motors and wells

Posted by joel on
URL: http://kelt-sailboat-forum.30.s1.nabble.com/motors-and-wells-tp7559350.html

Just sold my Yamaha 9.9 hi-thrust, living on the West Coast it just drove me crazy not being able to leave it out of the salt water.  Never mind if I had a prop problem while away on a long cruise, the corrosion issues were worrisome enough. I use Micron CSC, so will be good for 2 years without hauling for hull paint, so I wanted to deal with the motor issue. I know It's possible to get the prop off in the water, or tie my dinghy alongside and steer with tiller in an emergency, but WTF?  An outboard should be removable, besides which at 100 pounds plus it's out of my comfort range to handle.  So I sold it and bought an almost new Tohatsu 6hp SailPro which weighs 59 pounds, 27" Ultra long shaft ( Long would have been fine), also has a 5 amp charging system_ and CAN BE PULLED OUT BY ME AND STORED IN THE PORT LOCKER WOO HOO, for security  or if I need that extra fraction of a knot when somebody is beating me who I think shouldn't.  Love this motor, had a Tohatsu 3.5 years ago on a dinghy in our big boat, and was the best motor I've ever owned. Made by Nissan who also make small engines for Merc, apparently. Just for the record, I took the Yamaha off in the yard at haul-out and motored 10 miles back to home port with my little Honda 2hp 17" shaft in the well.  Did 3.2 at about 2/3 throttle and 4 knots wide open when I ran it there for a few minutes. I know, I know, flat calm, slack tide, I'm just saying. If there was wind I would have sailed.
       This motor supposedly has a hi-thrust prop, at any rate moves me nicely along at hull speed at about half throttle and supplies around 3.5 amps.  Presumably would get more amps at higher revs. Shifter in front, lots of room aft of engine to transom, only just fits under seat, but fits.  No negatives I can see.