Re: Outboard engine for a Kelt 7.6

Posted by David - Moon Chaser on
URL: http://kelt-sailboat-forum.30.s1.nabble.com/Outboard-engine-for-a-Kelt-7-6-tp7559416p7559426.html

Hi Tom! - See Dec 2, 2012, for my contributions to this.  I see Chris also responded with more recent info and his is correct (a friend of mine on Lake Ontario).  

IOW:  My 2012 9.9 High Thrust (HT) cowling fits fine, but the prop does need to be removed.  Furthermore, I saw this past year that Yamaha has further reduced their engine block and cowling size.  

I wish I could test an HT and regular Yamaha 9.9side-by side in the water on a Kelt 7.60 to see if the prop issue is worth it.  I love the responsiveness of my motor.  I also top off at about 5.5 - 6 kts at about 1/3 throttle.  Full throttle will give me maybe another 0.5 kt.  I wonder if the non-HT would offer a little more top end speed.  

But the reserve power of my motor is phenomenal.  It has taken me through weeds thick enough to walk on; 25kt head-on winds with 1.5 meter waves, muck in low water, etc.

High Thrust, or not, I wouldn't entertain another motor than the Yamaha 9.9.  it fits and many would espouse to it possibly being heads and shoulders above any other manufacturer.

Good sailing (and winter musing) - David