What size outboard cape dory 25?

[Carol Friel]

I know its annoying to ask about motors in a sail boat forum but I need to by a motor for my sweetheart,shes the Captain, 25 cape Dory Whats best and length of shaft? Im looking at Tohatsu 9.8 20 " shaft We sail on Cape Cod,Thanks for any help,sorry about motor question,Marty

[guest]

Carol - this has been one of the most discussed subjects on this board. Try searching on this subject and you will find some very interesting and informative threads on the subject.

[Oswego John]

Hi Carol and Marty,

Please don't feel that you have to apologize for asking a perfectly legitimate question. The previous poster, Guest, is correct. There is quite a divergence of opinions in the archives on what is the best size engine for your boat. Because of personal preferences, there is no definitive answer. In regard to past posting on the subject, one of the more important things to consider is the physical size of the motor. Will it fit easily into the motor well? Weight and portability is a consideration.

If memory serves me well, most owners prefer a motor no smaller than 5HP and, arguably, no larger than 9-9 1/2 HP. Physical dimensions are most important when dealing with the larger engines. Take measurements before purchase.

I have heard of some owners using short shafted motors, but I think that the majority of them use long shafts.

Very few, if any, sailboats 19' or over don't rely on an auxiliary power source. Concerns over the size and condition of the engine are important factors in the purchase and use of a sailboat.

Good luck,
O J

[Bruce Dart]

Something which is discussed in some of the previous posts on this subject is the modifications needed to accommodate various engines. We have a Nissan 5 HP 4-stroke long shaft (1999 model) and this engine needed to having the mounting board lowered so the engine would fit with the cover closed. It wasn't a huge amount of work, but it wasn't a drop-in, either. You asked about long vs. short shafts. We have a long-shaft, and in large swells the prop rarely comes to the surface. With a short-shaft it might more often, which is not a good thing, I think. So even though the long-shaft is more cumbersome, I would opt for it again.

Something else to look for in the previous posts is the idea of setting up an arrangment of blocks, etc. to help lift the engine out of the well.