Engine size and type

J

jazz

New member
Motor size

Hi all, my name is Marc from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and am a potential C-Dory 16' Cruiser owner. I have been researching the C-Brat site for quite a while now but have not been able to find anything on my question.

As I plan to do 80% of slow speed 5-8 knots cruising on canals and rivers in my region (20% high speed dash), 2 people and basic gear on board, engine size is my main concern. As most 16' are rigged with a 4 stroke 40HP (Honda), can I get feed back on performance. I am curious to know if engine running on slow speed for much of the time exhibits excessive and annoying vibrations. From my understanding, 2 strokes and 4 strokes are tuned differently and ultimately I am concerned with engine life / noise and irritation !. Would a lower HP engine with a properly matched propeller be a better choice or perhaps a 2 stroke altogether ?

I am not much into speed, but simple displacement slow speed sightseeing and shore hugging but with power reserve for emergencies.

The C-Dory community is great with excellent and valuable input.

For the team !

Marc
 
Hi Marc - hope I can shed a little light here. We ran a Honda 4 stroke 50 hp from '99 to '07 on an alumaweld 17' boat, Early June thru Labor Day. We fished every day the ocean was decent and somedays maybe it wasn't. We usually trolled several hours 2-4 knots + some bottom fishing. Serviceing was minimal - flushed after each use in salt water - we changed oil filter, gas filter, and serviced the lower unit at the end of each serson, and every 2-3 yrs we took it to a dealer to recalibrate carbs. That said, at trolling speed, or idle (like bringing in a fish) sometimes I had to look down at the tach to be sure the engine was running. (So much for noise and vibration) When we started the engine in the harbor in the morning it was remarkably quiet. Gas consumption was minimal. PS - we did add an 8 hp kicker which we used only by choice (flushed and maintained same as main) We think Honda's are great. See photo album - we even tow with a Honda Pilot.
Good Luck - Loose Nut
 
The modern 4 stroke engine is very quiet and vibration free. I don't think you will have any problem with the 40 at low speeds. The fuel effeciency at low speeds will be almost the same as a smaller engine--and you will have the reserve when you get into nasty weather. The older 2 strokes tended to load up the plugs with carbin, this is not a problem with the 4 strokes. The 40 is a good choice.
 
We have a 50hp Suzuki 4 stroke with a Suzuki 9hp kicker. Both are very quiet & work smoothly at idle or at high RPMs. The Suzuki 50 has one advantage over the Honda 40/50bf & that is amps for powering accessories. The Hondas advantage is weight. Either is a great choice.
 
Hi Marc. I don't own a 16, but know folks who do. If it were me in your situation, I think I'd opt for the Honda 50. Same engine and weight as the 40 but tuned to allow a bit more high end power. If you're heavily loaded you might occasionally use the extra HP, and the added resale value is more than the cost delta between the 2 engines. Both units sip gas at idle. When I was considering a used 16, I only considered boats with a Honda or Yamaha 50. Best of luck with your new boat! Mike.
 
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