Sailfish 18 - Engine?

[Steve_tba]

I have just purchased a Sailfish 18.
It is a Bilge Keel with outboard bracket but no engine.
What size engine do you think I require, I have been told anything from 3.3 hp up to 9.9 hp !!!
Does anyone currently have one and if so what do you use and does it go OK ?
Thanks
STEVE

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[geoffatstanpit]

5hp would be about right. It just so happens - - see for sale section 5hp Mariner!

Geoff

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[tugboat]

Agree about 5hp. That'll push you along fine. You will need to do some measuring to decide if standard or longshaft is needed, IMO a longshaft keeps the prop in the water better if the boat is pitching but you want to be able to get it clear of the water when sailing to reduce drag. Also consider getting a motor that can draw from a remote fuel tank, to save leaning over the back to refuel. It really depends on where you are going to use the boat - in a calm river or somewhere a bit choppier. HTH.

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[A_7]

Are you sure that she has bilge keels? Mine had a lifting keel!

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[ruff_n_tumble]

I had a 6 HP Mariner on mine, which I was told had been upgraded from the "standard" 4HP to cope with the tides in Chichester Harbour entrance. I was glad of the extra horsepower on occasions too (like Langstone entrance against the ebb).

Definitely a lifting keel.

<hr width=100% size=1>Steve Marsh
Hunter 27 OOD "Ruff-n-Tumble"
Gosport

 

[m1taylor]

I agree about the remote tank - refuelling a small integral tank whilst pitching and rolling is no fun, and not very good for the sealife when fuel spills. A remote tank will also give you greater confidence if you have to motor for more than 1 hour at a time - most integral tanks have a range of about 45mins to 1 hour for the 1 litre of fuel they hold.


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[Steve_tba]

Definetly bilge keel, that is the one of the reasons I bought her.
It has not been modified either !!!
I expect I will get a 4/5 hp possibly a sail drive ?
Next is which manufactor do I put my hard earned cash too ...

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[VicS]

As someone who has owned a similar similarly sized bilge keeler for over 25 yrs I would agree with much of the advice already given. A long shaft helps keep the prop in the water in rough conditions, a remote tank is essential if you are planning to travel any distance, and 5hp should be adequate.

As important as the hp is the choice of prop. Many (most? all?) small outboards come with a prop suitable for driving a small light boat such as a rib at high speed but what you want is one suitable for driving a relatively heavy displacement hull at a much lower speed. A prop with a finer pitch and, if possible, larger diameter is what is called for. A choice of props should be available and you will have to discuss this with the dealers. Perhaps it would be prudent to discuss this with more than one dealer.

I have a larger than original (22 litres instead of 9 litres) fuel tank which means I am often carrying more fuel than necessary. I think it would be better to have two small tanks. A full small tank feels better than a half empty big one.

I cannot comment on brands as my experience is limited to the original temperamental 5hp Volvo Penta (which, after sitting in my garage for best part of 20yrs, is now powering a friends boat) and the current 6hp Evinrude which has recurring problems with its cooling system.

One consideration when choosing an engine is its weight. My Evinrude is far too heavy and seems to have got heavier each year. I can no longer lift it off its bracket to stow below. It is probably safer with multiple locks and chains on the bracket than in the cabin anyway.

I am also surprised that your boat has bilge keels as the only information I have to hand is that they were only available with a lifting keel. Are you sure it's a Sailfish?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[danera]

If you need long shaft, then I would recommend the tohatsu 5hp 4 stroke 'sailmate' with high thrust prop & charging kit. The mariner & mecury 4/5/6hp are rebranded tohatsus, and they only sell the 4hp as a sailmate, which has an integral tank I think. Try bosunsmate.co.uk if you want to get it mailorder. If you want to buy locally or in a hurry (which I was this year after some light fingered action), consider mariner/mecury but get them to swap the prop to a high thrust one for free. I'm in London & a satisfied customer of Barnet Marine (ribs.co.uk)!

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