Hey guys...
So I'm doing a bit of research on outboards. I have a Briggs and Straton 5 HP right now but I'd really love something that can charge my batteries (all I have at the moment is a small solar panel).
I've looked at the Tohatsu and Nissan etc. but... when looking at the Honda engines I notice that they sell Power Thrust Models in both 8hp and 9.9hp.
For example: If I'm just comparing the 25" models
8 HP Electric Start $2649.99 (12V 148W 12A) 117lb.
9.9 HP Electric Start $2899.99 (12V 148W 12A) 117lb
Seems like the only difference is 1.9 HP and $250.
Walking around the marinas the Honda 9.9 seems to be the favorite. Even on the lighter sailboats. Any reason I'd want the extra 1.9 hp that the 9.9 provides....I'm thinking of putting this on a MacGregor 26C? They just aren't that heavy of a boat and I think I could get to hull speed with a 5 hp. So what I'd really love is a 5 or 6 HP engine with an alternator that costs only $1000 or so. but that is another thread...
When comparing these two... why the 9.9 over the 8?
Am I just quibbling over $250 over the life of the engine so I might as well buy the 9.9 or is there another reason everyone seems to go with the 9.9?
So I'm just looking for some thoughts on why you bought a 9.9 or if you deliberately did not, why?
So I'm doing a bit of research on outboards. I have a Briggs and Straton 5 HP right now but I'd really love something that can charge my batteries (all I have at the moment is a small solar panel).
I've looked at the Tohatsu and Nissan etc. but... when looking at the Honda engines I notice that they sell Power Thrust Models in both 8hp and 9.9hp.
For example: If I'm just comparing the 25" models
8 HP Electric Start $2649.99 (12V 148W 12A) 117lb.
9.9 HP Electric Start $2899.99 (12V 148W 12A) 117lb
Seems like the only difference is 1.9 HP and $250.
Walking around the marinas the Honda 9.9 seems to be the favorite. Even on the lighter sailboats. Any reason I'd want the extra 1.9 hp that the 9.9 provides....I'm thinking of putting this on a MacGregor 26C? They just aren't that heavy of a boat and I think I could get to hull speed with a 5 hp. So what I'd really love is a 5 or 6 HP engine with an alternator that costs only $1000 or so. but that is another thread...
When comparing these two... why the 9.9 over the 8?
Am I just quibbling over $250 over the life of the engine so I might as well buy the 9.9 or is there another reason everyone seems to go with the 9.9?
So I'm just looking for some thoughts on why you bought a 9.9 or if you deliberately did not, why?