Couple of more motor thoughts...

Posted By: Mark N, Nimble Arctic, Jax FL
Date: 3/23/08 5:50p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: 20 HP motor (Jim Bailey)

Based upon my motor search, I do not think that anybody makes a high thrust 20 HP motor. You can put a lower pitch prop on it which will provide a bit more thrust, but that is not the same as a high thrust motor which turns a larger diameter prop with a lower gear ratio. Assuming that the Yamaha HT 40 HP will not fit, your only HT choices are the Y9.9 or Honda 9.9/15. Beleive it or not, all of these motors probably produce more thrust at displacement speeds than any standard 20 HP. Lastly, regardless of what motor you put on the boat, I doubt that you will be able to cruise at 8 kts. The couple of Nomad owners that I talked to could only get 8.5 max with a Honda 35HP. You might consider going with one of the smaller HT motors. You would not have to modify the motor well and you will probably get the same (or better) performance (both speed and fuel efficiency) than going with a 20HP.