Anyone else having an issue with the tiller tensioner not working on their 6HP Sail pro ? Here is why. The bracket strap on the inside has broken. Here is a photo of what it looks like. If there are enough people out there having the same problem we can group together and get a recall started
Tohatsu 6hp Sail Pro Issues
- Thread starter Rltgold
- Start date
None of them work.
If it's broken, Tohatsu will tell you it's your fault, you tightened it too much. The manual warned you not to! There is no warranty. Tohatsu doesn't give a flyin' flip if you like it or don't like it, and they have no plans to change the design. Either get used to using bungees to keep the motor centered, or sell the motor and buy something else.
I'd sell mine in a second if it the silly thing didn't start on the first pull, every single time, even after months of inactivity. That characteristic covers a multitude of sins as far as I'm concerned. So ... I use bungees.
If it's broken, Tohatsu will tell you it's your fault, you tightened it too much. The manual warned you not to! There is no warranty. Tohatsu doesn't give a flyin' flip if you like it or don't like it, and they have no plans to change the design. Either get used to using bungees to keep the motor centered, or sell the motor and buy something else.
I'd sell mine in a second if it the silly thing didn't start on the first pull, every single time, even after months of inactivity. That characteristic covers a multitude of sins as far as I'm concerned. So ... I use bungees.
Your right they don't give a shit but your wrong it is worrentied. Mine has already been fixed. If enough people come forward we can demand a recall.
I'm sure you got that response. I told the dealer I was very aware of the instructions on how to use it and that many people were complaining about the problem. Tohatsu told them that "Sailors were not using it properly. I am going to contact a lawyer to find out what needs to be done to get a recall. Stay tuned.
Hey guys... there are enough motors out there to warrant someone coming up with an aftermarket part that can show up Tohatsu "kuk" ideas!
Why not make a metal band type of fitting with a friction lining material similar to drum bakes of a car? Someone out there with a small scale machine shop???????
Why not make a metal band type of fitting with a friction lining material similar to drum bakes of a car? Someone out there with a small scale machine shop???????
People try use the tiller friction knob as a tiller "lock"…. when it is not designed for that purpose. (supposedly due to litigation risk)
They tighten it up a lot to try get it to stop the motor from turning.
There IS an optional lock for the motor that is bolted into place, but many sailors don't want to lose the ability to steer the motor, so they don't buy/use one.
TOHATSU 3GR625000M STEERING LOCK KIT
That's exactly the fix that has been done by others, and commented about in multiple threads.
https://tillerfix.blogspot.com
I just got off the phone with Vic the tec guy at Tohatsu. If the Lever (thumb screw) was hand tightened it should never have broken. My was repaired under warranty. I am in the process was sending them photos of the broken Friction bend assembly so they can determine why it failed. He assured me that if the part is in fact not designed correctly they will fix the issue. We will see.
Here is my fix for fixing the issue in the future. A simple cup slot for the end go the tiller to rest in. I will attach it to the back of my stern .
Attachments
Glad I bought the 8 hp last year instead of the Sailpro (I really wanted electric start)! Although the cooling water vent keeps getting clogged....
I have had the sail pro for almost 3 years with no real problems, I tightened the friction screw so it does not wander but is still got enough friction to turn it when I need to in close quarters. But I steer almost all the time using the tiller. Motor does not wander any. Are some of you steering with the tiller a lot and just wearing out the friction band maybe? Just asking.
Good point. I have used the motor to steer, without backing off the friction knob.
I plan on getting a cam lock in place of the knob so it ca be released easily.
The tiller I referenced was my rudder tiller with the motor set static and I meant are lots of folks steering using the motor tiller handle and if so it might explain the wear problem. Ah clarity and accuracy rears its ugly head now and then. l
No worries, your other post was clear IMO.
While I have backed off the friction knob when using the motor to assist with steering, there have been times that I forgot.
I don't doubt that it would cause wear.
Of course, putting too much grease in the grease fittings would reduce friction, thereby making people tighten the friction knob too much.
FWIW, Tohatsu states that the knob is not designed to "lock" the motor steering. It's only to created some friction.
So if you want it to actually "lock", then it needs to be modified to provide more friction while allowing it to be released to allow steering, or install the actual add-on lock which effectively prevents using it for steering.
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