what kind of outboard

MarkEric · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011

First time poster here. I just bought a 27' Catalina for Puget Sound cruising. The boat came with a ugly looking chysler sailor 25. I don't trust this motor so I'm looking at a Tohatsu 9.8 with electric start and controls. Does anybody have experience with this motor, or can you recommend a better option?
Thanks

T37Chef · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011

I purchased one last year for our dingy. Although I have only had it about a year, purchased from Defender, I find it to be great motor and even better value. Be sure you run the gas out of the carb after each use by closing the valve, but thats pretty much SOP for small 4-strokes these days I think, and it should be problem free.

If you were to consider another motor, the Merc 9.9 is the same engine but has the shifter on the tiller, maybe a good option for a aux engine on the sailboat? But IMO its overpriced when compared to the T9.8

I am not familiar enough with the C27, but I wonder if the 9.8 would have enough power for that sized boat and your cruising grounds? Maybe a Tohatsu 15?

sailjunkie · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

We sailed Catalina 27's with Yamaha 9.9's before we bought our own boat. 9.8 HP should be enough power for most cruising conditions.

I was just wondering if there was any documentation on the age or condition of the Chrysler? Does it run? Would the OP consider having a mechanic take a quick look at it? I ask because while we got by nicely with 9.9's on the Catalinas, our own boat has an 18 HP diesel, and I really like having the extra HP if we need it.

delite · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

We have a 9.9 Yamaha on our C27 and it is fine for most conditions. Engine has been reliable. I understand Tohatsu, Nissan and Mercury are all the same engine. Many people claim the horse power is overstated on the Tohatsu's so the 9.8 actually runs about 8hp. Either way that is enough HP for most situations with your boat

INMA · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

Any outboard is only as good as its propeller.

Solas have an excellent high thrust propeller for that family of outboards.

The standard Tohatsu propeller is not up to the task, especially in reverse.

Its poor value to buy a new outboard without the best propeller possible for your installation.

emoney · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

Don't be so quick to give up on your old Chrysler just because it's ugly. Heck, we'd have to do away with a lot of people around here with those rules, lol. At least let it take you to the end of it's life. Now, if you simply "must" replace it, then you simply cannot beat a Yamaha. Those things, especially the 9.9 XL shafts are tough little motors and can be head with both electric start and forward controls. I know a guy that had a Pearson 26 with a Yamaha 9.9 4-stroke that had electric start, alternator, forward controls AND power tilt. That thing was as easy to operate as my diesel is and a whole lot quieter.

TohatsuGuru · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by delite

We have a 9.9 Yamaha on our C27 and it is fine for most conditions. Engine has been reliable. I understand Tohatsu, Nissan and Mercury are all the same engine. Many people claim the horse power is overstated on the Tohatsu's so the 9.8 actually runs about 8hp. Either way that is enough HP for most situations with your boat

Many people claim what? Seriously? One guy in the U.S. ran a BS test on a 6 hp and suddenly it's many people? OMG

Quickstep192 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

To me, one of the most important considerations is a competent local repair place. Sooner or later you'll need service and unless you're seriously into do-it-yourself, having a compentant repair place is key.

Spaf · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

Asking what brand outboard is like asking what brand pick-up. I think Quickstep hit the nail on the head. Service and availability of parts is important.

INMA · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011

I agree with TohatsuGuru, that any 10hp outboard produces 10hp. Some dealers do not fit the outboards with high thrust propellers and the outboards perform poorly on displacement hulls, that is a propeller issue and happens with all brands where dealers don't understand or care about selling to the displacement hull market.

My Mariner 5hp has pushed our yacht (1000 kg), towed a dingy and a Cole 23 (1500 kg) at 3 to 4 knots into a 20 knot wind in flat waters. The high thrust propeller is just as important as the power.

I also agree the local dealer is important.