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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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New outboard - man wrestles old gator

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matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/30/2003 : 23:28:11

Because of all the discussion and good advice on this forum, I finally bought my new outboard that I've been thinking about for over a year. Honestly, I was nervous about it, since it's not one of those things you can try then buy, or even return if you don't like it.

I was leaning heavily towards the 2-strokes for the weight-power advantage, but after much research and straight talk from this site, I finally decided on a Tohatsu 6hp 4-stroke. At 56 lbs (long shaft) it met my weight requirements. I had gotten many assurances from members here that it would be enough power for my inland lake. I installed it this weekend and it's far exceeded my expectations. Much smoother, quieter and more powerful than I'd hoped for. Removing my old motor was like mud-wrestling an alligator. Can you spell hernia? I can't. I can lift the Tohatsu one handed. Very cool.

I love to read boat reviews; old boats, new boats, whatever. They put a lot of weight on PHRF, capsize ratios, comfort ratios, blah, blah, blah. All good stuff, but what they fail to realize (or publicize) is the importance and huge advantage of a strong boat association like this one.

Thanks for the advice.

John Matsche 1985 TR/FK #5171

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 08:49:30

This association is one of the reasons I bought my 25. The Catalina 22 association is one of the reasons why I bought my 22.

I bought the same motor for my 22 and it was great. I now have a Honda extra long shaft electric start and yes, you have to mud wrestle with it. But for offshore sailing I think I made a good choice.

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 12:15:10

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Much smoother, quieter and more powerful than I'd hoped for. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

John:

What kind/size motor did it replace? Could you compare the power between the two?

I've been eye'n that motor as a potential replacement if/when my usually very dependable 20 year old Suzuki 6 hp decides to give me real trouble. The price seems very reasonable for a new motor.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf39b3127cce92448c0b84670000001010" border=0>

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 13:26:58

Let us know how that motor works out over the course of the next year. I think many of us are eyeing it as a possible replacement for their current powerplant. I'd like to know how well it holds up and if you have any problems.

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

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osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 14:21:45

As perpatrator of some of the outboard discussion we've had on this site, I interested you long term assessment of your new o/b. It is the one I'm considering, altho' probably with the Nissan cover on it.

thanks for your initial report.

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

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osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 14:23:44

Hey Frank,

What hp did you get on you nw o/b? How do you like it?

As I think about retirement, still a few years off, I begin thinking of higher horse power and the extra long shaft.

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

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matsche
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 14:42:11

It replaces an '85 Mariner 15hp 2-stroke. I'm guessing it was about 85-90 lbs. It smoked so bad that my marina would ask me to cruise up and down the slips to kill off mosquitos. But seriously, an unexpected benefit is that now my stern is riding a full inch higher out of the water.

A power comparison is difficult as I'm still in my break-in period, but I can tell you that I can make a steady 4 knots at 1/2 throttle with a 10 knot wind on my beam (no sails up). 3 1/2 knots into the wind and 4 1/2 knots with it. I've read in different places that top end should be around 5 1/2 to 6. Will let you know in a week or so.

With respect to problems, the only thing I have to go on so far is what I've read from here and on the [url="http://www.iboats.com/"]IBoats[/url] forum. The large number of 4 stroke problems listed there initially kept me away from 4 strokes until I realized that most of those were Hondas. In fact, I couldn't find any complaints about the Nissan (Tohatsu) motors. That's not to say that there are no complaints, I just couldn't find any. I hope the next year proves that out! Will let you know the good and bad.

John Matsche 1985 TR/FK #5171

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 20:15:54

Hey Don,

My 2003 Honda is an 8 hp model. Even though it is essentially the same engine as the 10 hp the Honda tech rep I talked to at the Atlanta boat show last January told me the 8 hp is better for a sailboat, and my mechanic agrees. Apparently it is designed with more low end torque than the 10 which is better for our 25's. It apparently has a different cam, in addition to having different carb settings.
The power thrust motor has a large 4 blade prop which also has good reverse power as the exhause has another port when you are running slow. This lets exhause come out that instead of the prop.
It also has the longest shaft. I like the electric start motor as it also has a 12 amp alternator which will put out 6 amps at idle. You can use it as a generator if needed, a really quiet generator.
Other than my recent water in the fuel incident, which would have happened with any motor, I haven't had any problems with it. Yes it is heavy, but that is lots of motor too.
My 22 which I just sold had a 2002 Nissan 6 hp long shaft 4 stroke which the above messages are discussing. It weighs 57 lbs which is nice. The downsides is that the long shaft is only 20 inches vs 27 for the honda, and has only one cylinder so it vibrates more. It has a really wimpy alternator, which has to be added after you buy it, unless you buy from a shop which has a mechanic. You have to pull the flywheel to install it. If someone wants this motor I recommend Defender marine. That's where I got mine. I found out after I bought mine that they have a mechanic who could have installed the alternator for me. The motor was delivered by Federal express.
If you are only doing calm lake sailing, and have the Garhauer motor mount (same as the catalina direct mount) you should be OK, I think. The Garhauer goes down the furthest. Believe me, after putting on 3 new mounts on my boat, I know them well.
If you buy the honda, you will need the new Garelick (not Garhauer)salt water heavy duty mount, it is the strongest, and has the best springs
Good luck, and let me know if you need any more info
I'll bet that's more than you needed to know

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 21:23:38

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
My 2003 Honda is an 8 hp model. Even though it is essentially the same engine as the 10 hp the Honda tech rep I talked to at the Atlanta boat show last January told me the 8 hp is better for a sailboat, and my mechanic agrees. Apparently it is designed with more low end torque than the 10 which is better for our 25's. It apparently has a different cam, in addition to having different carb settings...<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
...all for 2.5-3 boat units less than the 9.9! Mine is sweet, too--just about every time I start it in the slip, some 2-stroker shakes his head and says, "That's nice!" Even more amazing is when one of the few Honda 90 (adapted from the Civic engine) or 225 (from an Acura) starts and idles out of the club, with most of the noise coming from the water spraying out of the "pisser"--almost like a sailboat with no sails!

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

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 22:20:44

John:

Sounds great -- let us know how it goes.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf39b3127cce92448c0b84670000001010" border=0>

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

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frank679
1st Mate

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USA
42 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 23:02:51

I have a 8HP Mariner probably about 1987. I am not very mechanical so I think I am very cruel to it. I keep it in the garage over the winter and change the oil in the spring. I have never put anything in the gas and it starts on the first pull every time. I was considering a new four-stroke but having read the various outboard topics on the forum I think perhaps I should hold on to it.

Frank. 1983 TR/FK Hull# 3816

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