replacement outboards

[Tom]

My outboard was recently stolen from my C27 (Merry Christmas). I had a Nissan 8 - 2 stroke. I really like that motor, because it fits and it provides adequate power when it's needed. Unfortunately, 2 strokes are no longer legal to sell in Calif. and the 4 strokes with enough power are generally too large for the transom compartment. I've just started doing some research into the area and this is one of my places to check. Mine is a 1976 C27 with the traveler just in front of the transom compartment lid.Any ideas or suggestions as to good motors, models, etc.? I appreciate any feedback.Tom

 

[Lorrie]

Outboard Head too large

Have you thought about picking up a used two stroke? Or putting a motor bracket on the stern? I have a 8 HP Tohatsu and it fits but I can't raise it out of the water on my 83 Catalina. I know some owners have modified the opening on the transom to accomodate a bigger 4 stroke, but it looked like alot of work and I would be concerned about the compartment taking on more water than it does under full power. Good Luck and I hope your insurance took care of the theft.

 

[sloopercat]

BTDT

I replaced mine with a Mercury, had to cut out the transom about an inch to fit. It was a 15, but the 9 is the same. I still have the 7.5 Merc if you want to mess with a used one. It worked great, just wanted to pull my RIB at hull speed. bjh44@exicte.com

 

[Peter Hine]

No 2 Strokes in CA????

No 2 strokes in CA? You must live at Lake Tahoe! But seriously, the 4 strokes are a better motor these days, much more fuel economy, less $$ to operate. But BIGGER, which is a problem for us guys that own boats from the 70's, when the 2 Str was all there was. I just bought a 2000 Johnson 15HP LS electric start in May last year. I sail the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta, SF Bay and Ocean. The 15 fits the OB opening with only a little cutting. It gives good power (5.5 knots in smooth water at about 2/3 throttle, hull speed of 6.2 at full). Runs well but is thirsty compared to Evinrude 9.9 it replaced (also 2 stroke). Uses like 1.2 GPH. The old Evinrude usesd about 2/3-3/4. A friend with a Honda 9.9 uses about 1/2 GPH. I'd look at a Honda if I had to do it over again. ESPECIALLY with OMC bankruptcy in December!!Good luck!!

 

[Howard Morton]

Honda engines

Tom:I had a 72 C27 with the same rig and problem you have. I re-engined with a Honda, which was good news, bad news. First the good news: it was a great engine, and it got about twice the fuel efficiency as the the Johnson it replaced. Now the bad news: while the motor would fit in the compartment, I couldn't raise it *with the cover on*.Short term solution: I took the engine off when I raised it, replacing it with a small tarp sewn to cover the engine. Worked pretty good.The long term solution was based on the fact that a lot of the space under the cover (particularly at the back of the engine cover) was empty. So I cut the cover down, and built a new top for it from fiberglass. Worked great: complete engine protection, and the engine raised properly. Took a bit of effort though....Somehow, I could never bring myself to cut the transom.....Howard

 

[Paul]

8 HP honda

My 1974 C27 came with a 1994 Honda 8 HP 4stroke and I really like it. It will tilt up without modifying the opening in the transom but the lazerette cover won't close completely when it's up. Fuel economy is great, less the .5 gallon per hour and it easily cruises in the 5 to 6 knots range without pushing it too hard.It's quiet, no oil to mix and no smoke.