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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Manual vs. electric start Honda 9.9

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albert
Captain

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USA
262 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/03/2002 : 03:10:14

I'm considering purchasing the new Honda 9.9 4Cycle XL shaft outboard. I have access to a 2002 model for $1800. The store is changing to 2003 models and has one manual start 2002.

Is this a good price for a manual start 9.9 XL shaft high thrust?

Is the electric start option really necessary?

My current pull start Johnson is hard to start; not because it won't start on the first pull, but because I'm pulling UP at a 45 degree angle while ducking my stern pulpit. Its hard to get a good, hard, clean pull. Does the honda pull start have a better angle for pull starting or am I looking at performing the same trick to pull start her?

Albert Iturrey
al@comhertz.com
Abacus': http://www.comhertz.com/abacus

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2002 : 10:05:06

Albert... I can't see why it would be different. You should also try pulling it to see whether it's stiffer than your Johnson... 4-strokes generally have higher compression, although the new Hondas are somewhat easier to pull than the older ones.

I sure like our push-button starter!

As for the price, I'd say it reflects the fact that an expensive manual-start sailboat engine is a white elephant. If you don't bite, I'll bet it ends up selling for less than that.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

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Shelby
Navigator

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USA
155 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2002 : 12:06:14

After spending a year or so doing the manual start thing, I was very happy to go to the electric start. Made it much easier for the wife also. I have a 9.9 Honda (2002)and it cost me alot more than the $1800 they are quoting you on the manual start. I'm not certain that $1800 is that far off the price of the manual start anyway. Even though I have a 9.9, I believe numerous folks have stated that the 8hp is a little less cash and gives plenty of power for a C25. Almost wish I had bought one. I think spending the extra bucks was worth it for elec start.

Shelby '82 C25 #3208 "Third S" SKSR Lake Pleasant, AZ

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2002 : 12:21:10

If you can get a newer Honda for 1800 I would jump on it. Have you seen the prices they want elsewhere. GET IT NOW. Why worry about the weight/extra things to go wrong of the electric start. Especialy when Hondas start sooooo easy to begin with. Purchase the pull start model and save the cash for something else. Either that or fork out 2400 to 2800 for a newer electric. White elephant ???? where can you find a new Honda for 1800 Im sure many people on the site would like to know.

Doug&Ruth
Boatless in Seattle
Tacoma Wa.

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LeighMarie
Navigator

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USA
188 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2002 : 13:25:59

I purchased a new 9.9 XL shaft this summer with electric start and I have to say that for me, and for my wife, that it starts like a dream - every time! I paid a little over $2300 for it, and it was well worth the extra price to have the electric start. Is it worth $500 extra? Knowing that it will last a long, long time my answer is: Absolutely! I would get the electric start again in a hearbeat. But that's just for me and my crew....

Dave & Sharon on "Leigh-Marie"
Hull #5128

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f_sondergaard
1st Mate

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USA
92 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2002 : 16:07:55

We purchased a 2000 XL shaft Honda earlier this year and love it! But, it has pull and electric start. The pull start is a bear if you are pulling from a crazy angle. I think we paid around $1800 for it.
Jason and Fran 1982 C-25 "Gentle Breeze"

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gnorgan
Admiral

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USA
563 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2002 : 21:20:45

Has anyone converted an 8hp Honda manual (as in, pull the cord) start to an electric start? My shoulders could use the help sometimes. It would be nice if it were a simple job to do and didn't cost an arm and leg....
I've got a 1997 model and it works just fine. BTW, I have always run the motor in a bucket of fresh water (water hose in bucket running) after each salt water use.

C25 tall/wing
Classical Cat #5944

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2002 : 10:22:26

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Has anyone converted an 8hp Honda manual (as in, pull the cord) start to an electric start?
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Gary: I asked my dealer about extending the shaft and adding a starter to my prior 8, a 1996. He said neither was worth the cost. He sold the old 8 for me <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle> and I bought the new one from him. I know you might question his objectivity, but this guy, John Herman in Stamford, is definitely a straight shooter. If he sold cars, I'd be driving an Accord!

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

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gnorgan
Admiral

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USA
563 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2002 : 00:55:10

Thanks for your valued (as in more boat $$$ <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>) opinion and insight from your dealer. I shall look into this type of trade-in concept. Have a good friend/boat shop owner who now services/sells Honda OBs...maybe I can work a deal....I do spend lots of boat bucks regularly at his shop....hadn't thought of this before so you (again) have pointed a fellow sailing freak in the right direction.
Thanks,
Gary Norgan
Hemet, CA

C25 tall/wing
Classical Cat #5944

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albert
Captain

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USA
262 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2002 : 01:17:35

Thanks for the advise. I think I'll save a few more boat bucks and wait to get the electric start option.

Albert Iturrey
al@comhertz.com
Abacus': http://www.comhertz.com/abacus

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arlingva
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2002 : 22:22:17

One more opinion. I just got a 9.9 xls electric start this summer. I have used the electric start twice. Once to see if it worked and once to impress my father in law. Every other time I have pull started because it's so easy.

Bill Swanson C-250 WK, #614, [still unnamed]

Bill Swanson
C250WK #614

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2002 : 23:33:08

Bill,
1st you have impressed on us the ease of pull starting a Honda 9.9...but just for the old guys, how old are you and what do you bench press?,
also, is't it about time to name her?
Steve sSeakley

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2002 : 10:06:29

Steve: It also helps that Bill has his mounted on the open transom of a C-250, not out on a bracket under the sternrail of a C-25. Nice and handy. But I still love that little black button--all I have to do is touch it--the Honda starts instantly.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

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