Catalina 22 motor size suggestions.

AaronD · Oct 31, 2024

This is asked every so often, and the most universally recommended motor for a C-22 is the Tohatsu Sailpro 6hp. The "Sailpro" model includes a 25" shaft, low-speed/high-thrust prop and (nearly useless) alternator.

See a few discussions:

And I'll add my +1 - we've been using ours for 6+ years now. We usually cruise at ~1/2 throttle; I find that gets us ~5 knots on ~1/4-1/3 gallon per hour. Also, a couple additions I found useful.

Tohatsu builds the small motors for several other manufacturers, so the innards are often the same. But to my knowledge, none of the other brands sell it in a 25" shaft (you can of course swap out the prop for the high-thrust model, but that's ~$100 and included with the Sailpro).

dlochner · Oct 31, 2024

5-6 hp will be fine, long shaft is essential. Don't fall for the bigger is better mentality. Above 6 hp all you add is weight and expense, below 4 hp you won't have enough power to push through chop. When I had a Tanzer 22 which is a heavier boat than the Cat 22, a 6 hp motor was more than adequate.

Joe · Nov 1, 2024

I'll chip in my 2 cents regarding the sailpro... I replaced my 90's era 9.9 tohatsu, modified to 15 hp... with the 6 hp sailpro. I have found the 6 to be quite enough for my needs... getting in and out of the marina up the channel into the ocean if I can't sail... and when the wind gets below 4-5 kts. I have always thought 8hp was the standard for the C-22, 10hp for the C-27. My 15 hp upgrade did nothing more than increase fuel consumption. But mainly I got the sailpro because of my budget.. What was cool about my old Tohatsu 9.9 was it had a remote control box and electric start. I just left it down while I had the boat out for the day. The mounting setup was restrictive so I had to pull off the cowling to get the motor tilted up into it's hidey hole. ANYWAY, the Sailpro is small enough to kick up easily without any issues and that's the second main reason I got it.. What I found out also was the hi-thrust prop is perfect for the small sailboat and its limited top end speed (about 6kts under power). It allows that 6hp to be very efficient at moving the boat. Newer technology is great also, she fires up first pull.

Now for the really good news..... Even though sells the smaller motors (under 8 hp) set up for electric start and remote control.... I learned than you can make ANY of tohatsu's small motors remote by simply buying the linkage conversion parts (it comes in a kit, I believe) and purchasing control box. I kept the remote box from my old motor, so that saves me a nice amount... brings the cost down to well under $100. The mystery yet to be learned though is if it is possible to install an electric starter... I'm not confident that can happen... but the motor is so easy to start for these old arms I'm less concerned about it than I was 25 years ago.

So.... The reality is that if you want an electric start you'll most likely end up with an 8hp Yamaha or Honda.... maybe even Tohatsu's 8hp's can be electified, not sure.... but... remote control is really, really handy no matter what size. I used to maneuver into the marina, standing up, steering with tiller between my knees and the throttle lever right next to me on the cockpit bench's side wall. Sometimes I could stand on the bench for better visibility, with the tiller held by hand and my foot on the throttle lever.... yep, remote control is the way to go.

Final comment, I've purchase my last motors from Online Outboards......... my 3.5 dinghy motor and the 6hp sailpro.... great prices... delivered to my door free shipping... and.. on time. less than a week from time ordered to delivery. Anything over 8hp is unnecessary.

JBP-PA · Nov 1, 2024

You can find used outboards cheap on Craigslist or Facebook that can be cleaned up and run just fine. Near me there is a 6HP Yamaha long shaft 4-stroke for $1,400. 2-stroke long shafts are pretty common for about $300.

john renfro · Nov 4, 2024

Driver50x said:
Hello,

I’m planning on getting an older Catalina 22, but putting a new motor on it for reliability and low maintenance. What horsepower makes the most sense on a boat this size? What shaft length to get? I’m thinking electric start might be nice to have. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve

In California you cannot use a 2 cycle in some of the inland lakes, 4cycle is ok. 6hp seem to work well on my 22.

BillyBud · Dec 11, 2024

Driver50x said:
Hello,

I’m planning on getting an older Catalina 22, but putting a new motor on it for reliability and low maintenance. What horsepower makes the most sense on a boat this size? What shaft length to get? I’m thinking electric start might be nice to have. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve

I purchased a Catalina Capri 18 in August 2024 which came with a 4hp Yamaha. The motor would only run for 3 minutes. I replaced the gas motor with an electric motor, brand name EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 that works great. It's light weight, quiet, 3hp and the big advantage is that the forward / reverse is controlled by the throttle handle. No need to reach below the motor to switch from forward to neutral to reverse Would highly recommend.
BillyBud

pgandw · Dec 11, 2024

I also have an EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus on my 19ft Mariner that replaced a Honda 5hp that would not start reliably (when I needed it most). I love the electric, but it requires different thinking.

Range is 12+ nm/3+ hrs at 4kts (measured) at 400 watts. Motor is 1000 watts. If I use more power, the range drops pretty quickly. At full power range is 6nm/1.25 hrs at 5.5 kts. DO NOT use full power unless necessary to preserve battery and range. OTOH, my shoulder is now free from pain, starting is lowering the motor and turning the tiller handle. And motoring is actually a pleasure thanks to the quiet and lack of vibration. No gasoline on board. Other folks in Mariners with gas motors (4-6hp) can go 5.7 kts, and have a huge range in comparison IF they have a separate 3 gal tank.

Stuart Mariner 19 #4133 Sweet P