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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 am replacing my Honda 100 with something from Yamaha. I like the 8 High Thrust, but those only come with electric start which really adds weight. So two questions. Any problem with the standard 8 and more importantly, when going to the XL shaft (25") do you have to relocate the motor bracket or does the prop clear the water when tilted up. The Honda had a 20" and there was plently of room as does Long shaft from Yamaha. I am in brackish water which would be a real problem for a prop sitting in the water all the time. Experiences appreciated.
I think the only 'lightweight'(like around 85-90 lbs) XL 4 stroke you're going to find is the Nissan (or the Mercury made by Nissan). I strongly recommend the XL shaft length no matter what motor you get. There was a recent thread about order codes for Yamaha motors that might be useful.
I haven't seen a problem tilting the XL's clear of the water... but that also depends a lot on what motor mount you have and where it's mounted.
On their site, Mercury does not indicate an extra-long shaft on the 4-strokes, including their newest rebranded Tohatsu.
My 28" Honda clears the water by about an inch when tilted only to the first notch with the bracket up(for mooring purposes). To clear the water on a port tack, I need to tilt it a couple more notches. Of course, the position and vertical travel of the bracket are keys... I took measurements at the dealer, with the motor down and tilted, to determine exactly where to position the new bracket.
LK: What bracket are we talking about? If the stainless tube Garhauer, unless you're motoring only on small lakes or only inside the marina, go extra long. If it's the little original equipment aluminum Fulton, replace it before putting a 4-stroke on--the best choice appears to be from Garelick, as discussed at length on some threads you can search for here.
My Yamaha 9.9 high thrust DOES still hit about 5-6" of water when in the up position on my tubular (I guess it's the Garhauer) mount that I upgraded to...it's from Catalina in 1995. However, by tipping the engine up, it does not stay in the drink. Cannot that solve your problem and allow you the longest shaft possible? I sure like my engine.
I used a 6 hp SS Johnson for the National regatta for weight savings and the short length for no drag. The "drag" was...I had to have the whole crew on the transom to keep the sucker in the water...and that was when it was calm!
I was looking at the new Mercury primarily because of the integrated shifter on the throttle. Well...While trying information on the NEW model, I discovered that Mercury is heading up a trade dispute against Japanese outboard manufaturers. They are being accused of dumping products and the end result will be 22.5% higher prices for everyone. Thanks Mercury! In my opinion, the reason OMC is out of business, is because they made garbage motors for several years running. Mercury is lauding the descision of the dept of commerce and at the same time buys most if not all of it's 4-stroke powerheads from JAPAN! Needless to say I will never buy a Mercury. Check this out.
We use the new Yamaha high thrust 8 hp XL shaft on a new Garhauer mount. We have to tilt the motor up to get the prop fully out of the water when sailing, and when heeling a lot to port it hits the water. We can use the 2nd notch on the mount, usually don't need to lower it all the way. For what it's worth, the motor is a bit heavy, but has been one of the best purchases I ever made. I've had other guests on the boat that own new Hondas and they've been impressed with the smooth, quiet operation.
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.