CD-26 Outboard motor replacement

jwestman · Post by **jwestman** » Mar 11th, '10, 12:40

I will likely purchase a CD26 this spring. The boat currently has an old Honda four stroke with an above water exhaust port. The current owner says that the motor will not run properly unless the the engine locker hatch cover is raised. I am looking for recommendations for a replacement motor. Please include reasons for your recommendation. This is my first of, I hope, many posts. I am a former CD30K owner who made a big mistake in selling out for the trawler life. Fun boat; maintenance nightmare!

Steve Zwicky · Post by **Steve Zwicky** » Mar 11th, '10, 15:48

Congrats on your new boat. I've had a Johnson 9.9 2-stroke, a Yamaha 9.9 hi-thrust and my current 9.8 Tohatsu with 25" leg. They all will fit although you'll have to make some adjustments to the mounting board's position. (I would have loved to try the Tohatsu 6hp with 25" shaft but didn't have the confidence it could handle the Charleston currents.) Having two vent cowls, facing forward and back, should help clear exhaust fumes as long as the wind is blowing or you are moving.
I also installed an exhaust fan for one of the vents for those times when I'm motoring in a river at the same speed as the wind thus moving in still air. Note: a flatter-bladed prop will improve thrust.
Hope this helps, Steve

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Mar 11th, '10, 16:00

My 8 hp Honda fits fine in my CD 25 because there are 2" spacers under the hinges. Does not hinder appearance one bit.
I do believe that 8hp is too much for my boat.

Dick

Scott MacCready · Post by **Scott MacCready** » Mar 11th, '10, 18:01

I had a Honda 10HP, 4-stroke in my CD26. Initially I had problems when attempting to motor with the lid closed but solved it via suggestings found on this site. First I added some louvered vents to the engine engine cover alowing it to breathe better. Then I took a piece of copper tubing (been a while but I think 3/8"), inserted it into the small exhaust port on the back of the shaft, and bent it downward under the water line so the exhaust exiting underwater. Never had a problem after that.

mgphl52 · Post by **mgphl52** » Mar 12th, '10, 16:36

I don't know about your location (tides, currents, etc) but a simple little Nissan 6hp 4-stroke was plenty fine for my CD25. It was light enough to easily lift out and stow on the cabin sole when not needed. Since we have salty water, the motor spent most of it's time on the sole, unless needed.

jwestman · Post by **jwestman** » Mar 16th, '10, 14:34

Thanks for all the responses so far. I will let everyone know what I end up doing.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Mar 16th, '10, 17:37

tartansailor wrote:My 8 hp Honda fits fine in my CD 25 because there are 2" spacers under the hinges. Does not hinder appearance one bit.
I do believe that 8hp is too much for my boat.

Dick

I disagree. I have a suzuki 8 & it left me wanting more in a 25kt headwind with 8 ft. seas. Better to have it & not need it than to need it & not have it. Just my 2 cents.

drb9 · Post by **drb9** » Mar 16th, '10, 21:04

here are more responses, including my experience with Honda v. Yamaha. Still very happy with the Yamaha.

But, and this may be a topic for another post, but, but, but, I am disappointed with the performance of antifouling paint on the motor. I get a lot of growth during the season. So, this year I am going to explore surrounding the lower unit with one of those cylindrical waterproof bags. I figure if I can weight the bottom, it will sink below the propeller, and then I will draw it up around it, pump out the salt water and fill it with fresh water. I lost a lot of power by the end of the season, and I think it was from growth on the propeller.

GLutzow · Post by **GLutzow** » Mar 16th, '10, 23:02

I find that I have to dive on my boat every other week to remove growth. If I were to let more than a month go by, which I did on one occasion, the growth becomes so onerous that the propeller is ineffectual because of the growth.

Steve Zwicky · Post by **Steve Zwicky** » Mar 17th, '10, 09:51

Dear drb9, A bag like you described can work very well. I made mine out of pvc and tarp. I have a larger "forked" pvc pipe that fits over the two extensions of the square frame to help me position/retract the bag. The bag is held in place with four lines attached to the corners of the frame and cleated inside the well. A small hooked rod helps to snag the lines when securing the bag to the boat. Another longer line is tied to the frame and held while positioning/retracting the contraption. No weight is needed. Just scoop it thru the water to burp the bubbles.
The frame is 12"x12" square with two 8" extensions on one side which accept the "fork". The boxy bag is sewn from a plastic tarp and is 12x12 and 23" long. I use cable ties to secure the bag to the frame. If you're at a dock, run the hose for a while to displace the bad water - no need to pump it out.
The real advantage is being able to run the motor (in neutral) and flush it after each sail. I've used this for eight years and am very pleased with it. Each tarp lasts at least a year. You'll have to hose off the growth on the outside of the bag when you pull it off. Better there than on the motor! I can send pics if you want. Steve

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Mar 18th, '10, 17:22

I disagree. I have a suzuki 8 & it left me wanting more in a 25kt headwind with 8 ft. seas. Better to have it & not need it than to need it & not have it. Just my 2 cents.

Get a 6" pitch prop.
Yours is probably 8 something.

Dick

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