Not Your Average Motor Questions

[thataway]

I am also a sailor--many more miles under sail than I will ever see in a power boat. To get hull speed you will only need 5 to 6 hp--and that will be in the 5 knot range. I use a 43 lb thrust salt water trolling motor on a 12 foot skiff--and get 3 to 4 knots max (Golf Cart batteries). 3.5 hp gives 5 to 7 knots. I pushed 25 to 27 foot sailboats with as little as 5 hp to 5 to 6 knots. We pushed our Force 50--waterline about 46 feet, weight 60,000 lbs 2.5 knots with a 4.5 hp engine. A 25 hp outboard got us up to 5 knots.

I haven't tried the 3.5 on the Tom Cat, but suspect that it will do 3 to 4.

Find the quietest motor that will give some reserve. I would personally go with a 15 hp Honda electric start--it will give a fair turn of speed if you need it, and always have power to spare for wind and waves which tend to slow the boat down.

[barefoot]

As usual, many varied, interesing, useful, even funny responses. As always, my hat's off to you all / y'all.

It seems 5-8 HP would be ample, and I noticed the 9.9 Mercury (the same nearby dealer) is the same engine, with remote, electric start, etc, and that should allow enough margin for heavier wind. It uses the current control$ and comes in Bigfoot: low gear, big prop, more grunt, easier docking, still plenty of speed for all but planing.

Anyone want a near-mint Merc 50 at a big discount?

[New Hampshire Guy]

Not to spend other people's money freely, but you'll lose way more trading in that engine after a year than the cost of a new 6hp. And then if you DO decide to sell the boat, the next owner is going to factor in the cost of a completely new engine (and rigging and guages if not a Merc fan) and deduct that.
My suggestion, value wise, is add a kicker. The boat will maintain its value as a fully rigged 16 and you'll get the peace and quiet you so rightfully deserve. We're selling 6HP Suzukis for about $1,500 these days, and you might get a left over for less, especially this time of year. If the whole she-bang-a-bang doesn't workout, you're (maybe) out the depreciation of a 6hp if you have to sell. A stock boat will always sell faster than a custom deal.
Just a thought...
Good luck!
John