I also have an 8 hp  electric start Mercury, and find it very adequate.  I agree with Michael McKay about the importance of being able to shift between forward and reverse using the throttle.

Bob Cohen
S/V Silver Bay
Onekama, MI

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of Michael McKay
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 10:49 AM
To: THOMAS POLISE <tvpolise at aol.com>; The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Motor size

I have an 8 hp electric start Mercury that works great with my Rhodes-it has plenty of power.

One feature that is particularly useful on the Merc is the throttle is used to shift: twist counterclockwise for forward, clockwise for reverse and neutral is in between.

The paddle shifter found on many outboards would be very awkward to use on a Rhodes. I would check the Yamaha for that detail.


Michael McKay (mm.bizlist1 at gmail.com)
S/V Liber 2006/2018
Woodstock, GA


On Sat, Jul 5, 2025 at 10:22 AM THOMAS POLISE via Rhodes22-list < rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:

> I presently have a 9.9 HP motor that is in need of replacement, and 
> was considering the 8 hp Yamaha.  Has anyone gone to 8, and if so is 
> that enough hp against wind and also in assisting in getting off when 
> running aground?
> Thanks
>