Outboard Shopping

[tager]

I am looking for an outboard smaller and lighter than a Honda 8hp, and less broken than my particular one.

I have been researching the Tohatsu Sail Pro.

It is a one cylinder 4 cycle outboard 123cc with a 3.1 gal external tank, 25" shaft, high thrust prop, and alternator

However, the 4 hp, which is $500 cheaper, is 123 cc with an internal tank, same stroke and bore, 4 cycle with 20" shaft. High thrust prop ($100) and charging system ($30) are options. The carb rebuild kits for both motors are the same.

What is going on here, are these motors really different only in name?

[sailingdog]

It appears that while the upper parts are mostly the same, the 6HP has a different carburetor setup than the 4 HP. However, the Sail Pro also has a longer shaft, which is usually necessary on sailboats to prevent the prop from ventilating... and the diameter of the prop is larger, which allows it to use a lower pitch high-thrust prop.

[tommays]

I have the 4 hp 2 stroke the high trust prop is a must and provides massive push the motor will NOT spin up to full RPM with the stock prop on a displacement hull

ALL the 1 cylinder motors have a horrific vibration problem that travels through the boat and performs a lose bolt test on everything

The Pro is 6hp and the parts to make the 4 into a 6 with HT prop will run about 500

[tager]

Well the HT prop is $100.
The charging kit is $30.
The extra-long shaft extension is $223.99.
The fuel connector for the cowling is $32.00
The tank is $58.99.
The fuel line is $68.99.

Overall the cost of all of these parts is $513.97

However, I could live with the 20" leg, and the integral tank, which brings the price down to only $130...

The real question is, what makes the 6hp a 6hp when all the specs are the same as the 4 and the 5?

[sailingdog]

The main difference between the three models, as has been discussed on several forums previously, including this one... are the carburetor jets or carburetors.

I'd point out that having an external fuel tank makes the engine far safer to use, since you can have a larger fuel tank and the chances of running out of fuel are much lower. Also, it is generally easier to re-fill a fuel tank sitting in the cockpit than the integral tank on the engine itself, since the engine will often be hanging off the transom or in an outboard well.

Originally Posted by tager

Well the HT prop is $100.
The charging kit is $30.
The extra-long shaft extension is $223.99.
The fuel connector for the cowling is $32.00
The tank is $58.99.
The fuel line is $68.99.

Overall the cost of all of these parts is $513.97

However, I could live with the 20" leg, and the integral tank, which brings the price down to only $130...

The real question is, what makes the 6hp a 6hp when all the specs are the same as the 4 and the 5?

[tommays]

ITS A DIFFERENT CARB

There have been older models were its was only a restrictive intake gasket Or turning a screw to allow more throttle with the 3 star motors its not as easy

There are a lot of marketing reasons that cause this to happen like Hp restricted lakes



IMHP you really want the 25" as i had my 20" in DEEP and it was JUST enough

The 2004 4Hp did move and 8000# boat at 4.5 knots

[Parclan]

I have a Yamaha 4hp , 4 cy. which is a nice little motor, buy seriously underpowered. It barely pushes our 7' inflatable at more than 5-6 knots with 3 kids (170lbs payload, max). Great motor, just wish it had more oomph.

[tager]

Is the inflatable a planing one? You can't expect much speed if she won't come up on a plane.

I think I am going to just get the sail pro, it's got all the options I want. I can't help but think that the 4hp will run longer, having the smaller carb.

[Parclan]

Yep - a planing one. Like I said, its a spiffy little motor, just a bit lite in the pants.

[tager]

Is it hitting max revs? You might not be making the powerband. Try high octane fuel, and maybe a higher pitch prop.