Outboard Motor Help??

[John]

Hi Guys, You've helped me in the past when I was deciding to move my 10 hp (older) chrysler outboard from the transom well to a separate motor mount. Maybe you can help me with this one...After all the fun of moving the motor I've determined it is just too old and unreliable to risk using in Puget Sound. Rebuilding it will not solve the problem as the issue mostly pertains to the throttle linkage which is a series of metal rods rather than a cable. It's time to upgrade. I understand I'll need a long shaft and that I need to purchase a motor which will be easy to locate replacement parts for. I'd like to go with an outboard and run the shifting and throttle cables into the cockpit. Does the motor have to be purchased this way or can you retrofit any outboard that uses a "cable" system? Any suggestions, comments, past experience? Last question: catalina recommends you go no larger than a 9.9 hp. Really, what size should you have to push the boat? Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions you can provide. Happy sailing!

 

[Bruce Harkness]

15Hp for me

Went with a 15Hp Mercury w/remote throttle electric start. Same size/weight as a 9.9. Did this so I could tow my dinghy at hull speed. Will do hull speed w/o the dinghy at 3/4 throttle, should save on wear and tear and noise level is lower. Be sure and specify the largest diameter prop with the smallest pitch to maximize thrust. I went with a 10" prop w/5" pitch. This motor would require a 1 1/2 (approx) cut out of the transon to enable it to be tilted into the well.

 

[Joe Ford]

I have a ....

9.9 hp Tohatsu 2 stroke with remote and electric package. It has worked really well in all conditions. I had a 15hp johnson before that fit in the well perfectly but was very cranky. I sail my boat in the ocean, very rarely in the bay, and the 9.9 pushes through the waves quite nicely. Whatever you decide to do.... make sure you get one with the electric start and remote control.