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
