26X with smaller motor/sailing ability

[blue angel]

Those who want to consider a 40 hp engine might consider that mercury offers either a normal small prop version of the big prop "bigfoot" verion, of not only the 40, 50 and 60 4 strokes but also the 9.9 and 15 hp and 25 hp versions, see

http://www.marine-outboards.com/Mercury ... Motors.htm

on the other hand, i would not do that to repower, since the cost is about the same as the merc 50 bigfoot, both pretty cheap compared to some other brands, the new suzuki 60 is light but I wouldn't buy one since it is not designed to swing the bigger 14" prop

decisions are different for new vs. used, for example I wouldnt disqualify a used boat with the bigfoot option on a 40 hp merc, it would probably perform as good or better in most respects as a small prop speedboat 50hp but the makers that don't offer the hithrust option

Yamaha also has a aray of large prop work boat engines. and one can put a dual thrust prop on the high thrust models, see
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/ac ... etail.aspx

not sure if yamaha has a 40 hp hi thurst version, but mecury does, The 40 hp bigfoot version might be on option for macs, and if you wanted arm strength, you can even get one withou an electric starter, see review at

http://www.boatinglife.com/article/Revi ... hp-Bigfoot

at this site: mercury describes uses for the Mercury/40-hp Bigfoot, in a write up that highlights why they make the bigfoot version

Mercury/40-hp Bigfoot
As consumers demand more power options for an increasingly diverse array of boat configurations, Mercury is has 11 four-stroke outboard engines. Its new 40-horse comes in standard and Bigfoot models. The first question that leaps to mind is, "What's a Bigfoot?" Bigfoot engines are designed for heavier duty than traditional outboards. They use larger, heavy-duty gear cases and higher gear ratios for more thrust. For example, a standard 40-horse Mercury four-stroke is fitted with a 2.0:1 gear ratio. Bigfoot comes with 2.3:1. Mercury spokesman Tony Esposito says the company now offers a 40-horse Bigfoot because that horsepower rating already is popular with heavy applications such as pontoon and houseboats or as a kicker motor for trolling large boats in big water. "Bigfoot allows you to use a lower-horse motor when making the switch from a two- to a four-stroke engine," Esposito says, "with less weight and the same thrust." The 40-horse comes with manual or electric start. On manuals, a camshaft-activated decompression system lifts the exhaust valve to relieve pressure in the cylinders, so you don't jerk your arm out of its socket when pulling the cord. Esposito says the 40-horse Bigfoot is an ideal engine for on-water party boats. "When you get into boats for entertaining, such as pontoon or deck boats, four-strokes make so much sense," he says. Because the engines make about as much noise as a fish-tank aerator pump, they're perfect, he adds. And you don't have any smoke boiling over the transom fouling the hors d'oeuvres - or your guests' moods.

[TexasDan40]

After several hours of research, I settled on the Tohatsu 50HP TLDI. It was the lightest, least expensive (received quotes for 50HP Evinrude, Yamaha, Tohatsu, Honda, and Mercury), and came highly recommended from several in the sailing community. It was also the original factory installation on the Mac 26X line.

http://www.tohatsu.com/outboards/50tldi.html

Good luck
Tex

[argonaut]

I replaced my dead honda 50 with a yamaha 40.
It was a compromise between power, charging ability, maintainability and my checkbook.
The cost difference between my carb aspirated yamaha and various EFI 50s was $1500-4000 depending on whether you compared it to a merc, yamaha, suzuki or evinrude.
I wanted a Etec but just couldn't justfy it, I mainly sail in nice warm intracoastal water and I prefer to sail. I motor to get in and out and in desperation when there's no wind, and mainly wanted the conveniences of electric tilt and console mounted shift.

I've been on Ontario but not in a Mac. It's big water, it gets wicked storms that appear out of nowhere and gigantic rollers. Wind can be 2-4 knots then 24 knots a couple of hours later. In that place, in a boat with the Mac's freeboard, I'd want the 40 at least. I don't know if a 25 could keep you out of trouble in a blow, most likely yes, but I'll defer to the guys that sail out of Wilson. If they say it'll work they would know.
The yamaha 40 has a bigger alternator and is a bit lighter weight than my honda 50 was, and I think it cost 4K and change.
The installer did the changeout and did a basic rig checkout to save me money, I installed the control to the console. Just grunt work, nothing too technical.
But I really like the idea of a motor you can throw in your pickup when you want to. The 40 is too big for that.
I had looked for something in the 20HP range with electric tilt and external controls.
The closest thing I found was the smaller hondas, 20-25hp. They seemed a good compromise but Honda support here sucks. Yammys and Mercs dominate for getting repairs and parts easily where I am. And the Hondas cost more than my 40.

My 40 can move my 1997X with mast/furler/2 people at 13.4 MPH on glassy water in no wind, ballast unloaded, at 5000 rpms.
I've done that exactly once. I could probably reprop and get a little more speed, I have a big fat barge moving prop for low speed maneuvering. The freeboard makes docking dicey.
So a 40 gives you about 2 times max sail speed.... on glassy water.
In a chop you won't want to go that fast, believe me. !!

[Rick Westlake]

My first Mac - Beija-Flor, a Mac 19 - came without an engine, and I fitted a 9.9 hp Tohatsu TLDI on it. That was enough to push the boat at hull speed, which was all I wanted.

Bossa Nova came with the 50-hp Honda that the P.O had bought with it new. I'm still content to push the boat at hull speed, but the 50 going 2000 rpm is quieter than the 9.9 going maybe 5000 RPM. And I still refuel only about twice a season.

As for "better sailboats" - yes, that's so. But it depends on what you're doing. The 26X does what I want to do, well enough to keep a grin on my face.

She's like an ideal girlfriend: cute, tender and forgiving. And a "cheap date", as well!

(Okay, P.C.-police, I'll come along quietly....)

[Kelly Hanson East]

PC police Notice

Captain Westlake is now in the doghouse, folding laundry, and learning to express his feelings...

As you were....

[ukauction]

My 26X has the Suzuki 50 4-stroke - nice motor but much noisier at WOT than I anticipated..... It goes decently but sucks down the gas - so I generally just putt along at 2100 rpm which is around 6.... it's more relaxing and it sips gas that way

[Rick Westlake]

PC police Notice

Captain Westlake is now in the doghouse, folding laundry, and learning to express his feelings...

As you were....

Nawp to doghouse. I'm a confirmed bachelor, and I guess I've shown why....

[ronacarme]

Our 2001 X has happily run a 9.9 HT 4 str with low pitch prop (first an Evinrude and for the last 4 seasons a Honda).
We bot the X because of its interior space and layout and headroom, as well its reasonable price and towability by a 3500# rated Windstar minivan, a combination matched by no other boat we have ever seen.
The X's 50 hp maximum rating was not an influence in our purchase.
The 9.9's achieve hull speed at WOT with full ballast, and punch thru 20mph wind and 4ft waves on Lake Michigan at a comfortable (no slamming) speed (4 mph up). Our log shows the Honda has averaged 14 mpg for the last couple of seasons. We motorsail frequently.
The 9.9 is not for everyone, but it is our choice.
Ron

[blue angel]

just got back from a week in sw florida, inlcuding cortez, manasota key, punta gorda, and fort myers areas. a couple of things about marine outboards down that way

yamaha is totally taking over the maine market there, although one also sees a smattering of hondas, suzukis, evinrudes, and still quite a few mercury engines, though they have evidently ceased production on the 25-30 hp class for now. the guys selling craigcats (fun little skittering cats with 30 hp engines tolde me they can not get new smaller mercury engines right now.

anyone thinking of buying a smaller engines due to price should check out the prices in s. florida, they have some amazing low prices down there

one mechanic who services evinrude, yamaha, and hondas simply said between the extra fuel consumption and consumption of expensive oil, the evinrudes are avoided by some due to cost to run per hour, might be a consideration for those who run with engines on extended runs in light or no winds but i saw new 07 evinrude 90s down there for a bit over 5k, which seems tempting

[elvatoli]

I cant steer well with my Tohatsu 9.9
Our Marina is in a very narrow channel with boats everywhere. I always have to push our boat using our telescopic pole, also becuase I cant lower the rudders because is too shallow (2 ft). so the proble is going out and back in at the marina.
I dont know if this problem will be more manegable with the bigger 50 hp Tohatsu two cycles ($5,500).

Hector
Port Isabel, TX

[Don T]

Hello,
Someone in Europe had short rudder stubs that he would deploy in shallow water. I can't remember just how he did it but it made a big difference.

[Hamin' X]

You might find that your steering will be better, if you have the centerboard down as far as your depth will allow.

~Rich

[ronacarme]

Hector....My shoal rudder is discussed in 2005-2008 posts in the archives. If you have a question, hollar.....Ron

[markaram]

Well those are interesting replies
and one can come to terms with his
own requirements.
I guess the jury says ... maintain the larger
motor of 50hp and more and utilize the motorsailor
advantage of the Mac 26X or M.
Its a hybrid.
And would like to wish all the Mac sailors on this
site a very Merry Christmas and the best sailing (motoring)
in the near future.
Cheers

[gottoaz]

I have a hunter 170 and want to move to the M. The 2008 I am looking at has the 9.9 tohatsu. I sail mostly desert reservoir lakes but consider the Sea of Cortez. My biggest concern is getting out of a jamb during sudden squalls and I wonder if motor size is a difference across short waters. I think I also want the receational aspect of the big horsepower. I guess I want a prediction, will I be happy with the 9.9 for a while, or sell it and move up right away? What are the costs of what I would guess is better economy for the smaller engine for a day on the water?
Also, I am a fly fisherman. Is the M a fishing friendly boat at all?