T&T: Boat Speed with outboard

[bob Austin]

I would not consider an express cruiser with a 9.9 hp outboard as a good boat
for the upper part of the loop but it could be done.  The swim step for an
outboard would depend on the specific boat, the way the step was attatched and
constructed.  There are some where the outboard would be fine, and no problem,
using an off the shelf mount.

The best engine of this type would be the "big foot" or high thrust larger
prop, with a lower ratio gear case.  You will not see much difference between
an 9.9 or 18 HP larger displacement engine.  The reality is that the speed
will be limited by the Length water line of that boat.  The average 26 foot
express will have a length waterline of 22 feet or an easily driven speed of
4.5 knots (5.4 mph).  The max you can expect would be about 6 knots, at some
sacrifice of effeciency.  You are turning a small prop in most of these
engines.

The other issue is how are you going to steer the boat?  It can be done using
the I/O drive, but this is not very precise, and some of the I/O units use
power steering, which only works when the engine is running.  If you keep the
I/O ready you can help with manuevering and use for heavy weather, winds and
waves, where the 9 hp will not be enough.  Another issue is fuel.   Will you
use the standard 6 gallon tanks, or use the main tank--most in the express
cruisers are under the aft bunk, and may be too much of a head for the small
outboard to pull against--plus having to have a valve to change the flow from
main to auxillary engine.

I would prefer a cabin or pilot house boat, because the express cruiser is not
comfortable for "watching the world go by"--the express is like the cave of a
conventional sailboat.  I also prefer the protection from both sun and weather
that a pilot house boat gives.

I am partial to the C Dory group--for the same size, the 25 is a good boat,
lighter and easier to trailer is the 22, and faster and a better ride, with a
bit more room is the Tom Cat--depending on budget.  The resale is excellent on
these boats--and not usually good on express cruisers.

Bob Austin

The Rosborough boats as mentioned are also a good choice, but not quite as
effecient as the C Dory.