I was on the lake last week and had to motorsail about 3 miles against a 10-15kt headwind. I ran the engine (5hp Tohatsu) near full throttle until I got to the point where I could kill it and start sailing. After sailing for about three hours, I decided to restart the engine for the last 1/2 mile or so back to the dock. It ran for about 10 min. and then died. When I checked, it was out of fuel even though I had filled the tank before I left the dock. Forty minutes on a tank of fuel seems awful thirsty. Is this normal for the Tohatsu, or is it time for me to trade it in for a Honda? Will an external tank help? Thanks in advance. Peter Suah "Raven"
Thirsty outboard??
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Jon Bastien
that's about right...
I have an '87 model Nissan (same as Tohatsu), and that sounds about right for the rate of fuel consumption near full throttle. The tank on this motor isn't very large... I'm considering converting mine to an external tank model; I just don't like the idea of having the fuel hose coming over the transom. ...Of course, I like the idea of a four-stroke... Something else you should bear in mind- ALWAYS turn off the fuel valve when you're not using the motor (even when underway). This prevents fuel from leaking out through gaskets or bad seals... I had this problem for most of last season and didn't even know it. Left the valve on one night, and discovered an empty tank the next morning- and a nice little green puddle on the motor mount. --Jon Bastien, jbastien@mm0.net H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind' Key West, FL
I have an '87 model Nissan (same as Tohatsu), and that sounds about right for the rate of fuel consumption near full throttle. The tank on this motor isn't very large... I'm considering converting mine to an external tank model; I just don't like the idea of having the fuel hose coming over the transom. ...Of course, I like the idea of a four-stroke... Something else you should bear in mind- ALWAYS turn off the fuel valve when you're not using the motor (even when underway). This prevents fuel from leaking out through gaskets or bad seals... I had this problem for most of last season and didn't even know it. Left the valve on one night, and discovered an empty tank the next morning- and a nice little green puddle on the motor mount. --Jon Bastien, jbastien@mm0.net H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind' Key West, FL
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Gary Adams
Give me a Honda
I have a new Honda 4-stroke and i won't trade it for the world. It came with a 2.5 gallon fuel tank, that sits nice under the seat. It has all kinds of power. i had replaced a suzuki 5hp and the Honda eats it for breakfast. I generally motor sometimes for 3 hours or more up river and the honda is great on gas. i also take along a 2 gallon tank to keep for longer motor runs.
I have a new Honda 4-stroke and i won't trade it for the world. It came with a 2.5 gallon fuel tank, that sits nice under the seat. It has all kinds of power. i had replaced a suzuki 5hp and the Honda eats it for breakfast. I generally motor sometimes for 3 hours or more up river and the honda is great on gas. i also take along a 2 gallon tank to keep for longer motor runs.
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Chuck
Say What??
My 10+ year old 7.5 evinrude uses a 6 US Gallon tank. I only filled it once a month. The engine is run for approx 20 min on each outing(rarely less than twice a week) It sounds as though your engines hurting to me.
My 10+ year old 7.5 evinrude uses a 6 US Gallon tank. I only filled it once a month. The engine is run for approx 20 min on each outing(rarely less than twice a week) It sounds as though your engines hurting to me.
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mike43067
Honda here!
I also just bought a 5HP, Honda 4 stroke and love it! Had to have one after I heard how quiet it is. After all, we sail for peace and quiet, I hate a noisy kicker. I don't like the fuel line over the transom either, but it's a small price to pay. I do like the big external tank. RE: a previous post about prop hitting the rudder, I have put anticavitation fins on the shaft which helps prevent prop from striking the rudder. Works great.
I also just bought a 5HP, Honda 4 stroke and love it! Had to have one after I heard how quiet it is. After all, we sail for peace and quiet, I hate a noisy kicker. I don't like the fuel line over the transom either, but it's a small price to pay. I do like the big external tank. RE: a previous post about prop hitting the rudder, I have put anticavitation fins on the shaft which helps prevent prop from striking the rudder. Works great.
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Mark Sanford
Fuel line through the transom
The previous owner of my H23 installed a thru-hull fitting in the transom just under the rubrail directly above the motor mount. He bought the required connection fittings and about 10' of the proper fuel line and threaded it through the thru-hulls. It goes through the rear of the "cavern" (cockpit locker) and through another fitting into the fuel tank location under the starboard seats. This provides a very neat set-up and the fuel line does not have to go over the transom where it could get fouled with the tiller. The only disadvantage is that the fuel line cannot be removed easily from the boat. You must have another available if the motor is used on another boat or for servicing.
The previous owner of my H23 installed a thru-hull fitting in the transom just under the rubrail directly above the motor mount. He bought the required connection fittings and about 10' of the proper fuel line and threaded it through the thru-hulls. It goes through the rear of the "cavern" (cockpit locker) and through another fitting into the fuel tank location under the starboard seats. This provides a very neat set-up and the fuel line does not have to go over the transom where it could get fouled with the tiller. The only disadvantage is that the fuel line cannot be removed easily from the boat. You must have another available if the motor is used on another boat or for servicing.
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Tom Chulski
Four Stroke Motors
I flush out the lower unit on my Tohatsu after every sail, running it in a bushel basket of water. I'm surprised at how much oil and gas is on the water when I'm done. The four stroke engines are much cleaner. I've heard some states are planning on banning the sale of NEW two cycle engines. I understand that California has outlawed two stroke motors in the mountain lakes.
I flush out the lower unit on my Tohatsu after every sail, running it in a bushel basket of water. I'm surprised at how much oil and gas is on the water when I'm done. The four stroke engines are much cleaner. I've heard some states are planning on banning the sale of NEW two cycle engines. I understand that California has outlawed two stroke motors in the mountain lakes.
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Rick webb
4 Stroke, Costs?, Models
Yesterday while at my Mercury Dealer I inquired about the 4 motors. The smallest they had was a 9.9 and was about two grand. Are there smaller motors available and what are the prices anyone know?
Yesterday while at my Mercury Dealer I inquired about the 4 motors. The smallest they had was a 9.9 and was about two grand. Are there smaller motors available and what are the prices anyone know?
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Pete
honda
check out the Honda dealer they are great engines and have 4 strokes below 10 hp I have a 10 year old 7.5 and it is still like new love it!
check out the Honda dealer they are great engines and have 4 strokes below 10 hp I have a 10 year old 7.5 and it is still like new love it!
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R. Wheeler
Small Mercury
I have a 6 hp Merc, electric start and generator to charge electrical system. This is the smallest merc that can be upgraded to a alternator system. I have it on a 90 H23, does a very good job. This motor was purchased for about $1100 two years ago at Annapolis boat show. The best motor prices I have ever seen are at the Annapolis Boat show.
I have a 6 hp Merc, electric start and generator to charge electrical system. This is the smallest merc that can be upgraded to a alternator system. I have it on a 90 H23, does a very good job. This motor was purchased for about $1100 two years ago at Annapolis boat show. The best motor prices I have ever seen are at the Annapolis Boat show.
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Gary Adams
$$$$$ to Rick Webb
Rick, I recently Purchased, within the last two months, a Honda 5hp 4 stoke motor for my 86 23. I purchased it at a dealer in St Louis, and it cost me $1600.00. I don't know how that compares to other areas, but, I live outside of Peoria, and these dealers are just a little more expensive. The motor works great, as a matter of fact, when Jeff the owner St. Louis Sailing center, told me a 5hp motor was what I needed I was skeptical. I sail on inland waters and have moderate currents to deal with, along with the normal headwinds. This motor does a great job. Easy on the gas as well. I am very happy with it.
Rick, I recently Purchased, within the last two months, a Honda 5hp 4 stoke motor for my 86 23. I purchased it at a dealer in St Louis, and it cost me $1600.00. I don't know how that compares to other areas, but, I live outside of Peoria, and these dealers are just a little more expensive. The motor works great, as a matter of fact, when Jeff the owner St. Louis Sailing center, told me a 5hp motor was what I needed I was skeptical. I sail on inland waters and have moderate currents to deal with, along with the normal headwinds. This motor does a great job. Easy on the gas as well. I am very happy with it.
Thanks for your replies
It looks like I may have to change my engine, because it is a long way upwind through the channel from my slip to the lake. Along the way, I have to go under three bridges, including a railroad drawbridge that is often closed. I really do not like having to hear (and smell) that little engine the whole time.That's not why I go sailing. I do know where there is a used 7.5 hp Honda. My only concern is the extra weight, but it is probably a small price to pay for the extra power and the peace and quiet. All I have to do now is figure out how to get rid of this little stinker. Thanks again y'all. Peter Suah "Raven"
It looks like I may have to change my engine, because it is a long way upwind through the channel from my slip to the lake. Along the way, I have to go under three bridges, including a railroad drawbridge that is often closed. I really do not like having to hear (and smell) that little engine the whole time.That's not why I go sailing. I do know where there is a used 7.5 hp Honda. My only concern is the extra weight, but it is probably a small price to pay for the extra power and the peace and quiet. All I have to do now is figure out how to get rid of this little stinker. Thanks again y'all. Peter Suah "Raven"
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Tom
more $$$$
I'm glad to see people talking $ in this forum because the price ranges are VERY interesting. I was talking to my dealer who sells Mercury motors and they want $2500 for a 9.9 four stroke 25" shaft electric start w/alternator. That is pretty much the going price for any brand (Evinrude, Honda, etc) of the same type motor that I have found. One thing that I noticed is the weight difference. The Mercury claims to be 138# while others are closer to 110#. What gives?? I also noticed that Suzuki touts a stainless steel water pump housing. I'm interested in everyones opinion as to which brand is the best and why (weight, price, features,...) and also what are the prices you are seeing. I think that if we all start talking prices on everything, boats, motors, whatever, perhaps we can level the playing field somewhat, and that would benefit everyone.
I'm glad to see people talking $ in this forum because the price ranges are VERY interesting. I was talking to my dealer who sells Mercury motors and they want $2500 for a 9.9 four stroke 25" shaft electric start w/alternator. That is pretty much the going price for any brand (Evinrude, Honda, etc) of the same type motor that I have found. One thing that I noticed is the weight difference. The Mercury claims to be 138# while others are closer to 110#. What gives?? I also noticed that Suzuki touts a stainless steel water pump housing. I'm interested in everyones opinion as to which brand is the best and why (weight, price, features,...) and also what are the prices you are seeing. I think that if we all start talking prices on everything, boats, motors, whatever, perhaps we can level the playing field somewhat, and that would benefit everyone.
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Ghery Pettit
Motor prices
West Marine in Olympia has a 5 HP Nissan 4 stroker for just over $1000 (I don't recall the exact price). When my nearly 6 year old 5 HP Nissan 2 stroker finally dies (and at this rate that may be many years from now) I'll replace it with a 4 stroke engine with an alternator so I can charge my battery when under way. And - the 2 stroker goes through gas like mad. About 45 minutes or so and the tank is empty. Of course, the tank doesn't hold all that much. That's why I carry several 2.5 gallon plastic gas containers in the starboard cockpit locker of my 23.5.
West Marine in Olympia has a 5 HP Nissan 4 stroker for just over $1000 (I don't recall the exact price). When my nearly 6 year old 5 HP Nissan 2 stroker finally dies (and at this rate that may be many years from now) I'll replace it with a 4 stroke engine with an alternator so I can charge my battery when under way. And - the 2 stroker goes through gas like mad. About 45 minutes or so and the tank is empty. Of course, the tank doesn't hold all that much. That's why I carry several 2.5 gallon plastic gas containers in the starboard cockpit locker of my 23.5.
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