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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Tohatsu 3.5 hp motors in short supply

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/02/2005 : 18:00:42

Hi there,
I have been shopping for a small dinghy motor for a while. I wanted a new one as I'm no mechanic. I wanted a very lightweight motor which can be stored in any position, therefore I choose a Tohatsu 3.5 hp with forward and neutral shift. (28 lbs) I don't like one without a shift as it just seems dangerous to be in gear all the time.
What I found out is that as of August 2005, these motors will no longer be imported into the US due to EPA regs. The US distributor is already out of them
I just ordered one from Internetoutboards.com. 685 bucks includes domestic shipping. Used ones on Ebay were not much cheaper, and who knows what shape it would be in. Like I said, I'm no mechanic.
2hp 4 stroke Hondas are about 900 bucks and can only be stored on one side, or upright.

I also ordered, from another source, an Achilles 7'6" hypalon air floor dinghy for 1100 on sale. Model LSI-77. 58 lbs. A little heavy, but hypalon is heavy.
Inflatableboatspecialists.com.

I have heard too many bad stories of PVC, and how difficult it is to patch, and how it deteriorates if gas gets on it

I must have been crazy to spend so much money today.

Frank Gloss
Formerly 89WK/TR
85 Ericson 32-3 shoal draft "Molto Bene"

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tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2005 : 00:39:55

Frank I can't wait to hear how you like the inflateable floor dinghy. Your new dinghy sounds like exactly what I would order if I could or needed to do it again.

Edited by - tmhansen on 08/05/2005 00:40:34

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2005 : 14:18:03

Todd,
The salesman from the california supplier knew exactly what a Catalina 25 was and said this would stow just about as small as anything. With a 3.5 hp motor it won't be up on a plane anyways so a vee keel isn't necessary. I hope he is right. I'll keep you posted

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takokichi
Captain

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USA
321 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2005 : 16:22:57

This is totally bad news!! Those little engines are the perfect dinghy motor. Cheap, light, run forever with no service. Mine's been submerged several times and still runs more or less happily. Those little Hondas are expensive, LOUD, and totally unreliable - at least the several I've known around here.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2005 : 18:25:46

Hey Tako
Thanks for verifying my decision not to buy the 2 hp Honda. I had a bad feeling about a 4 stroke air cooled engine

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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.