Typhoon Motor Question

shavdog · Post by **shavdog** » Nov 8th, '07, 17:23

The Typhoon I bought came without motor...I did however receive the motor mount...My situation is alittle unique in that I live on a large inland lake and the ty will be tied up to our dock..The only time I will need power is to get back home if the wind quits..This could be in most cases no more than four miles but in probably in the mile or two range...I have two ideas...

Buy a big minnkota trolling motor powered by a group 27 deep charge battery...total cost would be about 350..I could then use the trolling motor on my fishing boat..I could use one

Buy a small outboard...don't know what brand or size..

Whats everyone else using for powering the Typhoon..thanks..craig

Joe Montana · Post by **Joe Montana** » Nov 8th, '07, 17:49

Shavdog, I have a 4 hp, which is heavier and larger than I'd prefer, but I like having the extra power because I sail in a river with strong currents, bridges, etc. Lake sailing is a lot different.

If you search "Typhoon engines" you will find other useful discussions on this subject.

Paul McCary · Post by **Paul McCary** » Nov 8th, '07, 21:59

Go with the electric. You don't need the HP of an outboard, so why make your boat uglier and more unbalanced than it needs to be?

I had a Tohatsu 4 hp on my Ty because I sailed in an area with strong currents. It was a great little machine, but it never looked good hanging off the stern.

paul marti · Post by **paul marti** » Nov 8th, '07, 22:10

If it's never more than 4 miles and chances are you would start working your way home as the wind dies, how about some oarlocks and a good set of oars. A bit of cardiovascular work, save money and help the enviroment. I'd bet you'd watch the wind closely and become a better sailor, just a thought! Paul

shavdog · Post by **shavdog** » Nov 9th, '07, 06:34

Thanks for the replies....The rowing option is interesting...theres some hardware already mounted on the decks behind the winches that might be bases for orrs...My last choice is an outboard..I don't have any currents to worry about...I plan on calling minnkota today and get an opinion from them..I thought I'd mount the battery between the cockpit drain hoses down below to keep the boat centered..

Gary H · Post by **Gary H** » Nov 9th, '07, 09:39

I also sail my Typhoon on an inland lake (about 10 miles long). I have a 3.5hp outboard which is more than enough. During my first year, I have only used it to get in and out of the mooring field on windy days. There are a bunch of Ty's in the mooring field and the more experienced sailors have no motors. I am also not crazy about how the boat looks or sits with the outboard attached and I am rarely successful at filling the tank without getting gas on my hands and in the lake. I like the idea of an electric trolling motor.

altontom · Post by **altontom** » Nov 9th, '07, 15:13

Has anybody had experience powering a typhoon with an electric motor. I've seen one Minnkota motor with 50lbs of thrust. How does thrust compare to HP. How long will this electric motor run on a good battery charge? Thanks

Joe CD MS 300 · Post by **Joe CD MS 300** » Nov 9th, '07, 15:41

The review was somewhat mixed but it was a protoype which was being evaluated. It might work well in the situations.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... assNum=820

shavdog · Post by **shavdog** » Nov 9th, '07, 16:22

When people say they have a long shaft outboard....how long is this...the minn kota trolling motor I am looking at has a std 36 inch shaft ...I held a yd stick up to the mount and it looks plenty long...whats the length of a long shaft outboard in genl...thanks.craig... pretty sure I am going this route for my situation...I probably will buy a minn kota vector 55 series for 259 and another hundred for a group 27 deep chg battery...thanks.

barnettg · Post by **barnettg** » Nov 10th, '07, 10:38

Shavdog.
I use a Honda 2 hp long shaft on my Ty. A lot of people use these because they're very light and 4 stroke so don't produce a lot of smelly fumes. Short shaft outboards are 15", long shaft 20" and extra long, 25" (measure from the top of the inside top of the bracket to cavitation plate). As long as your prop is in the water while under way (consider the effect of going forward or wave action) you'll be fine. The long shaft works fine for me on Puget Sound. 2 hp is plenty unless you have to fight really strong winds.
Glenn

Paul McCary · Post by **Paul McCary** » Nov 10th, '07, 18:43

If your only need is to get back to the dock on a windless day (when there would likely be no waves) you don't need to worry about shaft length. It gets really dicey when you're motoring into 2+ foot waves and the prop pops out of the water every 8 seconds. Then it seems like no outboard shaft is long enough.

After reading the other posts, I'd definitely try the rowing option. You can always buy an electric motor later if you decide you need one.

Christian Sava · Post by **Christian Sava** » Nov 10th, '07, 20:21

I bought a new (2007) Tohatsu 3.5 hp long shaft. It's light and works against the current of the Merrimac river with little trouble. It may be overkill for you, however. I always take it off of the mount after use and store it down below. I really disliked the look of any motor hanging off of the transom of such a great looking little boat.

Good luck!

The Cape Dory Board

Typhoon Motor Question

Typhoon Motor Question

Ty motor

option 3

Electric trolling motor

One of these was recently reviewed in Practical Sailor

Long shaft