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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Rudder / Kicker Connection

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rmridgew
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/25/2004 : 17:36:40

I am the proud new owner of a 79 catalina 25,

The original honda engine was giving me some problems so I have ordered a new Mercury 9.9hp 4-stroke.

Is there a good way to connect the rudder to the kicker so that the turn in unison?

Thanks,

Mac Ridgeway - Charleston, SC - 1979 C25 #1504
http://www.charlestonrealestateguide.com

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 17:51:28

Either google or search this site for Arlyn's Soft Link.

Congrats on your new boat. Welcome aboard.

Steve

Edited by - on

rmridgew
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 18:02:39

So Simple!

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 18:16:49

Congratulations and welcome to the fleet, rmridgew!

Before linking the rudder and outboard, you might want to use them separately for awhile to see how the boat manuevers. I use the rudder and outboard independently all the time and, for me, it increases manueverability considerably.

Again, welcome aboard shipmate.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 18:32:43

I have also found in the short period of time that I have had Wind Point that using them separately works just fine. I steer with the tiller, use the outboard just for momentum. Haven't hit anything yet.

Steve

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 19:38:04

Before too much time passes... what shaft length did you specify for your outboard?

Also, what motor mount does your boat currently have? The new Merc is plenty heavy... many people have found they need to upgrade their mounts to accomodate the extra weight of the new generation 4 stroke engines.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 21:41:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ClamBeach
 Before too much time passes... what shaft length did you specify for your outboard?

Also, what motor mount does your boat currently have? The new Merc is plenty heavy... many people have found they need to upgrade their mounts to accomodate the extra weight of the new generation 4 stroke engines.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

According to Mercury Marine, the new Mercury 9.9hp four stroke weighs in at 84 lbs, so I don't know if you can say it is "plenty heavy" like the 120lb Honda 9.9.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2004 : 00:16:34

Yup, you're right... It sure sounds like it's the same motor as the Tohatsu/Nissan.
I'd always thought the Merc 4 stroke was a heavy pig... did they have a previous model that was?

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2004 : 08:58:00

There are times when a linked rudder and motor are a good option. Ever seen the motor mount on a Chrysler 26? Or if you think your tiller is too short and put a wheel on a 25 foot boat to compensate for it. But with a tiller on our 25s you will find that you have more versitility (read safety) using the rudder tiller and motor tiller seperately.

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rmridgew
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2004 : 13:12:09

I purchased the 20 inch shaft and the weight is around 120 lb. They did have a lighter 4 stroke but I opted for the heavier.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2004 : 13:43:50

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ClamBeach
 Yup, you're right... It sure sounds like it's the same motor as the Tohatsu/Nissan.
I'd always thought the Merc 4 stroke was a heavy pig... did they have a previous model that was?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yup--the old Nissan/Tohatsu was also the big 120+ lb. monster (same size and shape, different color), with 15" and 20" shaft only. Apparently Merc is rebranding the new model. That would suggest you might be able to get the XLS from Merc.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by rmridgew
 I purchased the 20 inch shaft and the weight is around 120 lb. They did have a lighter 4 stroke but I opted for the heavier.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
RMwhatever: What waters are you sailing in? What shaft length did you get? If the newer, lighter Merc comes in the extra-long (25'+) shaft, that might be a distinctly better investment--even if it costs a few boat units more. I'm pretty sure the older, heavier one does not. (I would expect they would be offering deep discounts on any of the leftover older models--if so, it's for a reason.)

When a 25' boat with the engine hanging aft of the transom starts pitching fore-and-aft or even rolling side-to-side, the 20" shaft invites a lot of cavitation (or some say ventilation). Some (myself included) have also found that with the 20" shaft, the engine can lift when you step forward onto the foredeck--in my case with an older Honda, lifting the cooling intake out of the water. Maybe I'm too late, or maybe you don't need the extra-long, but it's something to consider.
-------------------------------
I might have to take that back... The Mercury site only lists 15" and 20" shafts on the new models (8 and 9.9). Merc never did know what a sailboat was...

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/26/2004 14:00:53

rmridgew
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2004 : 10:36:10

Thanks Dave,

I have cancelled the order for the 9.9 merc with the 20inch shaft, and ordered a Yamaha T8 Dream Kicker with a 25 inch shaft and high-output thrust. It cost me about $500 more, and I lost 1.9hp, but I think it was a better decision.

It has electric start and steering/throttle locks.

If anyone has experience with this engine and how I might tie it in to the main power system (6 amp alternator)

Your advice is very helpful

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2004 : 13:30:58

Believe me, Mac, you will never, ever need that extra 1.9 hp on a C25--you'll hardly ever even use half of the maximum power of the Yamaha 8. You made a wise move.

When you connect its cables to the battery (for the electric start), your alternator will be charging the battery whenever the engine is running.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/27/2004 13:33:35

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