I am about to get a outboard for my '19 and wonder if I should get a
3.5Hp or a 5Hp.
Since I plan to do all of my sailing inland -- mostly on the upper
Potomac near DC -- I am starting to wonder if 3.5HP isn't adequate. I
know that a lot of you sail in much tougher water where it is important
to fight the weather and seas, but the most difficult thing on the
Potomac is the tidal current at the narrow points and that's not exactly
awesome.
Now if I were going to sail on San Francisco bay or the North Atlantic
during Iceberg season I think I'd go with the 5HP--- but it seems to me
that for normal flat water sailing a 3.5 might be OK and would probably
be able to get me out of trouble.
What do you folks think?
Also, can a 3.5 get a '19 up near hull speed or is that only possible
with a 5HP. I suppose the 5HP would be a lot quieter....
Thanks All
Rye