I bought my Evo 26 last season. It has a well and came with an aged Honda 8 which fitted OK. I am wanting to update the motor and have been having trouble finding a new 8hp outboard that fits. Like cars, newer models seem to get bigger. All the 8hp engines I have looked occupy a lot more space aft below the top cover, just where the engine enters the well, so none of them fit. The Tohatsu seems to come closest as the cover to this area is removable, but there still isn't room, even if I get an extra long shaft and fit a higher wooden pad to bolt on to. It looks like the only option is to go for a single cylinder 6hp - which is not as powerful as I'd like.
Any suggestions?
David

Your problem is that now 2 stroke engines are banned the four stroke replacements are generally bigger and heavier.
I had a Evinrude 15hp (same block as the 10hp) on my Evo 26 which was a bit of a lump but fitted fine and was handy with big bristol Channel tides.
You may be able to find a dealer with an unsold 8 or 10hp two stroke but they are few and far between now. (Dealers can still sell old stock leagally).
Failing that try the second hand market. Much press attention has been focused on inflable tender engines getting heavier but all small many yachts with a well mounted engines the only option may be to downsize HP in the future.
good luck with your search.

Hi

I bought a four stroke 6hp Tohatsu saildrive for my Jaguar 21, it pushed her along to beyond hull speed with no problem at all (Jag 21 weighs 1200kg). The Jaguar has the same problem, a well designed around 2 stroke engines, the Tohatsu was one of the few 4 strokes which would fit, the Honda being about an inch too long front to back! The Tohatsu was a very nice engine and started first pull, my only criticism is that it was quite noisy for a four stroke and made the locker tops rattle like mad!

I guess it depends on the type of motoring you do. I am quite sure the 6hp Tohatsu would push an Evolution 26 to hull speed in flatish water, however I dont know about punching a nasty choppy sea, although the saildrive option includes a shallower pitch prop for better torque so may be ok. Perhaps the retailers are desperate enough that they might lend you one to try?

I have a 9.9 Suzuki two stroke on a lifting bracket fitted to my Evo 26 and this seems capable of pushing her through pretty much anything.

All the best
Stuart

I had a Honda 8HP in a well on my Evo26. I changed it for a Tohatsu 9.8HP Longshaft 4 Stroke. This had a slightly longer anti-cavitation plate so was a tighter fit but worked ok.

I've since given up with outboards and i've fitted a Beta Marine 13HP diesel and it's transformed the boat. Can now do 6 knots into a rough sea and strong headwind - cruises at 6 knots at 2000 RPM and dead quiet. Not a cheap upgrade though.

Dave

so what shaft lenght will fit in the well?

does an Evinrude Long Shaft model E15BALCTA fit?