Hunter 216 outboard motor

[jfienhelfman]

we have had a 4 stroke 4 hp tohatsu for 2+ years which seems to not work well. starting to do some research into other options so have a few questions:
1. wondering what size/brand outboard other hunter 216ers are using and their satisfaction with that motor?
2.do most of you leave the motor on the boat all the time, or do you take it off in between sails, or just during the winter?
3. do you simply lock it to the motor brace or have you done something additional to ensure its safety if you are not around?

we are newbies with motors and need one to get from our dock to the sound - about 300 yards....as well as safety if storm comes up suddenly

many thanks to all.

 

[Ray T]

I have a Nissan 4hp four stroke motor with integral gas tank for my 216. This is the same motor as the Tohatsu. Initially I had lots of problems with water in the carb. Figured out it was condensation from the fuel tank and went to a 3 gallon remote which solved the problem. I don't use my motor at present because all I do is race the boat and didn't want that much weight in the stern. When I used to leave the motor on the boat I just used a bicycle cable to secure it to the mount. It was enough to discourage the casual thief. I don't think you can secure the motor to the boat well enough to prevent a determined thief from taking the motor and possibly damaging the boat. I did take the motor off the boat for the winter and store it in the garage. When I lived in Annapolis and had a 2 stroke I would leave it on the boat some winters and it didn't make any difference in how it ran and I was very particular that the motor would run right. If your motor isn't running right check the carb for water. there is a drain screw on the bottom of the carb that will let you drain it. The next thing you should do is change the spark plug. If it still doesn't run right after that you might want to take it to a mechanic.