Motor Selection

[Paul Barnett]

I'm going to buy a new motor this year.  Is 2.5 HP strong enough even for the great lakes?  Do you have any other suggestions? Do I need an extended shaft?

Any thoughts on the propane motors.
Paul
Smoke On The Water  U20#54

[Gregg Henning]

I have had a Honda 2hp long shaft for 13 years on Lake Michigan and it works just fine.

[Travis Gregory]

Paul,

We have a Suzuki 2.5 short and it works great.  But in the steep waves and 30knot breeze the best it can do is hold your position.  A friend has a 3hp long shaft.  He has to remove it when sailing or it drags a bit in the water.  It does seem to make the difference win the wind and waves aren't cooperating. 

[Kuy]

Paul,

We sail on Lake Huron - where are you?

You might want to consider your particular harbour. Our 3.0 hp is generally fine in all conditions; but it definitely take some skill and patience to get out of the marina when it's blowing onshore with significant chop (Great Lakes swell ;-)). We get some nasty swell down the harbour channel mouth sometimes, and some more power in that situation would be welcome. But, once we're clear of that, there are no issues.

Kuy

[Paul Barnett]

Home port is Lake Perry Yacht Club in windy Kansas near Kansas City. My concern is for Nationals in Racine this summer. I've had difficulties with my motor staying in the water and being ineffective- so the question- sounds like minimum of 2.5 HP but the key is long shaft.
Thanks for your replies.