hand and very economical. The electric start was a mixed blessing - a real pain when the battery went flat. Much prefer the Mariner's pull starting - very easy and never a problem.

 

[JimC]

Bryan

As stated previously I use a Mariner 6hp 4 stroke outboard on my Horizon 23 and am well pleased with it. You must specify the saildrive prop - the extra grip is worth at least a couple more horsepower at displacement speeds.

Because the power head is slightly bulkier than the standard 5hp Yamaha you will have to shave about quarter to half an inch off the top of the mounting board so the engine sits slightly lower in the boat. You will then be able to retract it as normal. The locker lid will close as normal. If you have the Morse single-lever controls that Hunters normally fit, you can connect these to the new engine and they will work just the same. When you retract the engine you have to twist it slightly so the cable connections don't foul the mounting trolley, this is no problem.

Just for the record here is a copy of the engine configuration I ordered and now use on my boat:

"To confirm our telephone conversation, would you please supply the following:
One Mariner 6hp four stroke outboard, standard shaft, fitted with the following
equipment:
Fine pitch high thrust propeller as fitted to the Sailmate engines
60 watt alternator & rectifier for battery charging
Fittings to connect existing Morse cable controls to throttle & gearchange."

Good Luck
Jim