R 22

Rhodes 22

 

Motors

The new 8 hp TH form Yamaha is overweight because of the electric till, I would NOT get it, but I saw their new standard 8hp 4 stoke that was a very nice setup, the controls are on the handle, the fiction control is in the right place, same fresh water flush and it weights about the same as the honda. also seam to cost a little less then the honda, with a 20 inch shaft. When I saw it they did not seem to offer the electric start (they have the parts for the TH, it looks like market dept. design), but it was new and the guy was not sure about anything. The down side is it the first year for the motor and should repop it like the honda, but I would take it over the honda right now.

The 9.9 is a fine motor, The one I have, GB can install a remote control kit for it simply and slave the motor to the tiller, great motor, all the power you could ever need, fits the boat but it's weight is a little high

MJM
13 JAN 2001


Consider the Tohatsu 2 stroke, 8 HP outboard. They are also sold as Nissan . I love mine. It has electric starting, and will start with about three pulls from a cold start. It is reasonably light weight at about 55 lbs. [give or take.] I average somewhat more than one hour to the gallon, but I always figure on 1 hr/gal as a safety factor. As a general rule, the less weight you have in the stern of the boat, the better it sails. You do not need electric tilt and fresh water flush on a small motor. If Stan has retrofitted your boat with his spiffy new motor lift, you'll never need to tilt the motor. You can flush the motor with the old fashioned ear muff type device, but in more than 18 years of salt water sailing, both here and on Cape Cod, I have not had any problems by waiting until the motor is hauled for the season. to flush it. I would certainly opt for electric start. I just got mine with the Rhodes last year, and it is wonderful.

Hope this helps you,

Dick
13 Jan 2001


We had to purchase a motor for the Rhodes we took delivery on this past spring. Our sailing is done mostly on Galveston Bay in Texas.

We asked Stan for his recommendation and it was for a 6 hp Mercury. His recommendation was based largely on the power we wanted and the Mercury throttle and gearshift feature. Both controls are in the steering handle.

Apparently most outboards have an independent gearshift lever that is located at the lower side of the of the engine cover. When the engine is in use in the down position, reaching a gear shift located at the lower side of the housing is definitely not as convenient as having all controls in the steering handle.

We bought a new 6 hp Mercury on Stan's recommendation and are very glad we did.

When motoring in a marina it is very convenient to be able to have full control of the motor with one hand and the other hand free for the tiller. The Mercury is a two-cylinder engine that runs very quiet with minimal vibration. My wife and sailing partner can easily start the engine with the manual pull cord. An alternator is also a standard option that we did not get. We have two batteries and one solar panel, which is fine for our evening and occasional overnight usage. I would get two panels the next time just for the added capacity.

We purchased our Mercury new from a local dealer for $1000. We compared this price to the new Nissan outboards sold by West Marine and Boat/US. In our opinion the Mercury is a much better buy overall.

Bill Gallant.


Thanks for your comments on the Merc 6. I am planning to upgrade from my Mariner 4 and this seems like a great choice. The 4's power was ok but was noisy and reaching under the traveler to shift gears with the side lever is a pain in the butt! I'll check it out during the winter indoor boat shows.

Dave & Teresa Scofield
s/v Buygones 1995
Galesville, MD

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