Best outboard for a CD25

[abutkus03]

Recently purchased a CD 25 with a 2016 Honda 5hp outboard. Trouble is it doesn't fit in the well very well and it is a bear to get it in and out. Any recommendations what outboard fits easily into the well and has sufficient power to push the boat in at least 15 knot winds?

[casampson]

The 6 HP Tohatsu Sailpro extended shaft works well. I have a CD 25 with the Sailpro and it seems to do the job, although I can imagine circumstances where an 8 or even 10 hp would be preferable. The motor fits in the well, but you can't get the tiller to fit into the opening in front of the well, so it is always sticking up at an angle, making it impossible to shut the lazarette unless you fold the tiller arm back first. Secondly, the front of the motor and shift handle stick through the forward opening in the well, preventing you from sliding the cover back into place. This leaves the front of the well exposed at all times, which has a few drawbacks. First, it is noisy -- you can hear the splash of the water against the shaft as you sail along. Second, water can splash into the cockpit while sailing, although this hasn't happened yet. Third, it is not as attractive to have the front open all the time.

I'm thinking of having some sort of custom cover made for next season.

Hope this helps.

[abutkus03]

Thanks for your advice. I greatly appreciate the photo. Your issue with the tiller is the same one I encountered. To get it through the hole I took off the grip and cut off 2 inches. Once it was through the hole I put the grip on. The 2 inches I cut off is thus unnoticed. To close the locker top I had to removed the top of the motor cover. Not perfect, but it does work. I agree with you that in blue water I'd prefer a bigger motor, but I wonder if a bigger motor would fit in the hole.

[Jerry D]

I’m a new member but have been reading threads since acquiring a 1975 CD25 hull 266 last spring. It came with a 1998 4 stroke 9.9 Mercury that runs great but smokes terribly. I tried installing an almost new Honda 8, but with minimal help available, I gave up trying to make it fit. I like this motor as it has electric start and an alternator. The tiller is more centered than other options.

Yesterday, a sailor friend challenged me to try once again and after minimal trimming of the rear of the rectangle opening in the well, we got the Honda installed. The boat is on the trailer so I was able to use a tractor with forks to lift the motor into place. I’m excited that it “fits”, but the motor cover sticks up about 3” too high. Any thoughts about how to modify the hinged lid?

[moondance]

I have a rebuilt 1997 Mercury 9.8 2 cycle electric start that fits in the well. A previous owner notched out about an inch from the wooden mount but I think this motor would have fit anyway. The motor so far has provided plenty of power. Is anybody using a regular length shaft? Is that working? BTW I didn't see this discussion and started Powering the CD25. The Mercury does smoke more than I would like. A previous owner cut a hole in the well hatch that the tiller sticks up thru but the hatch can close. Someone also cut a hole in the sliding front cover of the well presumably for the tiller but it doesn't help with my motor.