Re-powering catalina 22

[Mike Koss]

I want to put a new outboard on my 1981 C-22. I definitely want an alternator, possible electric start, and definitely 4-stroke for range, cleanliness, quiet operation. A problem I have with the current old 2-stroke is that it virtually useless in reverse- the thru-hub exhaust seems to cavitate the prop, and I just can't back up to save my life.I would appreciate hearing if anyone has suggestions as to make, model, etc. Thanks,Mike

 

[RGallagher]

Johnson3.5hp

I also sail a Cat22. I purchased a 2005 Johnson 3.5hp 2 stroke for my outboard. It has plenty of power and will move my boat in reverse without any difficulty. It also is very light. There is no alternator with the motor, only drawback I find.

 

[Clark]

Go to a 5-6 HP . . .

You might have to step up to a 5-6 HP to get an alternator and probably an 8 to get electric start. Nissan/Tohatsu has some nice 6 HP 4 strokes w/ optional alternators that will weigh in at about 60 lbs.

 

[rsn48]

Many sailboats handle poorly in reverse

Many sailboats handle poorly in reverse. I added a power bracket to raise and lower my engine and I purchased a Merc Bigfoot 9.9 four stroke. I had hoped the larger prop would provide more bite in the water, but my reversing capabilities are still very bad.If you can use the tiller on the engine instead of your rudder, you will have a better response, whether two stroke or four stroke. Unfortanetly, I have a tillerless Merc on my boat so backing up is worse than playing the nickle machines in Vegas; occassionally I get lucky.

 

[randy]

Nissan 5 hp 4 stroke

we bought this motor this fall and are very happy with it. again, it does not have an alternator.Can someone tell me about this power bracket? where can i get one? i do not like fighting my motor to get it out of the water.thank you in advance

 

[rsn48]

Power Bracket

I'm in Canada and paid $1100 for it, I saw two listed in the Boating World catalogue but they were more expensive than what I paid. But the bracket is great, press one button and the motor goes up, press another button and the motor goes down. With the motor up, there is about one inch of the very bottom of the shaft still in the water, no big deal really.I added the Merc shifter and the model I have has the buttons for the motor incorporated into the handle. So I get on the boat, put the motor down with the power assist, turn the key on and the motor is on. It isn't as good as a diesel inside, but its a heck of a lot better than the old system, especially in rough water when the bracket always seems to hang in the "up" postion.Of course, if the battery goes dead, my motor isn't going up or down. Consequently, I bought one of those portable emergency batteries, that I also use on a very small portable refrigerator on afternoon cruises only. Its keeps the drinks and sandwiches cool.