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Message board > Engines > Buying a Hardy 20

Message 5 of 5
Posted by member The Gribbin Tribe on Sunday 19 August 2012

Hi Nicholas. From our exerience, the Honda 75HP 4 stroke is perfect for your intentions. We have done that very crossing from Glen Arm (NI)to Mull of Kintyre in our Hardy Family Pilot 20 footer. Crossed the North Channel easily at 18 knots but reduced to a crawl once we hit thick fog half way across and felt our way the last 5 miles to the Mull. Scary! A Hardy Pilot for your waters with Trim tabs and a 75 is easily man-enough, weather dependant. Best wishes, The Gribbin Gang.

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Message 4 of 5
Posted by member The Gribbin Tribe on Sunday 19 August 2012

Hi Nicholas. From our exerience, the Honda 75HP 4 stroke is perfect for your intentions. We have done that very crossing from Glen Arm (NI)to Mull of Kintyre in our Hardy Family Pilot 20 footer. Crossed the North Channel easily at 18 knots but reduced to a crawl once we hit thick fog half way across and felt our way the last 5 miles to the Mull. Scary! A Hardy Pilot for your waters with Trim tabs and a 75 is easily man-enough, weather dependant. Best wishes, The Gribbin Gang.

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Message 3 of 5
Posted by member Graham Green on Monday 13 August 2012

Having only sailed on a 20, never owned one I would reckon that the Honda 75 should drive this hull at its max safe speed achieving cruising speeds of 12 / 15knts with plenty in reserve I personally found the big foot disappointing and moved to the 75 which came up to all my expectations although on a different marque. we can all relate instances where speeds of over 20 knts have been achieved with varying size of engines but more than often the hull speed is dictated by sea state. I would personally advise fitting trim tabs (if not fitted) as they are worth their weight in gold steadying the boat,giving lift and helping to correct when a chine digs in and start steering the boat, even at 12 knts that can be scary! As for build comparison i believe one is of a lighter construction but I am not sure which way round, however, I am sure someone will be along shortly to advise

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Message 2 of 5
Posted by member Graham Green on Monday 13 August 2012

Having only sailed on a 20, never owned one I would reckon that the Honda 75 should drive this hull at its max safe speed achieving cruising speeds of 12 / 15knts with plenty in reserve I personally found the big foot disappointing and moved to the 75 which came up to all my expectations although on a different marque. we can all relate instances where speeds of over 20 knts have been achieved with varying size of engines but more than often the hull speed is dictated by sea state. I would personally advise fitting trim tabs (if not fitted) as they are worth their weight in gold steadying the boat,giving lift and helping to correct when a chine digs in and start steering the boat, even at 12 knts that can be scary! As for build comparison i believe one is of a lighter construction but I am not sure which way round, however, I am sure someone will be along shortly to advise

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Message 1 of 5
Posted by member Nicholas Duffin on Sunday 12 August 2012

Due to advancing age I am switching from sail to motor. A Hardy Pilot 20 is on our short list. What are the main differences between the family pilot and the fisher 20? To cross from N. Ireland to Scotland in a reasonable weather "window" I would like at least 15 knots cruising. Would a Mercury 60 Big Foot achieve this or would a Honda 75 or similar be needed? Where is the best marketplace for buying and selling used outboards? Thanks in advance. Nicholas

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