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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Outboard motor

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clayC
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USA
207 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/13/2004 : 10:00:16

I posted this in the swap meet by mistake.....oops. I will be needing an outboard for my Catalina 25. Can any one advise me as to a make, model, size; electric, or pull start? Maybe even where to look for a good buy.

Clay

Kamalla 1980 C25 SK/TR

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2004 : 10:24:18

You're looking for 8 to 10 hp. Most important thing to get is an EXTRA-long shaft (very commonly listed as 25").

On the 2 stroke or 4 stroke issue... depending on where you live, 2 srokes may not be available (due to pollution laws), they smoke a bit, but on the other hand are lighter and simpler. Use of 2-strokes are prohibited on certain bodies of water.

Electric startint adds a bunch of weight, is convenient, but is not essential if you/partner are in decent shape. Also desirable, but not essential is a 'high-thrust' model... they have a bigger propeller and are geared lower to offer better thrust at lower speeds. (better control).

Nissan/Tohatusu has a new 4-stroke long shaft that is being used by a few members. Haven't seen any negative reports on it to this point. It is considerably lighter (about 90 lbs) than the other new 4 strokes... which weigh in near 120 lbs and need extra-heavy duty motor mounts.

Other than the Nissan, your mainstream outboard choices are Honda and Yamaha. Note that the idle jets on the new 4 strokes are very sensitive to contamination. Clean fuel is a must.

Used outboards with extra-long shafts are out there... notably the Honda 'Classic' BF-8 4-stroke and the Evinrude Sailmaster (a 2 stroke). As these are starting to age it may be getting hard to find one in good shape.

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RoofRoof
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USA
186 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2004 : 10:56:58

I believe the favored motor for the C25 is a Honda 8hp 4 stroke with electric start (pull too) with the XLong shaft 25"

Very happy with mine, but you must run good clean gas, and add fuel additive like Techron, and stabilizer.

Honda is several years ahead of the EPA laws, so they have extra tiny jets in the carb. Follow my rules and you'll love it.

Light compared to others in that horsepower range, SUPER quiet, and very fuel efficient.

I found a NEW 2001 model 2 years ago. I believe my local dealer still advertises NEW 2001, 2002 models.

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matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2004 : 22:28:06

Clay:

It really depends on where and how you sail. If you’re on a lake, then a 6hp long shaft is plenty. The Nissan/Tohatsu 6hp 4 stroke is only 55 lbs and my little niece can pull start it. If you sail on the coast (or Great Lakes) in choppy conditions, then you might want to consider an 8hp with the x-long shaft. The 8hp 2 stroke only weighs around 50-60 lbs. Both engines give you plenty of thrust to get in and out of the marina. The 8hp will get your boat up to hull speed, approx. 6.2 knots, while the 6hp will top out at 5.5 knots.

I would stay away from the heavier motors if at all possible. The C25 wasn’t designed for them and to use them you’ll need to replace your motor mount, beef up your transom and get a couple guys to help you remove your motor at the end of the season. Sailing performance will also be adversely affected by the extra weight. When I replaced my old 100 lbs Mariner with the 55 lbs Tohatsu, my stern lifted over an inch higher out of the water.

If you want a good web site for checking outboards try http://www.iboats.com. I’m admittedly biased towards Nissan/Tohatsu, but I wouldn’t recommend the Hondas, based on the postings on this site (do a search) and on IBoats.com.

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clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2004 : 22:44:02

thanks for the help. nothing on Iboats will do but I will keep watching.

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clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2004 : 23:53:00

Alan,
could you give me the name of your dealer.

thanks,Clay

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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 08:37:13

One other thought on the electric vs manual start issue - if your home waters are a freshwater lake, get electric start. If your boat is located in salt water, don't get electric start unless the motor also has a rope pull starter like the Honda or Yamaha 8's. Salt water will sooner or later cause corrosion problems with the electric starter, either in the motor itself or in the cable connections that feed power to it. And of course if you get an electric start outboard, you commit yourself to making sure the boat's battery charge is maintained reliably. so that you don't arrive at the boat for a weekend outing and discover you can't start because the battery is low. Cranking a starter motor - in your boat or car engine - with a weak battery is bad for the motor, by the way, causing excess heat in the windings since the motor isn't getting the full voltage it was designed for and is thus not being operated at it's most efficient rotation speed.

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sdaly66
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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 09:20:05

Mine is a Tohatsu 9.9, long shaft, electric start, with battery charging. Works quite well and is very reliable so far.

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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.