Initial Inspection, Startup and Break-in
Like any new motor, the Tohatsu Sailpro needs to be correctly broken in so that you will get a good long service life out of it.
The initial break-in requires that you adhere to RPM limits for specific periods of time.
The owners manual for this specific motor says the first stage is a
minimum of 10 minutes at Idle.
After 10 minutes at idle the manufacturer recommends you
keep the RPM under 1/2 throttle/3000 rpm until you reach 2 hours of use.
My C22 is currently on it's trailer, when not in use.
Since I would likely need to use more than idle speed to get to a dock when I launch, I decided to run it in a water tank (extra large garbage bin), like I have done with other outboards.
I fully recommend using a water tank over a garden hose attachment.
As long as the water stays cool, and the water level is at least as high as the level shown in the owners manual, you won't have any problems.
It's provides good water flow, and the exhaust/prop etc are all working as designed, immersed in water. Not hanging in the air.
Note: the normal ear muff style water feeds you can attach to a hose, won't work on this motor, due to the location of the cooling water inlet
While I was getting the motor ready, and while it was idling, I looked things over.
Here are my first observations:
- The cable supplied to run to the battery needs to be replaced and modified:
- Only 6 ft. long. Not long enough to reach most battery locations on a sailboat. I suspect the cable is the same one sold for using with a small power boat. Hopefully they will supply longer cables with future SailPro models.
- Uses bullet connectors at the motor. They are not waterproof. Since the cable connects to the motor at the bottom of the power head, I don't think this is a great idea.
- The gear shift lever "just" clears the grab handle on the oem Garhauer Marine C22 outboard mount, when the motor is tilted up fully. If you have a different mount this might not work, depending on it's design.
- The throttle has a friction adjustment knob. All the tiller outboards I've used, never had one so I'm not sure why this one does. Presumably the throttle could vibrate out of where you set it ?
- The fuel filter is somewhat opaque. I prefer clear ones so I can visually inspect them.
- You need to remove 3 bolts, along with the pull start recoil system, to use an emergency starting rope. Having to use tools could be a problem in an emergency or in rough conditions. (I wonder if there is enough room to install some type of wing bolt modification ?)
- The motor is quiet at idle. But, it does not seem noticeably quieter than the 2011 Merc 2 Stroke when at 1/3 throttle.