Motor mount concerns

[laughing chance]

I recently purchased a '84 Catalina 25.....It has a 9.9 hp Yamaha 4 stroke outboard that originally came with the boat. The motor mount, however, seems whoefully undersized......It has only 1 spring .....and the motor weighs 97 lbs according to the manuel.
So I need to purchase a new motor mount. The ones sold thru Catalina direct seem very pricey, but I like them.
Does anyone have any suggestions or preferences or recommendations concerning motor mounts? size, etc.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Try the C25 Assoc. website

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3

They really know their stuff and have the answer for you.

They are also among the most knowledgeable folks about outboard motors that I have come across.

 

[sinnettc]

FWIW, I have the (new) stock 2 spring mount on my 2001 Capri 22. Pretty sure it would handle the 9hp with no problem. It certainly doesn't blink an eye at my 55 lb 2008 Mercury 4 hp.

 

[laughing chance]

I thought I replied earlier but I dont see it posted. Thanks for the info. "They" want me to purchase the 4 spring model at Catalina Direct. I'm afraid it might be too heavy...especially if I might get a lighter moter later.
I'd like to hear from people with the newer 4 and/or 3 spring models from Catalina Direct.

 

[Clark]

You are wise to be cautious about this. I mistakenly bought and installed (on a Cal 25) a Garelick mount rated for 8 - 15 hp 4-stroke to use with an old Honda 9.9. The Honda weighed ~ 100 lb and the springs on the Garelick were so strong, I struggled to get the mount to the down position. It sure popped up easily though. After I sold the boat, the new owner installed an 8hp Tohatsu electric start and removed a spring or two and it works MUCH better. If you think you'll use a bit smaller engine later, I'd get a mount such that your motor is at the upper end of the capacity range - not the lower. You might have to help it up a bit but that is usually a lot easiler than standing on it to get it down.

 

[laughing chance]

thanks for the input....I think I've solved the problem. I've managed to add an additional extension spring to my mount. It's built in such a way that I can attach a spring inside the frame that stretches when motor is lowered and adds 60 lbs of lift. It's not stainless.....but it's only a few dollars and can be changed as needed.
It will work until a better plan comes along.