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Installed New Honda Yesterday

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/17/2006 : 05:51:21

Yesterday was the big day for getting my new Honda 9.9 Electric Start Outboard and an unbelievable day in the mid 60s ! Today, the temps are dropping from 60 down into the 30s and maybe below that for the next several days.

The water testing was yesterday and so was able to talk with the mechanic for awhile and then loaded the outboard into the minivan for a short trip to my marina, about 5 minutes down the road. As far as I can tell, the issue posted by others awhile back regarding some motors not recommended to shift from neutral when the motor is not running, all I can tell you is that the mechanic was doing that just in going over the controls, etc with me and so I guess that is a non-issue with Hondas.

The motor fit fine on the 4 spring Garhauer bracket and the raising and lowering about the same as with my old 4 stroke motor. The tilting up is just a wee bit harder but they may just be getting use to it, though, getting it to the full tilt up position comes closer to the stern rail but still ample clearance with my solar panel and the supports. I did not have to move my solar panel for installing the motor. By the way, I updated my solar panel section on my website - It now has the words detailing the installation and operation of it.

The wire leads from the new motor were a bit shorter than my old Honda and I was just able to make the connections. This Honda has no choke control ! mechanic indicated that it was an improvement and apparently works fine based on his experience with servicing the motors. One less thing to fiddle with since the motor either adjusts it's fuel intake or the choke automatically. This motor is real quiet. It is a little bit unnerving since you expect to hear this thing and if there is any other noises around, you don't hear the motor. Also, since it is so quiet when at idle compared to the old motor, you have to get use to it because of concerns it will konk out - but doesn't !

Break-in period is 10 hours. Run it basically between 10-30% for first hour or so and then increase a bit for second hour. Then it's avoiding full or close to full throttle for next 8 hrs. never run it anywhere close to full throttle anyway.

As far as coming into the dock, forward and reverse speeds, it seemed fine. The forward speed can be dialed down pretty and so the approach can be as slow as anyone would want. I was going downwind past my slip and then put it in reverse to get into the finger slip. the reverse was about the same with old motor but with downwind condition it was a bit tricky - had to increase the throttle a bit as i was going to go into the dock at an angle.

Pretty good first trip experience ! Best of all - motor starts ! Runs without konking out ! Isn't that the way it should be ? Glad I went with a new motor !

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - on

danandlu
Navigator

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USA
175 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 07:55:00

Excellent! Last summer I hitched a ride on a San Juan 24 that had a newer Honda OB. It must have been one like yours. I couldn't believe how quiet it was. I too thought it was going to konk out while idling it was so smooth.

Congratulations!

Edited by - on

RickStevens
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 12:58:20

Larry - Congrats on the new motor. I have the Honda 9.9, and the quiet running is unnerving. You may continue to see the "problem" with the full tilt position. While I haven't installed the new 4-spring yet (seems my only days off right now, it's either snowing or below 40

), I have the same problem with my motor. In my case, I have a real problem with it smacking against the stern rail but I'm hoping that goes away with the new mount.

I'm using your site as my sanity check on the new mount, and have a question for you. I may have missed this on your page, but did you install the new mount with the boat in the water? I don't have a trailer, probably won't buy one, and am trying to avoid dry-docking while paying for a slip. I'm concerned that being cheap may result in a bunch of little splashes as important pieces disappear from sight. Did you just get lucky, did you have other useful tips, or are you just not as cheap a b*****d as I am and did it the right way?

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 23:16:50

Rick,

I did install the motor bracket while it was in the water. Wait a minute...that doesn't sound right..LOL I did install the motor bracket while the "Boat" was in the water. The motor bracket was above the water when I installed it. LOL

Cheap never entered my mind. It had to do with wanting to do the project and I saw no reason to go thru a drydocking ordeal. My slip area is generally pretty calm and the bolt holes to the mount are enough above the waterline to shrug off any real concerns except dropping a bolt or two into the drink.

First of all, I bought new bolts and nuts for the installation. So...I guess I was not too concerned if I did happen to drop a bolt. I still had the old bolts. I am trying to remember just how I did minimize dropping the bolts.... I think I hooked up a rope or two to the new bracket to hang it very close to where it was being installed. Then I had globbed the 3M silicone sealant onto the Starboard backing board I added and also to the channel of the bracket and also to the transom. The 3M was a bit into the bolt holes of the bracket and Starboard as well. I then pushed one bolt at a time thru the bracket channel, Starboard and into the transom hole. The transom hole turns out was a very close tolerance fit to the bolt. That was probably the key to my success. With the ropes holding the bracket and the 4 bolts fitting snug into the transom holes, the bolts were not going anywhere fast. I crawled into the quarterberth area and ....well I first found that the 2 reinforced channels I bought from CD did not fit on the inside transom as I thought they would, so I put them aside. I then placed a washer onto each bolt and hand tightened the self-locking nuts.

So...then how does one tighten the nuts with a bolt turning from the outside doing this alone ? What I did was to use some box wrenches onto the nuts and left the wrenches on the nuts by wedging the wrench onto the sides of the hull or whatever the wrench would hit as an obstacle on the inside transom side. Then I took a screwdriver and turned tightened the bolts on the bracket. Eventually, I was able to tighten all the bolts/nuts doing this way.

But...you have it even easier. You have me ! I am so close to the Washington Sailing Marina. I work over at the Navy Yard in DC. I am 5-10 minuted away from my boat and probably only 15-20 minutes from the Sailing Marina. I usually get out of work around 330pm and could meet you if you needed help with the bracket installation. If you have the 2 spring Garhauer on your boat now, then that is half the battle since the 4 spring model has identical bolt hole fit up. The only issue I see is perhaps if your bracket is mounted lower than mine and then that may be the reason for the water concern and potential drydocking it. But I would be surprised if your bracket holes are located lower than mine since you indicated the tilt issue with the stern rail. My new motor in the full tilt up comes close to the stern rail but in no way interferes with it. It is just that the hand has some difficulty ergonomically with pulling the motor up and then the hand/arm gets in the way of the stern rail just a bit to make it harder to get the full tilt position. But it can be done and if I use my other hand, then to assist, then it is okay. Just that I generally do not like to use two hands on the motor while I am sailing.

I made good progress today on my fishfinder mount. I removed my old depthfinder and installed the Starboard circle to the outside bulkhead with a Starboard section on the inside that covers the hole and has the RAM Swing Arm for the fishfinder attached to it. I have the 3M sealant on it and that will take extra time to cure given the cold weather that set in today. I will probably be on the boat tomorrow or the next day finishing the installation.

If you are around the marina this weekend, let me know. maybe we can meet up.

Edited by - on

RickStevens
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2006 : 10:46:31

Larry,

I will likely take you up on the offer. There seem to be a jillion or so Catalinas in our area, LOTS of them racing on Tuesdays, and it will be good to share ideas.

I'm reassured by your experience on this project, because the dry-dock costs are prohibitive here. Cleaning and bottom-painting, I'll gladly pay for. Paying to sit on blocks when I don't have to seems just wrong.

Final note: Thanks for the heads-up on the reinforced rails. I had planned on getting those when I order the Garhauer mount from CD this week, and I may be able to save some $$. I'll measure before-hand and call them directly instead ordering online.

Edited by - RickStevens on 02/18/2006 10:49:33

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2006 : 17:49:13

Rick,

If you want to see if the CD reinforced rails fit your boat, you can try the ones I received. They are just sitting on my work bench. I think they sell only one set of rails for the Catalina, but I may be wrong. I ordered the ones that I believe were on the same screen as the 4 spring bracket. On my boat, the holes did not line uo to install it one way and the other way (horizontal or vetical) was not possible because the cockpit or something else was blocking the installation. My thought was that I could always add a piece of the polymer board (Starboard) that West Marine sells but the Transom looked fine, no noticeable curvature and a 4-stroke motor was hanging off the old brcket for the past 12 years. So...for now I opted for only a Starboard on the outside transom and just the large washers on the inside part of the transom. Seems fine.

It was pretty cold today but I wanted to finish up my fishfinder/swing arm bracket installation. I first stopped at the Boat US Store (The Boat US Headquarters Store believe that is the only store that is going to keep the Boat US name on it). Had to get some screws/nuts hardware and a in-line fuse holder specifically for the fishfinder. I was then on my boat from around 1pm-430pm. Had lunch onboard. Pretty windy today besides being cold.

I think I will take a break tomorrow but may be back on the boat on Monday - I have off from work. If the weather is pretty decent, I will go out sailing. Mid-week it's going to get warmer climbing up to mid-high 40s and so I will probably go out one afternoon/evening.

By the way....the Boat Show is coming to town. Believe it is in the Washington, DC Conv Center starting Wednesday night. I may have a business trip on Friday and may continue South to visit my daughter this weekend, so I may go to the show Wednesday or Thursday after work. Anyone from our area planning on going ? How about the Chesapeake Group ? Maybe we can all get together for some boat talk - amongst all the displays and inside where it is warm !

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2006 : 22:02:11

You will really enjoy the Honda. I was helped by the Forum members and last season installed the Honda using the Starboard and the CD 4 spring mount. Cruised the San Juans Northwest and no problems. The Honda picked up a plastic bag which I didn't notice and it sounded its' alarm and dropped to an idle then I noticed and shut it off and lifted the motor and removed the plastic bag and continued the cruise. The 4 cycle fuel use is also a great change. Have a great season.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2006 : 07:10:42

Jim,

I am really looking forward to using the new motor. In my area, we have the Woodrow Wilson Bridge which is about 5 miles south of my Marina and I hesitate going past it because my motor was not dependable for getting back thru it. We just had some cold weather come in to town after a relatively warm winter this year. I think it will warm slightly tomorrow and if it does, I will be out there !

The PO had a channel lock for the old motor that never fit correctly over the levers but it fit perfectly on the new Honda. Then I have my old block and tackle tied to the new motor for safety. I also put a Taylor Cover over the top works of the motor to make it a bit less obvious it is a new motor and treated the cover with a weatherproofer per a friend's recomendation.

The old Honda was a 4-stroke and had a 6 gallon fuel tank. The new motor came with a puny 3 gallon tank. I know the 4-strokes get good gas mileage but still think a 3 gallon tank is kind of wimpy especially if you want to go on a long trip. The store suggested I get a refill can and use that as an extra rather than get a 6 gallon tank which would mostly not be needed. However, a refill tank with a nozzle is generally considered unsafe at my Marina and they do not allow them. They have no problems for someone filling up their gas tank at home but do not want anyone refilling on the finger slips. My thought is that I will see how it goes with the 3 gallon tanks and possibly by a spare one. Then I could keep it back by the transom on days I plan a long journey and then just switch the quick disconnect fuel line over to the new tank when the original gets low.

What do you guys do ? Just use the 3 gallon tank or have a spare as well for outings ?

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2006 : 16:25:09

The gas tank stories have good and bad endings. I found that I use my two 6 gal tanks on cruises. They are metal because on my 79 the fuel area is inside with chance that leaks could get to lowest point. I use the top tank as my prime use with the 2nd as a back up. I don't have to plan the cruise around fuel stops and I switch to the full tank when running a strong current passage. The older tanks had fuel line fittings at the tank which now I attach a 3 foot fire resistant fuel line so I only connect and disconect with the fittings overboard just in case. Just sharing some of the things I have been using for some time. I sure like my Honda also with the power tilt and very quiet operation.

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2006 : 10:45:08

Best of luck with the new motor Larry, I switched to a new four stroke at the end of last season and felt as you do. They sure are quiet especially coming on the heels of the old Johnson 9.9 2 stroke. Had me thinking it stalled whenever I idled back coming into the slip. The economical fuel use is also something to get used to, I didn't think my calculations were right but 56 ounces for a seven mile out and back run had me smiling. I saved the six gallon Johnson tank in the event I ever get to go on a cruise. I'll just change out the old line connectors.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT # 3936 Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2006 : 21:23:37

Val,

So you come from Patchogue. I used to sail on the south shore out of Lindehurst and then Amityville. The marina I kept a 16 ft Luger was the same street where the Amityville Horror House is located. The marina was primarily an ODay dealer. In 1980, I wound up buying a new 23 ft ODay from the Marina Owner but he had the boat at his Port Jefferson location. That was okay for us because by that time we lived in Huntington and i was planning on keeping the ODay in Huntington Harbor. Our first sail was 25 miles downwind into Huntington Harbor after the sun went down. It was a great day ! Never forget it.

As far as the south shore of Long Island and the Great South bay, etc, I rememeber times with my smaller boat(s) when the water was about 6" deep and I wound up getting out and dragging the boat across the low areas. You can do that with a flat bottom Luger 16 and a Banshee (similar to a Laser).

Happy sailing !

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2006 : 11:09:27

Larry,

Lindenhurst, I sailed a Amsbury dory, sail rigged, 19' with a steel blade full keel there. And several other little sailers. Wouldn't think to sail any larger boats there for reasons that you mention. Patchogue's end of the bay is broader and deeper but nothing like the north shore. If I had my drudders that's where I'd sail.

Good talking to you

Val on the hard DAGNABIT # 3936 Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

RickStevens
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2006 : 16:16:19

Larry - I will take measurements and let you know about the rails. I'd just as soon buy them from you as from CD, and there is no sense in their going to waste.

Due to work and home commitments I may not get to this year's Convention Center boat show at all.

(Aging in-laws who need 24x7 care.... I get a case of the guilts doing fun stuff if my wife can't break away for a while to join me.) If we do make it, Friday is the best bet. I'll send you a note "off-list" if we do.

As for gas usage, I have also found the Honda to get excellent mileage. The PO left behind a filled (!) 6-gallon tank - quick-release fittings and all - that I've never yet had to tap into. I'm taking the spare tank out for now because it's currently in the port lazarette, and unless I get some venting and shelving in there I don't really like the location. The '80 has that nifty little open-air gas locker just aft of that lazarette, and the 3-gallon tank fits nicely in there.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 02/21/2006 : 23:22:11

Rick - I'm hittin the sack now. Stayed up to late tonight. If you can use the rails, then that is great ! Right now they are just occupying some room on my workbench. You can just see if they fit and if not, it's no big deal - then just use the washers or stick a piece of the polymer board - 1/4" or 1/2" inside the transom.

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