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John Singer
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts
Initially Posted - 03/29/2016 :  18:44:11  Show Profile
I have a 7.5 outboard on my 1983 25' std. rig swing keel. Thinking about going to 9.9 4 cycle. First question - which is better Mercury or Tohatsu? Also, outboard mount is on starboard side, boarding ladder on port. Thinking about switching them because the fuel is stored in its compartment on the port side. Weight shouldn't be a factor because water and batteries are on starboard. Is there anything else I should be aware of? Is engine torque a factor? Looking forward to hearing from fellow sailors.

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts
Response Posted - 03/29/2016 :  19:43:18  Show Profile
Wikipedia says "Mercury Outboards, 30 Hp and less, are made by Tohatsu in Japan." That's consistent with what I have heard from numerous sources.

My C25 had a 1979 7.5 hp Merc 2 cycle engine, and it provided ample power and pushed the boat to hull speed. If your engine starts and runs good, you might not get much, if any, benefit from buying a new motor, except possibly better fuel mileage. If you go from a 2 cycle to a 4 cycle engine, you'll get better fuel economy.

I'd recommend you leave the motor where it is, on the starboard side. Until about 1980, Catalina mounted the motor on the port side, but it caused the boat to list to port. In 1981, they started mounting the motors on the starboard side, and the list went away. When loading provisions and gear for an extended cruise, distribute the weight more or less evenly so you don't create an imbalance.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore
Edited by - Steve Milby on 03/29/2016 19:53:05
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 03/29/2016 :  19:47:16  Show Profile
A few considerations:

1. The motor's tiller/throttle is toward the center (and tiller) when the motor is on starboard, and toward the gunwale when it's on port. I preferred it toward the center.

2. The bracket is easy to mount or change out from the quarterberth on starboard--much more complicated from the "dumpster" on port, with the fuel locker in the way. (I've been down in there on my back working on something else...)

3. Weight is a very minor factor--the motor is barely 2' off the centerline, so has very little leverage to affect trim, and depending on make and model, is only a little over 100 lbs. at most. It doesn't amount to much vs. the 1500 lbs of ballast down in the keel or the buoyancy of the 8' beam amidships.

4. The gas line from the cockpit fuel locker can go over the transom cut-out to the starboard side as easily as to port.

5. Catalina put the motor bracket on port in the earlier years, and moved it to starboard when they added the cockpit fuel locker--according to our resident Catalina dealer, it was because of the complication I mentioned in (2).

I'd leave it there. (...and I did.)
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
Edited by - Stinkpotter on 03/29/2016 20:01:38
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NCBrew
Captain

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USA
338 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  00:58:09  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by John Singer

I have a 7.5 outboard on my 1983 25' std. rig swing keel. Thinking about going to 9.9 4 cycle. First question - which is better Mercury or Tohatsu? Also, outboard mount is on starboard side, boarding ladder on port. Thinking about switching them because the fuel is stored in its compartment on the port side. Weight shouldn't be a factor because water and batteries are on starboard. Is there anything else I should be aware of? Is engine torque a factor? Looking forward to hearing from fellow sailors.


I would change engines but leave the location the same.
The 4 stroke is a no brainer!!!. No oil to mix and better thrust with the 9.9 as well as cleaner burning. If you happen to run out of fuel on the water you may be able to bum some from another boater and won't have to worry about the oil mixture.
Of course the 4 stroke is heavier.
Check weight difference.
1998 Catalina 250WK
Ravaging
Albemarle Sound,NC

I spent most of my money on boats and beer, the rest I just wasted.
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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  10:02:39  Show Profile
My '81 had the O/B on port and had the enclosed cockpit fuel locker.
Derek Crawford
Chief Measurer C25-250 2008
Previous owner of "This Side UP"
1981 C-25 TR/FK #2262 Used to have an '89 C22 #9483, "Downsized"
San Antonio, Texas
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  10:19:23  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

My '81 had the O/B on port and had the enclosed cockpit fuel locker.
My 81 had the motor on starboard, with an enclosed fuel locker, so Catalina must have changed the location of the motor mount sometime between hull # 2262 (your boat) and 2554 (my boat). Yours must have been built early in the 1981 production year.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore
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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  14:54:06  Show Profile
I agree with the location suggestions. The 9.9 will not make you any faster under power. The only advantage of the 9.9 is that it is a sweetspot for features - electric start and XLS are important to me. The Merc combination throttle/shift is a real plus that isn't available on other engines, but the powerhead is Tohatsu. Overall, I'm completely satisfied with my Merc, even though it is probably closer to 120 pounds. The Bigfoot. what I have, has more gear reduction and big, high thrust prop for displacement hulls. It also has bigger bearings and gears than the standard 9.9. I don't know if the Bigfoot is still a separate model; they might have combined lines by now. Quiet, quiet, quiet!

Dave B. aboard Pearl
1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399
Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle
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Bladeswell
Captain

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USA
490 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  17:04:20  Show Profile  Visit Bladeswell's Homepage
Hello Everyone,

I can't contribute to this one but I would like to ask a question. My boat came with a 2008 9.9 4 stroke Suzuki. Has anyone heard anything good or bad about that motor ? Thanks.

Bladeswell
C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  19:40:15  Show Profile
My boat also came with a Suzuki 9.9 2 stroke. Constant problems. Replaced it with a 9.8 Nissan (also made by Tohatsu) 25" shaft electric start and never regretted it. Fine engine and very quiet.
DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN
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Bladeswell
Captain

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USA
490 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  19:48:27  Show Profile  Visit Bladeswell's Homepage
Hi again,

David, you said your Suzuki was a 2 stroke ? Mine is a 4 stroke. Hope I have better luck with my Suzuki. Thanks.

Bladeswell
C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  20:35:43  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Bladeswell

...My boat came with a 2008 9.9 4 stroke Suzuki. Has anyone heard anything good or bad about that motor?
Suzuki's larger 4-strokes have a good rep--they have a steel timing chain rather than the more common plastic timing belt, and seem to run well. I don't know how this translates to their smaller engines like the 9.9, but they have made engines for lots of things for many years. If there is service available in your area, I'd say you're good.
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
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Bladeswell
Captain

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USA
490 Posts
Response Posted - 03/30/2016 :  21:41:14  Show Profile  Visit Bladeswell's Homepage
Thanks Dave,

As it happens I suppose I got lucky. There is a service center not too far away from me and I also have a friend who is very good with outboards who is going to go thru it for me. Thanks again.

Bladeswell
C25 TR FK Hull #973 1979 L-Dinette. So.Cal.
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JanS48
Navigator

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USA
144 Posts
Response Posted - 03/31/2016 :  01:21:12  Show Profile
Greetings - this is just an FYI...
In case you are considering Yamaha - Mercury and Yamaha use the same engine in the 4 stroke line.
Also a 15 and a 9.9 share the same weight and engine block size.
I've got the 15 and it does push the boat along nicely with great fuel economy.
Mine is an 03 and it is showing signs of wear, can't get it to idle correctly even after a carb re-build and a number of cleanings. It runs great at speed so I live with not-so-great idle. I've also had difficulty getting some parts - try and get a thermostat for an 03. Still I realize it's 13 years old, I'm sure a new one would be great.
Jan
82 C25 SR FK
Sailing out of Newport Harbor.
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 03/31/2016 :  06:32:33  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by JanS48

...Also a 15 and a 9.9 share the same weight and engine block size...
Not any more--the current 8 and 9.9 are one size, and the 15 and 20 are another--I think what used to be their 9.9 "Bigfoot" block.
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
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wanderer13
1st Mate

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USA
76 Posts
Response Posted - 03/31/2016 :  17:42:20  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Milby

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

My '81 had the O/B on port and had the enclosed cockpit fuel locker.
My 81 had the motor on starboard, with an enclosed fuel locker, so Catalina must have changed the location of the motor mount sometime between hull # 2262 (your boat) and 2554 (my boat). Yours must have been built early in the 1981 production year.


Very interesting. I was wondering when they made that change. I have hull# 2265. Motor on port with the enclosed fuel locker.
1981 Catalina 25 FK/TR
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 03/31/2016 :  19:04:28  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by wanderer13

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Milby

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

My '81 had the O/B on port and had the enclosed cockpit fuel locker.
My 81 had the motor on starboard, with an enclosed fuel locker, so Catalina must have changed the location of the motor mount sometime between hull # 2262 (your boat) and 2554 (my boat). Yours must have been built early in the 1981 production year.
Very interesting. I was wondering when they made that change. I have hull# 2265. Motor on port with the enclosed fuel locker.
Probably during that model year. Bill Holcomb, our C-25 guru and past dealer of Catalina boats, has reported that the change was made because when the fuel locker was added (1981?), installing the bracket on port was too complicated. (I know why, from working down there.) It was an easy solution.

Good thing--I liked it on starboard. And I thanked the Great Spirit for having the cockpit fuel locker!
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
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John Singer
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts
Response Posted - 03/31/2016 :  20:31:59  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by wanderer13

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Milby

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

My '81 had the O/B on port and had the enclosed cockpit fuel locker.
My 81 had the motor on starboard, with an enclosed fuel locker, so Catalina must have changed the location of the motor mount sometime between hull # 2262 (your boat) and 2554 (my boat). Yours must have been built early in the 1981 production year.


Very interesting. I was wondering when they made that change. I have hull# 2265. Motor on port with the enclosed fuel locker.
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John Singer
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts
Response Posted - 03/31/2016 :  20:34:14  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by wanderer13

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Milby

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

My '81 had the O/B on port and had the enclosed cockpit fuel locker.
My 81 had the motor on starboard, with an enclosed fuel locker, so Catalina must have changed the location of the motor mount sometime between hull # 2262 (your boat) and 2554 (my boat). Yours must have been built early in the 1981 production year.


Very interesting. I was wondering when they made that change. I have hull# 2265. Motor on port with the enclosed fuel locker.


Where does the fuel line go, through the scuppers or out from the fuel locker through the transom?
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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts
Response Posted - 04/01/2016 :  03:42:57  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage
I have an '89. The outboard is on the starboard side and the fuel locker is on the port side. The fuel locker has a cut out in it's cover side panel at the bottom rear located adjacent to the cockpit decking and the transom. The fuel line passes through the cutout and then over the transom to the outboard on the starboard side.

I have found that the fuel locker gets very gunked up in just a couple of months or so. I think it is partially due to the vent, when open, on the gas tank and also storing the fuel line with the fuel tank in the locker. When I go sailing, part of my prep is that I slide the fuel tank out of it's locker and let it sit a few inches away from the transom and then the fuel line is hooked up the same way - Over the transom to the outboard. This way, the venting is not in the fuel locker - It probably just helps a bit keeping the fuel locker from getting gunked up...but at least, psychologically, it makes me feel that I am reducing the locker maintenance by maybe an addl month or two before I clean it out....whether that is true or not.
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
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DavidBuoy
Admiral

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USA
707 Posts
Response Posted - 04/01/2016 :  05:22:41  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by OLarryR


I have found that the fuel locker gets very gunked up in just a couple of months or so. I think it is partially due to the vent, when open, on the gas tank and also storing the fuel line with the fuel tank in the locker.


It's that dang ethanol! Whiskey fungi.

https://munchies.vice.com/en/articles/kentuckys-whiskey-fungus-problem-is-out-of-control

Captain Rob & Admiral Alyson
"David Buoy"-1985 C25 SK/SR #5053
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 04/01/2016 :  06:19:10  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by John Singer

Where does the fuel line go, through the scuppers or out from the fuel locker through the transom?
Here was mine...
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
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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts
Response Posted - 04/01/2016 :  08:45:46  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage
David - Thanks for the fungi attachment !! Interesting story !
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
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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.