outboard motor weight

[tommyg]

I have an '89 Catalina 22 with a standard outboard bracket on the port side of the transom. I am considering replacing my old sixty six pound (unreliable)outboard with a new four stroke - we want to go with an 8 hp with an electric start, 20 -24 inch shaft. The problem is that the finalists are all in the 100 to 105 pound club. I know the old bracket has to go - so says Catalina Direct. My question is - Does anybody have any experience with using a motor in that weight category on the 22? Was there a noticable list toward aft or toward the side of the motor? Did it have any effects on performance under sail or power?Greatly appreciate all thoughts. On a related question - any of you motor gurus have thoughts on why a two srtoke Nissan 8 would run for 20 minutes at idle speed after the tank was refueled and (presumably) reconnected correctly by me and then loose power and stall? In the middle of the anchorage during the flood tide this was no fun!

 

[Ted]

Go for 5-6 hp and pull start.

It sounds like you are putting too much weight on the stern with 100+ pounds of motor. The boat only needs about 4 hp to reach hull speed. I have an 8 hp 2-cycle and never use much of the trottle. It weighs 75 pounds, but still makes the boat a little tail heavy. 100+ pounds will be even worse. Also, the electric start should not be necessary with a small motor, particularly a new one.You can solve the world's problems by getting a smaller motor. The current transom mount will work, the boat will be better balanced, and you'll have a few hundred dollars left in your pocket.Regards,Ted