Thomas,
Just a head’s up from my 35 years on an R22 on Barnegat Bay. My 2nd Rhodes came with an 8hp Mercury. I had some experience with squalls coming out of nowhere on a beautiful sunny day. I was anywheres from 3-5 miles from my marina and couldn’t outrun the blow, nor dig in to the chop. I learned to drop the sails, and low motor into the storm. So while the 8 was adequate, I tried a friend’s boat with a 9.9 Yamaha and felt the difference both in power and an extra long shaft.
I worked with Elton to switch it and haven’t regretted it since. We go out occasionally in the ocean and really need the 9.9, but our predictably high winds create 3+ foot rollers the same in the bay. I was only able to attain hull speed at 6.2 kts. in relatively flat conditions. Or if I’ve lost track of time on a great sail and have to beeline home….
Anyhow, that’s my 2 cents.

Jay Friedland
S/V Wanderlust ‘97
Long Beach Island (south), NJ
Sent from my iPhone

> On 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