We recently purchased a 1973 Catalina 27 which came with a very, very old Chrysler 10hp outboard. We're thinking about replacing it. Does anyone have any comments regarding 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke? Would appreciate any advice as to brands and which ones might be found used instead of new - ease of getting parts and having service done, etc. Also, the current motor is a short shaft and doesn't work well when mounted on the transom. Have installed a separate motor mount but that's not so good either due to the short shaft. Am guessing a long shaft is the way to go. Last question...Catalina says 10 hp is the maximum. My question is how big do we "need" to go? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Jim
Outboard
John, Two things to remember, a four stroke is heavier and costs more. On the the other hand they are much more efficient and do not require you to mix oil with the gas. If I were you i would go for a 10HP long shaft / sail shaft outboard in the two stroke form. This is especialy good if you are under a budget. Also make sure it is a 20 inch shaft min. A 22 to 25 inch shaft is better for your needs. Brands to consider should include Johnson, mariner, and honda. Another good tip is to go with the maz power your boat can handle. In heavier sea's you may want that extra kick. Best of luck!! Jim
John, Two things to remember, a four stroke is heavier and costs more. On the the other hand they are much more efficient and do not require you to mix oil with the gas. If I were you i would go for a 10HP long shaft / sail shaft outboard in the two stroke form. This is especialy good if you are under a budget. Also make sure it is a 20 inch shaft min. A 22 to 25 inch shaft is better for your needs. Brands to consider should include Johnson, mariner, and honda. Another good tip is to go with the maz power your boat can handle. In heavier sea's you may want that extra kick. Best of luck!! Jim
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Joe Ford
Remote, electric, 10HP
I recommend this set up: 8 to 12 HP, Long shaft, remote control, electric start/alternator package. The convenience of the remote control and electric start is well worth the extra dough. 4-strokes are pricey, 2-strokes cost less but require a bit more attention. A 5 year old 2-stroke in good condition with the features I mentioned might cost you between 800-1200 bucks. A new one will be over 2,000.....4-stroke even more. If you buy used, make the purchase conditional on an independent mechanic's inspection. Brands I like are Tohatsu-Nissan, Honda, Mariner. If you want an OB that will fit in the motor cavity with out modification, look for an the smaller profile Johnson/Evinrude.
I recommend this set up: 8 to 12 HP, Long shaft, remote control, electric start/alternator package. The convenience of the remote control and electric start is well worth the extra dough. 4-strokes are pricey, 2-strokes cost less but require a bit more attention. A 5 year old 2-stroke in good condition with the features I mentioned might cost you between 800-1200 bucks. A new one will be over 2,000.....4-stroke even more. If you buy used, make the purchase conditional on an independent mechanic's inspection. Brands I like are Tohatsu-Nissan, Honda, Mariner. If you want an OB that will fit in the motor cavity with out modification, look for an the smaller profile Johnson/Evinrude.
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LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina
I'm in the same spot
My '73 C27 apparently came with the original 9.9. It had cockpit controls but they didn't work worth a darn & the engine wasn't too reliable (imagine that!), so I borrowed my dad's mid-80s 6.9. It's an enormous pain starting it up as there are no remote controls. I literally have to crawl in the engine well to start it and switch gears. Not convenient. I'm thinking of going with a 9.9 4-stroke with cockpit controls/electric start, etc. He works for a marine store & can get me a good deal on it but I think the long-shaft is definitely the way to go. I'm also a little concerned about it actually fitting on my boat. I imagine I'll have to add some kind of extension cuz I'm not interested in cutting my boat up after spending so much time getting her looking so good! LaDonna
My '73 C27 apparently came with the original 9.9. It had cockpit controls but they didn't work worth a darn & the engine wasn't too reliable (imagine that!), so I borrowed my dad's mid-80s 6.9. It's an enormous pain starting it up as there are no remote controls. I literally have to crawl in the engine well to start it and switch gears. Not convenient. I'm thinking of going with a 9.9 4-stroke with cockpit controls/electric start, etc. He works for a marine store & can get me a good deal on it but I think the long-shaft is definitely the way to go. I'm also a little concerned about it actually fitting on my boat. I imagine I'll have to add some kind of extension cuz I'm not interested in cutting my boat up after spending so much time getting her looking so good! LaDonna
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mc - "Shima"
Re: 2 cycle vs. 4 cycle outboard motors
Lake Tahoe has/will ban all 2-cycle motors,there are date exceptions, but the handwriting is on the wall. Over the next few years, how many other areas will follow suit?
Lake Tahoe has/will ban all 2-cycle motors,there are date exceptions, but the handwriting is on the wall. Over the next few years, how many other areas will follow suit?
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John
Thanks to All
Thanks to all of you....good advice. Being in the south sound where the wind can be "iffy" makes the need for a solid outboard essential. Still, even after reading your thoughts I am beginning to see why we call the "sail" boats! Clearly my choices are 1)put the outboard in the transom area designed for it and trim it so as not to contact the rudder(I don't care for this) or use the new mount I've installed and "only" use the tiller for steerage. (the motorshaft handle has to be folded for this design to work). Ah, yes, the joys of outboards... Anywaym, the replies are appreciated. It's nice to find a forum friendly to those of us who are still in the "learning" process. Har Har Maties.
Thanks to all of you....good advice. Being in the south sound where the wind can be "iffy" makes the need for a solid outboard essential. Still, even after reading your thoughts I am beginning to see why we call the "sail" boats! Clearly my choices are 1)put the outboard in the transom area designed for it and trim it so as not to contact the rudder(I don't care for this) or use the new mount I've installed and "only" use the tiller for steerage. (the motorshaft handle has to be folded for this design to work). Ah, yes, the joys of outboards... Anywaym, the replies are appreciated. It's nice to find a forum friendly to those of us who are still in the "learning" process. Har Har Maties.
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Dave O
Should not be a question...
The boat was designed to have a 10 hp mounted in the well/stern. I do not see why anyone would want to install a motor mount on the stern of a Cat27OB and not use the provided well/transem motor mount area. I have, and am very happy with the performance and steerage of my Mercury 15hp. The extra power is great and is not to much for the boat by any means. the stearn needs to be shaved a little bit for it to fit but is not a strength problem. As far as 4 strokes, they are too big to fit in the hole in the stern by far. A 10hp 4 stroke is almost the size of a 30hp 2 stroke. Hope this clears it up. Good luck....
The boat was designed to have a 10 hp mounted in the well/stern. I do not see why anyone would want to install a motor mount on the stern of a Cat27OB and not use the provided well/transem motor mount area. I have, and am very happy with the performance and steerage of my Mercury 15hp. The extra power is great and is not to much for the boat by any means. the stearn needs to be shaved a little bit for it to fit but is not a strength problem. As far as 4 strokes, they are too big to fit in the hole in the stern by far. A 10hp 4 stroke is almost the size of a 30hp 2 stroke. Hope this clears it up. Good luck....
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John
I have a outboard too..
John, I have a 82 C27with a 1978, 9.9hp johnson sailmaster, this has a 25" shaft length which is needed, and pushes the boat nicely round 5-6knts. I have rencetly purchased a Nissan 9.8 extra long shaft (25") this does not tip up in to the well like the sailmaster, but Im going to have to put a standoff mount that will mount it around 6" farther back, this will allow me to tilt it up without cutting the top of the motorwell and the hull up. I dident want to cut up the boat to mount a motor, this works well. and the motor pushes it very well! john
John, I have a 82 C27with a 1978, 9.9hp johnson sailmaster, this has a 25" shaft length which is needed, and pushes the boat nicely round 5-6knts. I have rencetly purchased a Nissan 9.8 extra long shaft (25") this does not tip up in to the well like the sailmaster, but Im going to have to put a standoff mount that will mount it around 6" farther back, this will allow me to tilt it up without cutting the top of the motorwell and the hull up. I dident want to cut up the boat to mount a motor, this works well. and the motor pushes it very well! john
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ToyBox
Been there
I just went through the same search process and was steered to the Johnson 10 or 15 hp. It will fit in the very limited space of the transom and either will push the boat just fine. The price difference was insignificant and the weight was identical (just a different carb set up) so I went to the 15. Who knows when you will need the extra power and when you do need it you will really need it. I was told that only the chrysler and the johnson fit in the space. I happened to walk into a small local marine store that is famous for its elitist attitude and unequalled knowledge. Luckily, one of the older guys that works there has the identical C-27 configuration and was more than willing to talk about it for as long as I would listen. I also went to the remote start/ throttle set up. I am supposed to put it on the boat one evening this week and can't wait. Definately go to at least a 20" shaft, but I have also been told that a 25" can interfere with the tiller. Good luck and let us know what you end up with. Chris
I just went through the same search process and was steered to the Johnson 10 or 15 hp. It will fit in the very limited space of the transom and either will push the boat just fine. The price difference was insignificant and the weight was identical (just a different carb set up) so I went to the 15. Who knows when you will need the extra power and when you do need it you will really need it. I was told that only the chrysler and the johnson fit in the space. I happened to walk into a small local marine store that is famous for its elitist attitude and unequalled knowledge. Luckily, one of the older guys that works there has the identical C-27 configuration and was more than willing to talk about it for as long as I would listen. I also went to the remote start/ throttle set up. I am supposed to put it on the boat one evening this week and can't wait. Definately go to at least a 20" shaft, but I have also been told that a 25" can interfere with the tiller. Good luck and let us know what you end up with. Chris
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Walt
Be Careful!!!
I bought a Nissan 2.5 for my dink from Boat US. Got a great price but did not investigate further. Consequently, I've found that there is only one dealer who services them in the entire mid-Chesapeake Bay area - and not a good dealer either. No one else will work on them!!!! And Boat US did not even sell replacement spark plugs for Nissans the year after I bought it! If you can't get parts and service it's not a good deal. Buy a motor that you can get serviced easily in your area. That is very important over time.
I bought a Nissan 2.5 for my dink from Boat US. Got a great price but did not investigate further. Consequently, I've found that there is only one dealer who services them in the entire mid-Chesapeake Bay area - and not a good dealer either. No one else will work on them!!!! And Boat US did not even sell replacement spark plugs for Nissans the year after I bought it! If you can't get parts and service it's not a good deal. Buy a motor that you can get serviced easily in your area. That is very important over time.
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