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Thread: Speeds achieved with 3.5hp outboard?

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    59

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    HI - Just wanted to report on the speeds I achieved. I got a little over 5 knots with the motor. Not bad. However, it's a pain to start in comparison to my last motor -- not very happy with it. I envy folks with inboards! Some day.

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    258

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    Hmmm, outboard on transom in pitching seas would stress that fiberglass area or it would come loose and bang on the rudder.

    On my boat, a bad idea!

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Santa Rosa
    Posts
    644

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    For the 2010 PacCup, we used a 3.5 hp Mercury outboard to meet the engine requirement, switching out the 6 hp Nissan I usually use. It pushed a 5500# (displacement) + 3 crew & gear Wyliecat along at 5 knots, full throttle. But it was a thirsty little bugger that only took a quart or so in its internal tank! The PacCup finishes in the ocean off Kanahoe Bay and you're required to motor in, following a pilot boat, which we did, filling up the little tank several times to ensure wouldn't suddenly stop.

    Several SF Bay Wylies use 2 hp Hondas, which also push them along inside the Bay at around 4.5 knots. When Steve Seals lost his rudder on a BAMA Doublehanded race, he used his 2 hp Honda to "steer" the boat back (read my rants about E.R.s in another thread!) I've never had issues with an outboard (Santana 22 & Wyliecat 30), but then I've never been foolish enough to get too close to the S. E. Farallon Island either.

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