Underpowered 9.5HP???

[WEH]

I'm confused!<br /><br />I have read several posts stating that the Johnson/Evinrude 9.5hp outboard is "underpowered" and performs more like a 7.5 or an 8 hp.<br /><br />It's my understanding that outboard hp ratings are determined according to standards established by the N.M.M.A. and ICOMIA and obatained by test procedures established by the ISO. (see Forktail's post of 1/19/03 and others)<br /><br />I understand there is a plus / minus fudge factor, I believe it's 10%, in this case 0.95 hp. I also understand that the manufacturers are quite conservative in their ratings, so they tend to lean toward the "minus" side.<br /><br />If the same standards and test procedures are used to establish all outboard hp ratings, how can a 9.5 hp Johnson/Evinrude be "underpowered"?<br /><br />Isn't that like saying a pound of feathers is lighter than a pound of bricks?<br /><br />Can someone enlighten me?<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Underpowered 9.5HP???

I dunno about other folks, but the last 9.5 Johnrude I owned was a solid performer, and certainly ran circles around my 7.5hp. It's possible that the motor they were familiar with was tired, out of tune or improperly set up for prop/hull combo...<br />- Scott

 

[NathanY]

Re: Underpowered 9.5HP???

In those years of motors, they where not rated at the prop, they where rated at powerhead. I loved my 9.5, and it was a solid performer, never once let me down, started on one pull, but I could not run with my friend who had the exact same boat that I did, but his had a 9.9. He would run off and leave me every time.

 

[slow_boat]

Re: Underpowered 9.5HP???

CrappieC,<br /><br />When my 9.5 was new it would plane (just barely though) a 345 pound Quauchita <sp?> 14' narrow fiberglass tri-hull w/ 2 adult male fishermen, a midsize ice chest, 2 large tackle boxes, & 4 rods/reels & etceteras. This was a heavily built boat rated for 25hp. As the motor aged she did lose some power and as stated before my 10hp will push my newer boat a bit faster. <br /><br />FWIW, Nathan's friends' 9.9 might be a newer engine whose HP is rated @ the prop which could explain the dif...& as Chinewalker said, Nathan's motor might have grown tired w/age etc. You will probably notice a definate performance boost over your old 5.5 assuming the 9.5 you bought is in good shape and operating to specifications.

 

[Scoop]

Re: Underpowered 9.5HP???

An improperly tuned motor will run very slow. When I got my 7.5 HP, the highspeed knob was not installed properly. I could not turn it far enough. It did not seem bad, but when I started workign with it, I got a heck of a boost in power.