Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
When we bought our boat, we knew we had to go shopping for a new outboard, as the motor which was offered for sale didn't meet the emissions requirements for Lake Tahoe.
So we're going with a Honda 9.9 but aren't sure if the 25" shaft is an absolute requirement. We're leaning towards the 25" just because it would ensure having prop in the water in the most rough conditions.
Just wanted to survey other C-25 owners. If it matters, we have a TR/WK
You'll be happy to have the 25" shaft vs. a shorter shaft. My motor has a 25" shaft. On an inland lake with minimal wave height, we still run into prop ventilation issues if we have too much weight forward or are motoring across powerboat wakes. I wish our motor had a longer shaft.
Absolutely 25" (XL). Also consider paying a couple of boat-units less for the 8hp high-thrust model, which is the same engine as the 9.9 in all respects except the cam timing (according to a Honda corp. rep I talked to). He recommended it for better low-end torque on a heavy displacement hull. The 9.9 is cammed for more high-rpm HP, better for a planing hull like an inflatable dinghy. Mine had more than adequate power for my C-25. (Imagine a company guy recommending a less expensive model!)
Most notably, compared to the older Honda it replaced, when maneuvering into a slip, that high-thrust Honda 8 would stop our C-25 as if she'd run into a pillow.
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Hondas are very good motors, but there are other very fine motors that you should consider. You should also look at the Tohatsu 6 hp Sailpro. Small Mercury, Nissan and Evinrude motors are made by Tohatsu and sold under their own brands. The Sailpro comes with a 25" shaft, a high-thrust prop, and a 5 amp alternator, weighs a mere 55 lbs and gets the most amazing fuel economy I've ever seen in a small outboard motor. It's reliable, easy starting and pushes my Cal 25 smartly. If you really think you need more power, Tohatsu makes a 9.8 with 25" shaft. I had a 1979 Merc. 7.5 on my C25 and it had more power than I ever needed. The best part is that the cost of a Tohatsu is significantly less than a Honda.
My suggestion is that you search the web for reviews and owners' opinions, and compare the pros and cons of both.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind" previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22 Past Commodore
We are Nevada City, CA and have the Tohatsu 9.8 long shaft and never had problems with length performance in SF Bay or Lake Tahoe. Our previous C22 wing keel had a new 6hp long shaft and we loved it too. IMHO go Tohatsu for price and performance. We bought both motors from online outboards, free shipping and 3 day delivery to AZ.
Lynn Buchanan 1988 C25 SR/WK #5777 Sailynn Nevada City, CA
As you're not dealing with strong tidal currents it's probably best to buy the least cost and least weight engine you can. Since speed is limited in a sailboat by hull speed not horsepower if a 6 hp can push you at 5.6 kts then you're golden. I love the power of the 8hp Honda for my maritime waters and because the reverse can stop me on a dime. But when I have to lug a 110# engine around I don't love it so much!
Look around at what comparable size boats use on your lake. If many use a 6hp and are happy then a 6 would be a big cost savings. If you still prefer a little more power then the 8 is more than enough and would still cost less than the 9.9
You know Scott you're right. While there may be little or no currents, you may need the extra horsepower due to windage. It reminds me of a time I was out on my 16 footer Voyager when suddenly 30-40 kt gusts came up outta nowhere. My little 3 hp Seagull 40 Plus was barely keeping up at full throttle as I motored back directly to windward. It was a long trip across a short distance! If possible though make sure the engine has an alternator to recharge your battery. Saved my bacon a few times. And electric start is great too, but that's truly a nicety
Welcome to Tahoe. Where do you keep your boat? You definitely need the long shaft. Combination of 2-3 foot waves and wakeboard boats doesn't always keep the long shaft deep enough. Plus, you want to have enough power to head back from the middle of the lake to the West Shore (if that's where you keep the boat) on days when the wind kicks up to 20-25 unexpectedly.
Michael Levin Sailin' on Sunshine C250 #402 WK Lake Tahoe
After much back and forth research, we put a deposit on a Honda BF8 power thrust with electric start and 25" shaft. Took the advice about the price difference between the 8 and 9.9.
Boat will hopefully be moored at Camp Richardson on the south shore... if we can get a buoy for the season. But they're expecting 4 feet of snow over the next few days...
Bruce and I agree! (I personally had virtually no need to "lug it around.")
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.