Motor for Capri 18

Feb 19, 2008
292
Catalina Capri 18 ann arbor
Hello Everyone,

Best guess is that my mercury 5hp is from the mid 90’s. The boat is a 1993, so ‘93 or ‘94 seems a good guess. I have not had much trouble with it, but this year I intend to put a lot more hours on it.

considering a new motor. Huge plus would be that I could get one with an appropriate shaft length. on the minus side is that from the specs I’ve read, 4 stroke outboards are a lot heavier than the old ones. I’m considering a 4 hp to cut down a little on weight (and cost), I think that should be sufficient.

any advice?

John
 
Last edited:
Feb 19, 2008
292
Catalina Capri 18 ann arbor
I seem To have dropped this question in the wrong forum.
I thought I was on the Catalina side of things. . . sorry about that!
 
Feb 21, 2019
42
Catalina 30 TR 3571 Cocoa, FL
John, I have a Suzuki 2.5 on my Hunter 18 and love it. Its quiet, reliable, and at 29 lbs (short shaft) you won't find a lighter 4-stroke kicker. There's a J-24 that uses one in our club and I've even towed a Catalina 27 out of our marina that had engine troubles - there's more than enough power for your boat even on the windiest days.
 
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Likes: SkookumZac
Jan 19, 2010
12,362
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
I have a tohatsu 6
Probably more than you need but I can put in a plug for tohatsu. Mine starts on the first pull every time... even after a few months of winter layover.

tohatsu makes smaller engines. Also, you might consider a 55lb thrust trolling motor and add a deep cycle battery and a small trickle charger solar?
 

GSBNY

.
May 9, 2019
138
O’Day 192 New York
I bought a Tohatsu SailPro 5HP Propane last season for my O’Day 192 and really really like it. Not a single issue all season and always started right up.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,024
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Spoke with owner. Suggested purchase of kit to lengthen shaft from 15 to 20 inches advising his Mercury 5 hp was built by Tohatsu