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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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New Outboard Purchase

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T O P I C R E V I E W
keats	Posted - 01/07/2020 : 18:22:00 I've followed the threads on new outboards but was always happy not to need a new one. That's changed. Anyhoo, though I'd really like a Honda I think I need I'll probably go Mercury again to keep the cost down. Minimum requirement is 9.9 HP / 25" Shaft / Electric Start / High-Thrust Prop I know Tohatsu makes this and I would save on a Tohatsu but I like the grip shift on the Mercury. So this is a Mercury 9.9EXLH Checked OnlineOutboards and they have it for $2,795 + Tax That is free shipping (since I don't need a lift gate). Defender is $2,805 + Tax but they will charge shipping. Also not in stock so that's out. The big surprise is I happened to be in Bass Pro Shops and there were two brand new 25" Kickers with power tilt. Price is $2,927 + tax and I could just load one up. I don't really need the power tilt and I could order the manual tilt from them for $2,627 + Tax. Tempting to just get the power tilt as Bass Pro as it would be easier as I continue to age. Unless anyone has any better ideas for a new motor.
25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Russ.Johnson	Posted - 12/01/2021 : 20:59:06 Tim, It�s good to hear that everything worked out. Updates on old posts is what we want to hear. Thanks, Russ
keats	Posted - 12/01/2021 : 19:09:56 Circling back on this very old post to report that, after 18 months and 100 hrs of service, the digital hour meter is doing fine. This includes a very hot summer. Double sided foam tape used to attach the display to the flywheel cover is not holding so I'll be checking clearance and replacing with some short screws. It's handy to know exactly how many hours I have on the motor and perform service at correct intervals.
islander	Posted - 02/01/2020 : 05:38:47 I think it's a great idea. Now it's a wait and see if it can hold up to the heat and vibration. Please let us know how it works out, I wouldn't mind adding one myself.
keats	Posted - 01/31/2020 : 20:31:52 I attached it. I'm going to use it mainly as an hour meter, I don't run the engine a lot and want to keep track of maintenance intervals.
islander	Posted - 01/31/2020 : 18:02:26 Tim, I use one to set RPM speeds on small engines like lawn mowers, snow blowers and my idle speed on my outboard. I've found them to be very useful and accurate but I have never mounted one permanently.
keats	Posted - 01/23/2020 : 16:51:36 quote: Originally posted by Steve Milby quote: Originally posted by Russ.Johnson Tim, There is a battery that needs to be replaced after a few years. That begs the question...when you replace the battery, does the meter return to zero? That wouldn't be a problem as long as you expect it, and make a note of the reading before you change the batteries. Thank you Russ, that is helpful. And Steve, the one I bought has a non-serviceable battery said to last "10 years". I guess if I'm still at it I'll just buy a new one at about 8 years and and note the reading.
Steve Milby	Posted - 01/23/2020 : 16:31:39 quote: Originally posted by Russ.Johnson Tim, There is a battery that needs to be replaced after a few years. That begs the question...when you replace the battery, does the meter return to zero? That wouldn't be a problem as long as you expect it, and make a note of the reading before you change the batteries.
Russ.Johnson	Posted - 01/23/2020 : 16:06:13 Tim, I have an Hour/RPM meter installed on my Honda-8hp. Yes, the induction lead is on the spark plug wire. Yes, it's mounted under the cowling. The dealer just used a tie-wrap to a spot near the carb. There is a battery that needs to be replaced after a few years.
keats	Posted - 01/23/2020 : 12:39:44 Preparing for my new outboard, I'm going to add an hour meter (about $30 from Amazon). I want to keep track of hours for maintenance, especially pump impeller, and if I ever sell the boat. Looks like it just has an induction wire which wraps around an ignition lead. Has anyone used or installed one on an outboard? Can/should it be mounted on the engine under the cowl? I was thinking also of the small aft starboard locker on my C-25 which is right in front of the motor. I don't need to see it all the time and want to protect it from the elements. tia
Stinkpotter	Posted - 01/15/2020 : 22:00:55 Just don't forget the crankcase oil and lower unit gear oil--or as we used to say in the computer industry, "RTFM!"
keats	Posted - 01/15/2020 : 18:24:43 quote: Originally posted by Stinkpotter quote: Originally posted by keats That is a heck of a sale, $2,543 for 25" Tohatsu 9.9 with EFI and Power Tilt. After tax and shipping probably still less than $3K. The more I think about EFI the more I want it. ...and here I am just 20 minutes away... (Sorry�I don�t ship.) I think I got the last one, lol. $195 to ship to CA, I can take it.
Stinkpotter	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 21:05:12 quote: Originally posted by keats That is a heck of a sale, $2,543 for 25" Tohatsu 9.9 with EFI and Power Tilt. After tax and shipping probably still less than $3K. The more I think about EFI the more I want it. ...and here I am just 20 minutes away... (Sorry�I don�t ship.)
GaryB	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 20:39:30 quote: Originally posted by keats quote: Originally posted by bigelowp Just saw (1/14) that Defender is having a sale on outboards including the Mercury and Tohatsu -- the pricing looks close to their Warehouse deals so may be a good time for anyone looking to check it out. That is a heck of a sale, $2,543 for 25" Tohatsu 9.9 with EFI and Power Tilt. After tax and shipping probably still less than $3K. The more I think about EFI the more I want it. Do it! Do it! Do it!
keats	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 18:09:34 quote: Originally posted by bigelowp Just saw (1/14) that Defender is having a sale on outboards including the Mercury and Tohatsu -- the pricing looks close to their Warehouse deals so may be a good time for anyone looking to check it out. That is a heck of a sale, $2,543 for 25" Tohatsu 9.9 with EFI and Power Tilt. After tax and shipping probably still less than $3K. The more I think about EFI the more I want it.
keats	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 18:05:36 quote: Originally posted by Stinkpotter The Tohatsu you reference includes power tilt. Personally I might leave that feature out, but overall, I'd look very hard at that motor--unless it turns out Mercury is using the Tohatsu EFI powerhead now. (Probably not, but they probably will soon.) But I'd also figure out where I could get service on the motor, and consider buying it from that source rather than Online Outboards. Dave, I really would rather not buy online but I don't have too many options for brick and mortar dealers for Tohatsu in Central California. I'm calling one in Alameda tomorrow but I wouldn't be surprised if they get list price for them. I'd like to wait for Mercury to go EFI but I can't wait that long.
keats	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 18:02:02 quote: Originally posted by HappyNow If you decide to buy at Bass Pro, it would be worth signing up for their credit card which gives you 5% back, so about $150. Otherwise it�s not a great credit card so just stick it in the drawer or cut it up. Excellent idea, thanks.
keats	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 18:00:03 Thanks Gerry, I am leaning towards power tilt. I have strained my back and wrist a few times with the Merc and I think, by the end, the shaft if pivots on got bent a little so it was hit and miss on catching. My boat stays in the water all year except if I pull for a few weeks every other year to service. While in the slip, prop is always up and out of the water. Unfortunately, this can make it a target for passing boats. I've been lucky so far. Our Marina shop is strictly Mercury but I plan on doing all the maintenance if I get a Tohatsu and I think the important parts are probably the same.
Steve Milby	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 10:24:13 IMO 5 hp would be fine just to get in and out of a marina, but not enough for a fairly heavy C25 to overcome a strong current or to drive to windward against a strong wind and chop. A 6 hp Tohatsu works well in those conditions on my Cal 25, but it only weighs 4,000 lbs and the bottom is always clean enough to race. My Catalina 25 had a 7 1/2 hp Merc and it was ample, but again, her bottom was always clean. IIRC, Catalina recommended no more than 9.9 hp, and I think that's sensible. More power might lull you into a false sense of security, thinking that your more powerful engine will be up to more severe conditions. In addition, you'd also need to beef up your transom and upgrade the motor mount because of the added weight. The better recourse is to know when it's time to shelter.
bigelowp	Posted - 01/14/2020 : 09:15:29 Just saw (1/14) that Defender is having a sale on outboards including the Mercury and Tohatsu -- the pricing looks close to their Warehouse deals so may be a good time for anyone looking to check it out.
Stinkpotter	Posted - 01/12/2020 : 20:45:13 The Tohatsu you reference includes power tilt. Personally I might leave that feature out, but overall, I'd look very hard at that motor--unless it turns out Mercury is using the Tohatsu EFI powerhead now. (Probably not, but they probably will soon.) But I'd also figure out where I could get service on the motor, and consider buying it from that source rather than Online Outboards.
HappyNow	Posted - 01/12/2020 : 20:08:59 If you decide to buy at Bass Pro, it would be worth signing up for their credit card which gives you 5% back, so about $150. Otherwise it�s not a great credit card so just stick it in the drawer or cut it up.
gregographie	Posted - 01/12/2020 : 19:53:36 Appreciate all of the discussion on a good motor for the Cat 25. Is anyone using or has anyone considered, the Merc. 5 hp, 4-stroke "Sail Power" propane motor? It is lighter (about 60lbs). Can get in a 25" shaft. Concerns would be enough power in rough water and 'safety' using propane? I am new to the forum and found the 9.9. 2003 Merc. two stroke problematic after I purchased an '84 Cat 25 last July.
glivs	Posted - 01/10/2020 : 22:10:45 Tim, Just a couple of thoughts. I don�t know how you sail, but another argument for power tilt is safety. If a situation demanded quick deployment or for the Admiral or a guest to drop the outboard, the power tilt would be nice. I love my Merc but manually tilting it up or down is a bit of muscle and art. The mount has to be just so vertically and the outboard just so or the outboard will hit the mount before the tilt will engage or disengage....and it takes time. I also don�t know how power tilt affects your winter storage requirements, other than adding weight if you remove your outboard. Also, don�t overlook service. Are there dealers available nearby that can offer service if needed? What ever you choose you�re going to love.
Voyager	Posted - 01/10/2020 : 20:34:06 Peter, send me a note and let�s do it next weekend or MLKJr Day. Also, there�s a boat show at the Mohegan Sun casino from Jan 16-19 (Thu-Sun)
bigelowp	Posted - 01/10/2020 : 19:10:07 Bruce: we should get our "Santa Claus" list and schedule a couple of days to go to Bass and Defender. We can play good cop and bad cop to see if better pricing may be obtainable (smile).

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.