GL: Outboard for Loop

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

Can any Loopers who have done the Loop in an outboard powered boat give me 
some advice? 

I have describe how in the past I did most of the Loop in a 23' sailboat 
powered with a Volvo MB10 inboard engine. But that was nearly 20 years ago when 
the Loop was just a baby. One of my relatives wants to borrow the boat for an 
extended Loop trip. Despite having been sitting on a trailer in my driveway for 
the last 12 years, the boat is still in good condition but the engine badly 
needs an overhaul. I could always coax it into running properly but my nephew is 
mechanically challenged.

He is willing to buy an outboard, which he does understand, for the trip. The 
mount is already on the boat. In fact, if I pull the engine, there will be a 
lot of extra storage space. What I need is a recommendation for an appropriate 
outboard.

Here are the details. The sailboat is a very sturdy Westerly Nomad, 23' twin 
keel, 4000 lb displacement, with adequate standing headroom, a head with a 
LectraSan, and a 2 burner propane stove. It sleeps 4, 2 adults and 2 children. He 
will make the trip just with his wife. The deck mounted mast lowers easily 
and can be carried on supports. When we got the boat in 1965, it came with a 6 
hp Evinrude 2 cycle. The engine worked adequately for day sailing but did not 
have enough poop to push the boat against a strong headwind - hence the 
installation of the inboard.

What engine should he get? How much power? Regular or hi thrust? Ease of 
service? Etc., etc.   Any advice will help.

Larry Z


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