Outboard for Hunter 260

[Sam morgan]

Who makes the best outboard engine for a small sailboat? I have looked through the archives and done a little research and still don't have a feel for the considerations when buying either a Honda, Tohatsu, Mercury, Nissan, or whatever. I would appreciate comments from people with experience on owning the various engines. How come I don't see any notes from Dave Condon any more.

 

[Alan Long]

Outboards

Mercury, Yamaha, Tohatsu, and Nissan all share models with each other. In the case of Nissan/Tohatsu, they are one and the same. Good, solid motors at a very reasonable price. Some models of Mercury are made by both Tohatsu and Yamaha. I believe the 9.9 4 stroke Merc is made by Yamaha. Again, excellent values. Johnson/Evinrude used to be made by Outboard Marine Corp., (OMC) before it went bankrupt year before last. The remains of the company were bought by Bombardier and they are beginning to manufature certain models again. Who knows, Bombardier may get Johnson/Evinrude straightened out and back on track. Based on my experience, I'd avoid Johnson/Evinrude for a while. I've owned at least one of all the brands mentioned and I'd vote for Honda as the best 9.9 4 stroke with Yamaha a very close second. The Honda is silky smooth and quiet, very reliable, clean, sips gas and is not too heavy when you consider how much less fuel you have to carry. Drawback is, its expensive.Hope this helpsAlan Long

 

[Frank / MD / H260]

Outboards...

I have a Honda 9.9. The engines great with the best fuel economy. At this point, I'd look at the best 4 cycle manufactures and buy the "longest one". I have the long shank model, but it still isn't long enough. You can never get that screw in deep enough.