Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Motor Choice for Sakonnet

Posted by YoAdrian on 03/10/13 - 2:09 PM
#1

Just looking for advice as to what motor to purchase for my 1964 Sakonnet. I really have no experience with outboards over 25-30hp and am in need of guidance in the whole process. The research I have done has lead me to believe that a 75-90hp motor will fit my needs, however this still leaves a lot to wonder. Budget wise I need to go used, however I don't want a dinosaur either. Today I found a 1998 90hp Honda 4S with low hours for $2900, however it is a 25" shaft, is this too long for my boat? This will primarily be a fishing boat, and I forsee it at times loaded with 3-4 guys and gear. I already purchased a Mercury 6hp 4S for trolling so that is added weight as well. Not sure where to start with this whole process...

Posted by aeriksen on 03/10/13 - 2:24 PM
#2

I would seriously look at the e-tec's. Just as good on fuel as a 4 stroke and better torque.

Posted by wing15601 on 03/10/13 - 2:34 PM
#3

I would look for a Yamaha 90HP 2 stroke. These engines have the reputation of being one of the best ever made. They are light weight and powerful and to attest to their longevity, I have a 1984 Yamaha 90 on my 1984 Montauk 17 and it takes me fishing every weekend.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/10/13 - 2:35 PM
#4

You can find boat information on the left sidebar under "Whaler Models and Info" link.
Here is the Sakonnet
http://www.joekriz.com/main.phpm/main.php

About motor weight and weight on the transom.
The lighter the better.
Especially if you already are going to mount a kicker.
With a kicker motor, I don't think I would put a 90hp on it.

I had an Evinrude 70hp @248 pounds along with an Evinrude 8hp @58 pounds. Total= 306 pounds on transom.
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Montau...ntauk.html

Your Mercury 6hp 4 stroke weighs in @ roughly 60 pounds for the 20 inch shaft version which you should have and mounted directly on the transom. No brackets.
http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/...6/?model=2

That Honda is heavy and the 25" shaft is too long.
See the first link I gave you above on Whaler Models.
I would suggest you look for something much lighter for that older hull.

Posted by YoAdrian on 03/10/13 - 2:35 PM
#5

Originally I was very interested in the ETecs. I could probably do really well with a 75hp Etec on that boat...

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/10/13 - 2:38 PM
#6

Here are the Current Engines Choices and Weights in an article we have on the left sidebar.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...ticle_id=5

Again, by adding a kicker, it would be wise to get a much lighter main motor.

Posted by YoAdrian on 03/10/13 - 2:42 PM
#7

Joe Kriz wrote:
You can find boat information on the left sidebar under "Whaler Models and Info" link.
Here is the Sakonnet
http://www.joekriz.com/main.phpm/main.php

About motor weight and weight on the transom.
The lighter the better.
Especially if you already are going to mount a kicker.
With a kicker motor, I don't think I would put a 90hp on it.

I had an Evinrude 70hp @258 pounds along with an Evinrude 8hp @58 pounds. Total= 316 pounds on transom.
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Montau...ntauk.html

Your Mercury 6hp 4 stroke weighs in @ roughly 60 pounds for the 20 inch shaft version which you should have and mounted directly on the transom. No brackets.
http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/...6/?model=2

That Honda is heavy and the 25" shaft is too long.
See the first link I gave you above on Whaler Models.
I would suggest you look for something much lighter for that older hull.



Joe, the kicker is a 25" shaft...Is this not compatible? When mounted on the side of the transom it falls at the same depth as the main motor...

Posted by Finnegan on 03/10/13 - 2:44 PM
#8

For your boat i would recommend a a good used Mercury, Yamaha or Evinrude/Johnson 70-90 HP 2-stroke.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/10/13 - 2:46 PM
#9

All the kickers used on almost all Whalers are 20" long shaft.
Mounted directly on the transom. (except newer models)

http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...ticle_id=7

You might get away with trolling with that XLong 25" shaft but it is still not ideal.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 03/10/13 - 4:06 PM
#10

A 1998 Honda 90 HP is not a very good choice for a Sakonnet even if it were a 20" shaft length. At damn near 400 pounds, the first generation BF90 is pushing the limit of what weight that boat can handle and it is well over the limit if you have a 6 HP four stroke kicker back there too.

That fact this one is 25" (Extra Long) shaft makes it a non-starter.

With that four stroke kicker, you'll need to shop for a three cylinder two stroke to keep the weight down.

Posted by YoAdrian on 03/10/13 - 4:45 PM
#11

Tom W Clark wrote:
A 1998 Honda 90 HP is not a very good choice for a Sakonnet even if it were a 20" shaft length. At damn near 400 pounds, the first generation BF90 is pushing the limit of what weight that boat can handle and it is well over the limit if you have a 6 HP four stroke kicker back there too.

That fact this one is 25" (Extra Long) shaft makes it a non-starter.

With that four stroke kicker, you'll need to shop for a three cylinder two stroke to keep the weight down.



Okay that's what I'll do. Thanks for the help!