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Interesting to note that my Catalina 25 fully loaded with an 8 HP Honda
outboard comes in at 812 lbs/hp. The boat is highly maneuverable under
power and sail. Normally I use less than 1/3 throttle to power at 5.5 knots
while getting 10 to 15 miles per gallon. 4 HP would be adequate for most
needs. I sail whenever possible, when the air is too light I am almost
always am motorsailing for even more fuel efficency.
A lot depends on underbody. A light displacement fin keel boat with
balanced rudder maneuvers easily. A full bodied, full keel boat with skeg
hung rudder won't maneuver around docks easily and will be hard to back up
regardless of HP. Just imagine adding an 11 foot bowsprit like on a
Westsail. However, in this case a badly underpowered boat would be a
nightmare. Learn to use springlines and always have anchor and sails at the
ready.
Also consider the prop. If you want to slow speed maneuver, motor, backup,
and so on get a regular 3 bladed prop. If you want to sail, a 2 bladed or
folding prop will improve performance under sail at the cost of losing a lot
of reverse thrust.
At least on my little cruising boat, I can pull the motor out of the water
when sailing and flush with fresh water when not in use. Also, having a
motor you can steer is a blessing, especially in reverse. I routinely sail
into and out of my slip just for practice.
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