What? I need a new outboard for my CD 26?

[mrubin]

Hello all,
I bought a Cape Dory 26 last summer....getting her ready to get back in the water and the boat yard operator tells me my old Honda 15hp is shot.
Near the end of last summer the electric start failed on the Honda, but the pull start worked well, no problems except with the electric start
Now the engine is shot?
"Repairs hovering at about $1000," says the boat yard owner.
"Better look for a new engine", he tells me, but doesnt try to sell me a newone.
Look at a Honda 9.9 at Defender, "best price," he says
"New," he says, "not used."
What about the Tohatsu 9.8 vs. the Honda 9.9?
Long shaft or extra long shaft?
What else do I need to take into consideration?
I sail in Western Long Island Sound, off of City Island>
Any insights would be helpful.
thanks, all.
Mike

[TohatsuGuru]

You will be thrilled with either one.

[AlanBrown]

Whatever you decide, determine if there are any dealers/repair shops in your area that can handle any problems which may come up.

[Izzy1414]

mrubin,

In line with AlanBrown's advice, look at the Yamaha High Thrust models as well.

[75R20]

I would completely disagree with everyone, until I determined what was wrong with the motor that is on the boat!

OK..... the starter died, but you stated that the motor started fine with a rope.
So either get the starter/starting system repaired or replaced and go from there..sounds simple enough to me.
The electrical connections to the starter/battery/cableing/etc. are suspect on any boat, so look at that first.
How bout compression on the motor ? oil comsumption ? smoking/fouling plugs ? Idle quality ? general power output ? noise/shifting from forward to reverse ? Water output ?
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Sounds foolish to me to throw money out the window "just because" without more evidence.....
Best of luck
Kary
S/V Mariah
#49080

[Knotaclu]

I'd get another opinion. Surely there is someone nearby who repairs outboard motors. It would be a shame to buy a new motor if all you have is a broken starter (or loose connection) and maybe a dirty fuel filter.

[scraph]

I fully agree with those suggesting you first get the information on what is actually wrong with the outboard. I, personally, could not sleep at night if I threw out a piece of machinery because it was 'broken' without knowing exactly what 'broken' was.

I recently sent out e-mails asking for advice on repair of a hatch I have. One man, who specializes in the brand of hatch I have, recommended only replacement of the broken parts ... and knew where to get them. Another told me the hatch I have is from an overpriced brand and that I should completely replace it with a brand that he pedals. So ... why on earth would I throw out a serviceable component and buy a completely different, completely new one ... if I can repair for ~$200?

Always get a second opinion on these things ... monetary incentive seems to trump thrift/honesty in this industry.

[poopdeckpappy]

I'd pick up the shop manual an rebuild it myself, what you'll learn will pay off in the long run and it's not that hard

[Crazy]

Honda motorcycles have a reputation as being bulletproof. Their automobiles have a strong rep too. I'd be surprised if it just died like that.

[75R20]

Originally Posted by Crazy

Honda motorcycles have a reputation as being bulletproof. Their automobiles have a strong rep too. I'd be surprised if it just died like that.

Any vehicle, vessel, or piece of equipment reputation is a product of sales, service, and ownership use and care. ANY product that is not maintained, abused, or not serviced correctly WILL fail before the same product that recieves the proper care.
Doesn't matter what it is, certainly Honda is not exempt.
Best of luck
Kary
S/V Mariah
#49080