The motor I have now is old and not dependable. I have found two options? 1. A 4 yr old 2 stoke Merc. It is an 8hp and seems to be pretty good? Option 2. Is a new 4 stroke Honda but it is only a 5hp? Is the 5 hp going to be enough power for my 25? THEY ARE BOTH ABOUT THE SAME PRICE
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5 HP Is More Than Adequate....
You might want to check on the shaft length to make sure you are comparing an apple to an apple. I've got a short shaft 6 horse Merc. 2 stroke of, I think, early '90's vintage which doesn't give me a bit of trouble. The only thing that's been a problem was trying to get back to the dock in a "gale" we had back in Oct. The lake had swells of three to four feet and the prop would come out of the water periodically if I didn't have the boat pointed properly with the wave motion. With a long-shaft motor, that would not have been a problem. I don't have a knot meter, and I'd guess I make 4 kts. (just by doing D=R*T calc from known points on the lake) or so under power. If you think you will always be using it on your home lake and have consistent winds, just to get in and out of the marina, you can get by with less motor. If you are ever thinking about doing some coastal cruising, you'll want a few more horses to overcome swift currents.
You might want to check on the shaft length to make sure you are comparing an apple to an apple. I've got a short shaft 6 horse Merc. 2 stroke of, I think, early '90's vintage which doesn't give me a bit of trouble. The only thing that's been a problem was trying to get back to the dock in a "gale" we had back in Oct. The lake had swells of three to four feet and the prop would come out of the water periodically if I didn't have the boat pointed properly with the wave motion. With a long-shaft motor, that would not have been a problem. I don't have a knot meter, and I'd guess I make 4 kts. (just by doing D=R*T calc from known points on the lake) or so under power. If you think you will always be using it on your home lake and have consistent winds, just to get in and out of the marina, you can get by with less motor. If you are ever thinking about doing some coastal cruising, you'll want a few more horses to overcome swift currents.
Tahatsu
I bought a brand new 4 stroke Tahatsu 10 HP extra long shaft with electric start (it has a pull start too in case your battery gets low) and battery charging circuit. It cost $2000 but I love it. It is advertised as the lightest 4 stroke 10 HP on the market and I believe it. Very quite, little fumes and enough power to take the boat up to hull speed. You pay a little more but get the extra long shaft. Pair it up with a marine gel battery and you wont have motor or battery problems for years. Good luck
I bought a brand new 4 stroke Tahatsu 10 HP extra long shaft with electric start (it has a pull start too in case your battery gets low) and battery charging circuit. It cost $2000 but I love it. It is advertised as the lightest 4 stroke 10 HP on the market and I believe it. Very quite, little fumes and enough power to take the boat up to hull speed. You pay a little more but get the extra long shaft. Pair it up with a marine gel battery and you wont have motor or battery problems for years. Good luck
I second that
It's true, I had a new 8hp Tohatsu electric start 2cycle and it was the best outboard I've ever had. Would absolutely buy their product again. Steve P.k
It's true, I had a new 8hp Tohatsu electric start 2cycle and it was the best outboard I've ever had. Would absolutely buy their product again. Steve P.k
Tohatsu Endorsement
I was in the same shape you were exactly a year ago -- an old motor that had become very unreliable. I'm a SAILor and not particularly well versed in engines, so I really wanted one I could count on. I bought a new 9.8 Tohatsu, also electric start. It has been a fantastic choice. It runs like a top, starts easily (every time), is quiet, VERY powerful, and gets me out of the harbor so I can turn it off
Good fuel economy too.
I was in the same shape you were exactly a year ago -- an old motor that had become very unreliable. I'm a SAILor and not particularly well versed in engines, so I really wanted one I could count on. I bought a new 9.8 Tohatsu, also electric start. It has been a fantastic choice. It runs like a top, starts easily (every time), is quiet, VERY powerful, and gets me out of the harbor so I can turn it off
Good fuel economy too.I have one available
I bought one of these, a Tohatsu, 9.9, electric start, 4-stroke, alternator, ultra long shaft, brand new late last year. Never ran it. Exact same engine as Nissan 9.9. After shopping around a lot, I found this to the the best engine for my Mac26D for ocean sailing. I had trouble with my old Honda 8 coming out of the water in waves and swells. Sold my boat, but still have the 9.9. If anybody is interested in buying it, let me know (rightaway@att.net).
I bought one of these, a Tohatsu, 9.9, electric start, 4-stroke, alternator, ultra long shaft, brand new late last year. Never ran it. Exact same engine as Nissan 9.9. After shopping around a lot, I found this to the the best engine for my Mac26D for ocean sailing. I had trouble with my old Honda 8 coming out of the water in waves and swells. Sold my boat, but still have the 9.9. If anybody is interested in buying it, let me know (rightaway@att.net).
This seems to be an ad for Tohutsu? I'm really wondering if the 5hp Honda is going to be enough power? esp in the ocean? It's only a yr old and I can buy it for $700
shaft size
Is it at least a long shaft? I think 5hp might be enough if you can keep the prop in the water.
Is it at least a long shaft? I think 5hp might be enough if you can keep the prop in the water.
Neither unless you have no choice-
That honda sure is pretty though. Long shaft for sure but... The 5 in my opinion would be underpowered for the 25. I have the same 8 Nissan that YY has. That is a great motor. For deep water sailing in my V 25 I would not use less power, am considering a Tohatsu 9.9? due to age related wear on the nissan. Would only use a 5hp for lake sailing, inland lakes not Great lakes. Chesapeake Bay perhaps but only in good weather. I also have a Nordica 16, weighs in at 925 lbs, perfect for a 5hp. You Yours is right about the 2 cylinder vs. 1 cyl issue. 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke is a matter of weight. 4's are way heavier , but much quieter and environmentally safer. On the matter of weight, you wouldn't think twice about taking an extra body out on your boat, so for purposes of sailability a heavier motor is not a consideration. A cooler full of beer weighs 50lbs. Even a 10hp is lighter than your wife. LOL. So the weight really only matters for transport/trailering and or removability for such. I always pulled mine, but then again its light. If no other choice go with the Honda. I could be wrong, these are just my onions.
That honda sure is pretty though. Long shaft for sure but... The 5 in my opinion would be underpowered for the 25. I have the same 8 Nissan that YY has. That is a great motor. For deep water sailing in my V 25 I would not use less power, am considering a Tohatsu 9.9? due to age related wear on the nissan. Would only use a 5hp for lake sailing, inland lakes not Great lakes. Chesapeake Bay perhaps but only in good weather. I also have a Nordica 16, weighs in at 925 lbs, perfect for a 5hp. You Yours is right about the 2 cylinder vs. 1 cyl issue. 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke is a matter of weight. 4's are way heavier , but much quieter and environmentally safer. On the matter of weight, you wouldn't think twice about taking an extra body out on your boat, so for purposes of sailability a heavier motor is not a consideration. A cooler full of beer weighs 50lbs. Even a 10hp is lighter than your wife. LOL. So the weight really only matters for transport/trailering and or removability for such. I always pulled mine, but then again its light. If no other choice go with the Honda. I could be wrong, these are just my onions.
Tohatsu
The big reason Tohatsu is so popular is that 1; they are a great engine 2; They make the small outboards for Mercury, and Nissan, same motor, different color cover and decals for a few extra bucks. My preferance is the 6 HP Extra long shaft. Comes with charging system too.
The big reason Tohatsu is so popular is that 1; they are a great engine 2; They make the small outboards for Mercury, and Nissan, same motor, different color cover and decals for a few extra bucks. My preferance is the 6 HP Extra long shaft. Comes with charging system too.
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