Outboard: How big?

[Inselaffe]

Hello all,

Any opinions on whether a 5 HP outboard (actually 5HP at the prop, presumably a 6HP motor?) would be 'sufficient' for my 1250kg ETAP 22 (LWL 17'8''), to be sailed at the sea end of the Jade river on the North Sea coast of Germany?

Currently the boat has a 9.9HP 4 stroke (45kg) in a well just in front of the transom.

The advantage of a 5 HP is that then I am excempt from taking my boat driving licence in the German language! My current plan is to get a tempory 5/6HP whilst I am learning and not venturing too far, then when I have more experience (although 30yrs windsurfing/sailing on the sea in dinghies (I also have a cherub) this is my 1st bigger boat) and also better German language skills taking the test and switching back to my 9.9HP.

Thanks in advance...

Leigh
(my brain hurts, German Bier is just tooo good ...)



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[jackho]

I had an Etap22 and sailed for 5 years with a 6HP outboard. Sailed regularly North Channel and Western Isles - obviously not ideal against tidal streams but what sail boat engine is!! Hope this helps.

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[graham]

I have a 5hp Yamaha In a well on my Anderson 22 .Its plenty for me and gives about 5 knots in quiet water.

I think the Etap is probably a bit more windage than my boat .The 5 will be fine normally but would struggle against strong wind.But if your like me you dont motor if theres plenty of wind anyway.

What is the most horsepower your allowed? Isnt this a classic case of "safety regulations"actually causing you to be less safe than if commonsense was allowed???


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[extravert]

My 7m 1200kg Extravert had a 7.5hp outboard, and it was always more than necessary. I think you will be fine in all but the strongest headwinds and tides with 5 or 6hp.

<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep trying.

 

[snowleopard]

1100 kg sonata (7 m long) was pushed along happily by a 4hp yamaha or 5hp mariner.

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[tcm]

A mercury 15 hp has exactly the same cowling as a 5 (or used to anyway) so you can use a scalpel to cut off the "1" from the decals and make it look like a 5hp. Bit cheaty and not very German. You will have to sneak past the inspectors/guards when they are not looking, which I believe is fairly easy.

hope this helps

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[Inselaffe]

Thanks for all the input!

I think I will seriously look into this option.

I'd be extremely interested in any tips, tricks, comments or thoughts on the ETAP 22 from you, Jackho.

Graham, you wrote "Isn't this a classic case of "safety regulations"actually causing you to be less safe than if commonsense was allowed???"
You hit the nail on the head, this is what happens when you take away the individual's responsiblity and replace intelligence with rules....... My easiest option is just to do without the engine completely, but I wouldn't feel safe with no back up!(currents up to 4 knts in the area).

The rule states that up to and including 5 HP at the propellor you don't need a license. I'd be very interested to know how much shaft /gearbox etc. losses there are on a normal outboard. Perhaps if I use a 6HP this only has 5HP at the prop? I know you can get larger motors restricted here like the 50cc mopeds for 16 year olds in the UK

Thanks again

Leigh

PS Don't know about the 'scraping off the decal' - What if they ask me something in English and I answer and give the game away?

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