Outboard For Catalina 27

[Steve Jacobson]

Alas, my vernerable 9.9 Johnson 2-stroke died of a cracked head. It will cost about $1500 to fix it, so I might as well just go buy a new one, right? It's a big problem because we can only buy 4-stroke models in CA now, and I am told I have to go all the way down to a 6-HP to make something fit. I don't believe a 6-HP is adequate for this boat. Apparently some of you have been modifying your transom to make the hole bigger, but that makes me nervous as this is an important structural part of the boat that takes the load of the backstay and motor. I guess I could order a new 2-stroke and drive to Las Vegas to pick it up. But I am told that the new Bombardier Johnson/Evinrude 9.9 2-stroke motors won't fit either because the new motors don't implement the old low-profile design that OMC had.Can anyone out there tell me what they have done when they needed a new motor for a Catalina 27? I'd love to know what make/model works. I know there are a bunch of boats out there with this same issue... Please respond with your success (and failure) stories.

 

[tomD]

rule of thumb

I keep reading and seeing postings suggesting 2 or 2.5 horsepower per 1000 lbs of boat, giving you what: 10-15 hp?

 

[Dave]

Cracked Head ???

When you say "head", I'm assuming you mean the "power head". I suspect you have a cracked block, no? Because if it's just the cylinder head, that should be relatively cheap and easy to replace yourself.I'm curious as to how whatever is cracked got that way. What happened?Dave, 14447

 

[Steve Jacobson]

What cracked?

I can't be too specific because I'm not that knowledgeable about outboards. I do know that the lower cylinder was not firing, and that it had gas and spark. It did not have compression, and the shop took it apart hoping for a blown gasket. But they found a crack somewhere and said I needed a new power head (there was a lot of corrosion - the motor sits close to the waterline). They didn't think it was worth repairing because it would cost about $1500. But right now I'm not sure what a suitable replacement would be. I hate to put that much money into an old motor that has seen a lot of miles...

 

[Steve Jacobson]

Cat 27 Horsepower

The 9.9 2-stroke seemed very adequate, except with a lot of chop you'd have to push it to keep the boat moving. So I don't want to go to a lower horsepower - 9.9 seems just about right. But an 8 horsepower 4-stroke might be OK if it would fit. A 4-stroke has better torque and this is good for a heavy boat.

 

[Harry]

Johnson 8 Sailmaster

I replaced my outboard two years ago with a new Johnson 8 Sailmaster..2 stroke. It fits fine, and really has sufficent power for Chesapeake conditions. The engine I replaced was also a Johnson 8.I've had the boat(C-27)about 12 years, and only had a problem in heavy wind one time. Generally, it pushes the boat along at 5.5 to 6 with no problem. Good luck.

 

[Dan B]

Yamaha 4 Stroke

I sympathize with you Steve. I just purchased a 1973 C-27 with a 1982 Evinrude Yachtwin 9.9. After $400 worth of repairs they still couldn't get it to idle for more than 0.5 seconds and we were left dead in the harbor.My mechanic just installed last night a 2003 Yamaha High Thrust 4 Stroke 9.9. I have yet to see it but he says laterally it fits well but the coweling is taller and I won't be able to tilt the motor up so the lower unit is out of the water. I will just have to use a corrosion inhibitor on the lower unit and get in the water to clean the slime off of it.

 

[Rod]

Used Motor?

There are lots of used motors around, I bet you could find a good one somewhere.Here's some places I found:*www.boatmotors.com*http://pages.ebay.com/catindex/boats.html*www.iboatshop.comThe web's a great resource for just about everything.