Long shaft or short shaft for Catalina 25 outboard

[Don]

My 9 hp honda outboard just died and I need to replace it. It was a long shaft. Can a short shaft do the job on my Catalina 25 mount? Also, can a 7 or 8 hp engine do the job instead of a 9.9?

 

[f sondergaard]

outboard

We had been using a Johnson 8hp with a 20 inch shaft, the motor did well with us as far as pushing our 25. But,when someone left the cockpit to raise sails or even toss out the anchor,the motor popped out of the water when a rear wave got us, or someone stepped forward of the cockpit to do something. Last week we decided to purchase a Honda becouse of the 28inch shaft.

 

[Tim Leighton]

LONG SHAFT

Don: It has been a while since I had my 25, but I definitely agree with the previous post that a long shaft is your best bet, even if it costs a few extra $$. When your "significant other" decides to do some sunbathing on the bow while you are motoring, the last thing you want to do is force her back to the cockpit and ruin the scenery in order to keep the prop in the water! As for size, you are right that the smaller HP outboard would probably move the boat under normal (calm, low wind) conditions, but if you venture outside Point Loma and ever do any "distance" sailing, you may really need the extra punch the 9.9 provides when the seas kick up. Isn't it great to get advice from fellow sailors that cost you extra money!!! Good Luck and smooth sailingTim Leighton (S/V "MAGIC")

 

[Gary Clarke]

Ain't long enough!

I own a C250 and was correctly told "Go extra long and you won't have any problems.....Went 8hp Honda extra long, and by gum I have never brought it out of the water, even with 4 people on the nose in rough water. That's my story and I'm stickin to it!

 

[Jon W.]

Shaft Length

1984 C25I had a Honda 9.9 hp, and later switched to a Honda 8. Both were longshafts. The only difference in these motors was the carburetor and Camshaft. The 9.9 hp could rev a little higher to get the extra 2 hp. The 4 stroke 8 hp was fine for power.You'll be much happier with the longshaft motor. But the motor mount type and position has some bearing on this. Our original factory mount had two lower positions. I used the upper position most of the time. It was easier to reach the motor controls and kept the power head mostly dry. In taller or choppy waves I used the lower position, but the power head would get some splash.

 

[Bryan]

Long Shaft is the way to go!

I replaced a 21" 9.9 2 stroke with a 25" 4 stroke Johnson. Best thing I've done to date. I am on open water and subject to high winds. Leaving my slip can be a real challenge but the 4 stroke high thrust solved it as well as staying submerged in choppy water.