[Rhodes22-list] Out board engine

Mon Jun 8 08:28:41 EDT 2026

Larry,

My Rhodes has a Honda 8 bhp extra long shaft outboard with the Honda single lever remote controls.  Whatever brand of outboard you get, please strongly consider getting the extra long shaft.  The attached picture shows my installation with the GBI outboard motor mount in the fully lowered position.  Note how far below the waterline the prop is.  In chop, this extra submersion depth makes a huge difference in preventing the prop from cavitating in waves.  It makes the difference between being able to motor sail to windward and having to beat to windward.  Also, the extra shaft length means you can partially raise the motor enough for the pull cord to clear the top of the motor mount while still allowing the motor to suck in cooling water.  This gives you a clear shot at starting the motor without interference.  So, you don't need electric start.

In the picture, you can also see the 2 remote control cables and the top of the single lever remote control.  The lever is covered by the slightly lighter blue cover just aft of the railing stanchion.  Note, how the control cables are routed in a helix aft of the transom.  This provides for sufficient travel up/down for the motor without causing the cables to bind or kink.  Because of the long travel of the GBI motor mount, this is a crucial detail that must not be overlooked.  The remote control in the cockpit is wonderful!

When motor sailing in waves, you have to be careful not to submerge the powerhead.  On starboard tack, it helps to raise the motor mount up a few inches to keep the powerhead clear of the water.  On port tack, lower the motor mount all the way down to keep the prop from cavitating.  This combination of the long travel, infinitely adjustable GBI motor mount and an extra long shaft outboard gives the Rhodes 22 significantly better heavy weather capability.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
1978  Sanford, MI

[cid:112d103d-ef51-4518-8a43-61eb90ac08dc]
________________________________
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> on behalf of Stephen Staum <snstaum at gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2026 5:25 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Out board engine

Larry,

Will you be sailing on a lake or a larger body of water?  My first Rhodes
was a lake boat and came with a 4 HP 2 stroke Mariner.  It started on the
2nd or 3rd pull and was easy to start with the pull cord.  The 2 strokes
are lighter and also easy to lift out of the water.  I used it for several
years in coastal waters and found it to be adequate power even in 35 K
gusts and 4 foot seas.  My second Rhodes came with a 9.9 Yamaha 2 stroke
originally with electric start.  The electric start quit after 1 season and
the pull cord was so easy to use on the 2 stroke that I never bothered to
fix it.  My latest Rhodes is a 2016 refurb and came with the electric
engine lift and electric start with a 4 stroke 9.9 HP Yamaha.  The electric
winch quit working last season so I finished the year with the
outboard down and replaced the winch over winter.  I think with the larger
4 strokes you want electric start as the higher compression makes them
harder to start with a cord.  Also they weigh 100 lbs. as opposed to 50-60
lbs for the 2 stroke.  The electric lift spoiled me very quickly.  I also
love the quieter ride with the 4 stroke engine.  If I knew how much better
it would be I would have upgraded years ago.  I can now participate in the
conversation with my guests while motoring!

FYI, I have the shift lever on the throttle shaft as opposed to some which
have the shifter attached to the throttle itself.  I find the
separate shift lever gives me much better control.

Good luck!

*Thanks and Stay Well,*

*Stephen Staum*
s/v Pinafore
1990 Rhodes 22
Needham, MA

On Sun, May 24, 2026 at 8:27 PM Larry W <62himis at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Sailors,
>
> Next on my list is to purchase an engine for Serenity.
>
> What are your thoughts on electric start vs. manual start?
>
> With a manual start how easy is it to pull the start cord with the engine
> in the water? I would think the engine would have to be turned 90 degrees
> so the pull cord would be from the port side straight out. I see myself
> hanging over the port side trying to pull the cord straight out from the
> engine.
>
> With electric start I will need to buy a 12 starting battery & battery box
> to locate in the transom and run battery cables to the engine.
>
> What are your comments on the use of the engine tiller control for shifting
> and throttle?
>
> I would like to have a remote control, but right now I want to get the boat
> in the water for the 1st time. I would consider adding a remote control
> over the winter.
>
> Larry Willis
> Serenity
>
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