And I trust Zeke, of course!

I went with a 4hp Honda. It's a new unit of a now-discontinued model. People who know best - Chad, and a couple of local guys here I respect - convinced me that more would put a potentially damaging stress on the boat without providing that much extra oomph. We'll see how it goes this season. On my previous Ensign I had started with a 4hp, but over the years moved up to a 5hp, and eventually went with a 6hp Tohatsu. When you're fighting wind, waves, and tide and trying to keep pointed in the right direction as you squeeze between jetties, crossing a sandbar on your way into the harbor, it sometimes seems like you just can't have enough push. But I guess there are limits as to how much is really helpful, and what the boat can handle.

As I say, we'll see!

Hey Joe! Wondering what motor you went with on your Ensign. I'm in a similar dilemma here in NYC Harbor with 2.8 kts currents on some days. I'm hoping to mount an engine that has enough oomph to get me out of trouble and curious what you ended up with. Any info helps!

Unfortuate that they have do not have the Ensign insignia on their main sails. Also, they use the word "unsinkable" in their Ensign description. Check out their "Racing rules". Genoa tracks have been removed and the working jib is the head sail. See descriptions from their website below:

"Our primary daysailers are Pearson Ensigns, a strong , unsinkable fiberglass boat that is still actively raced (and still being built) more than 30 years after her introduction. Ensigns are probably the most comfortable daysailer ever built. They have high backrests and a large, deep cockpit. The Ensigns are ideal for families or relaxing picnic cruises. Their cockpits are larger than even our J44. Just as important for us is that Ensigns, with our unique modifications, are the easiest daysailers to singlehand that we know of. We have many members in their 60s to 70s, men and women, and they love being able to easily singlehand our boats."

Teak & Mahogany Comfort

The warm teak or varnished mahogany woodwork in the cockpit is a welcome change from the all-fiberglass construction of modern boats, and the strong hull means you never have to worry about running aground or other minor mishaps.

We have a fleet of seven Ensigns which use clean, quiet electric motors to get you off the dock and bring you back if the wind dies. All Ensigns have roller furling jibs and Dutchman self-flaking mains, with all lines in easy reach of the skipper for easy singlehanding. Ensigns are sailed within two nautical miles of the Norwalk Islands, a six mile long chain of nine major islands, and many smaller ones. Our base is in the center of these islands. Most of the islands are nature preserves.

All Daysailers have VHF radios for calling in or for the latest marine weather reports, depth recorders, first aid kits, charts, and all the standard USCG safety equipment.

John

John E. Cutler

Commodore Ensign Class Association

#1029 - the other woman

Thanks Zeke. Good advice. I'll stick to a 4hp. I appreciate you taking the time to provide input on this!

Joe

Hi Zeke. Mount photos attached. Looking at a Honda 8hp. Weighs in at 98 lbs. Two reasons for the big motor: 1. wife insists on electric start. 2. We sail out of Wells ME with wicked currents and frequent nasty conditions at mouth of jetties.

Joe

Hi Zeke, Is that how Ensign Classics were built? I've now got #2016. I want to hang a heavier OB, but there is no access to inside the transom to check on how the mount is backed up. It certainly looks beefy from the outside.

Joe

I have a brand new Ensign Spars motor mount that I need to install and I’m wondering if anyone has recommendAtion on The size and length of the bolts. I had expected them to come with the kit. But they did not.

Also, any recommendations on positioning. How far to the left of center ? Height ? I have A new 2.5 Suzuki long shaft.