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.
I have searched this topic because I know i have read about this on this forum but could not find the thread. Last summer i bought a 9.8 tohatsu weighing in at 92 lbs. should i get a 3 or 4 spring mount?
The issue is the 4-spring model is for outboards over 95 lbs. The 3-spring model is for outboards from 80 - 95 lbs. 92 lbs puts you in the grey area between the two. I have the 3-spring model and you need to help it out of the water but I have heard you need to push down the motor on the 4-spring model. I figured it was easier to pull up than push down, hence my choice.
Joe's info comes from the Catalina Direct Website "Technical Info" Section and so it is documented by Catalina Direct as their recommendation for the 2, 3 and 4 spring Garhauer brackets. So...it is the best to go by and as Joe provided his own experience, I second that. I have a Honda 9.9 extra long shaft and I forget exactly what it's weight is but figure around 107 lbs. I installed the 4 spring bracket and after the springs too strong for first month or so, it now is the right choice for an outboard over 100 lbs but I agree that for an outboard 92 lbs, the 3 spring bracket would probably be best suited. Here is the exact quote from the Catalina Direct Tech info Section:
"Today we offer three different versions of the improved bracket. The two spring version is suitable for engines up to 80 pounds. The three spring version is designed for engines from 80 to 95 pounds. And the four spring bracket which is designed especially for heavier, often electric start engines, weighing over 95 pounds."
Clay, We purchased a 4 spring Catalina mount (Garhauer) for our C22 last year to support a Yamaha 9.9 4 stroke. we did not need to push the motor down, but it balanced quite nicely - the Yamaha weighs right around 100lbs. We found a C25 and removed the 4 spring model and replaced with a 2 spring prior to selling. If you decide on the 4 spring I can sell for $265.00 plus actual shipping costs. We only used a couple times last season, and the new boat has one on it already. Either way you go (4 or 3 spring) you will be happy not to fight with the old unbalanced mount.
I purchased the 4 spring and it works well with my Nissan 9.8 at 94 pounds. It is easily lowered into the first locked position but to lower to the bottom requires considerable force. The upside is (no pun intended) it is a breeze to raise to the out of water position. As previously stated, it is in the grey area. I suppose if I left the mount unlocked with constant pressure on the springs it may fatigue the springs enabling the ease of complete lowering but I am concerned I'd lose the current lift strength. I rarely have to lower the engine completely. Only in rough water. Definately a solid product.
This is the mount I used to replace the original on my Cat. 25. It has good travel and works well with the Tohatsu 9.8. I do have to push a bit to get it to the lowest setting, but it lifts the motor just fine. The travel is very good with the longest shaft the 9.8 offers.
One more question. when I got my new motor last year it seemed to ride real low in the water. Do you think my two spring was just worn out? I replaced a Mariner 9.9 which didn't seem that much lighter. Or maybe My mount was installed to low? If any one has their boat handy and can measure the inboard distance I would be grateful.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by clayC</i> <br />When I got my new motor last year it seemed to ride real low in the water. Do you think my two spring was just worn out? <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I don't think so as the items that usually wear out, the bushings, don't have much to do with max travel. The travel is limited by the slotted plates on the side of the mount.
The springs wearing out didn't make much sense to me either but in the position yours is Don my motor head would be dragging. My boat wasn't loaded any more than usual and I am no heavier than last season (thank goodness). maybe when I get my new mount I will attach it on the bottom hole so it rides a bit higher.
Manufacturer: Garelick MPN: 71090 This mount gives you more travel than the 2 slot mount pictured. The new motor configuration most be different than the new unit. With all the level slots on this mount you should find one that fits your needs. I put mine all the way down when entering the marina because the motor will then stay in the water at that setting with someone on the bow helping me get into my slip. The slow speed does not dig the stern in. At speeds leaving the marina I set it at the next to last adjustment.
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.