Tom,

I am a Rhodes 22 owner since 2003.  My first was a lake boat with a 4 HP Mariner 2 stroke outboard.  I found the 4 horse adequate even in offshore conditions with 4 ft. seas and 35 mph winds.  I lost that boat in a hurricane and the replacement came with a 9.9 HP 2 stroke Johnson Sailmaster.  I will concede that the extra HP came in very handy in a squall we were caught in with 5 foot seas and 70 mph winds!  My current Rhodes, a 2016 refurb came with a 9.9 HP 4 stroke Yamaha with electric start and the electric power lift system.  The 4 stroke is much quieter and I don't hate motoring like I used to.  I can actually participate in the conversation with sailing guests while motoring!  I do think that 6 HP is adequate for the Rhodes in coastal cruising (we sail mostly around the Boston Harbor Islands with occasional trips up or down the coast) but the extra HP can be handy in heavy weather conditions.

I am waiting for electrics to be developed with adequate battery capacity for our needs.  That would be ideal!  Good luck in your search...


*Thanks and Stay Well,*

*Stephen Staum*
*s/v Pinafore*

*Needham, MA*

On Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 10:03 AM Tom Hyatt via Rhodes22-list <
rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:

> Dear R22 Members:
>
> I’m throwing this question out to the group. In your experience, what is
> the best motor for the Rhodes? I currently have a Tohatsu Sailpro 6 hp
> pull-start. But it always seems a bit underpowered and vibrates a good bit.
> I’m toying with the idea of getting  a 9.9 two cylinder which I believe
> will be a lot smoother. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions? Will the added
> weight be a factor? Honda vs. Mercury?
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Tom Hyatt
> S/V Eliza Jane 1978
> Baltimore MD
>