Next message: Baumgart, James: "RE: [world-cruising] Saildrives (was: Diesel outboard ?)"
My Honda 8 HP extra long shaft 4 stroke (gas) outboard drives my sailboat
and is ultra reliable. The new model has a 27 inch shaft length, 12 amp
alternator, electric start (with pull start as well), high thrust 4 blade
prop, and costs about $2500. This motor burns about 1/2 gallon per hour
(1/3 throttle). I get about 10 nmpg motoring in calm conditions. At idle,
the boat will make about 0.5 knots, and the steerable motor makes docking
and backing easy. In reverse, exhaust is not vented through the prop - this
makes backing much better. I carry about 15 gallons of fuel total, in
plastic tanks which also supply my dinghy. My older Honda motor does not
have electric start and only produces 5 amps but weighs 80 lbs. The new
model weighs 110. I would go with this motor or a similar Yamaha. Tohatsu
makes a nice model as well. The Honda has a better pull start. It's great
piece of mind to not depend on an electrical system to get the motor
running. My wife can pull the starter cord and get it going on one pull.
Fellow sailors are seeing lifetimes of 10 years or more on these motors.
Yes, diesel is a safer fuel, and the diesel motor does not require an
electrical ignition to provide a spark. But to be sure it still requires an
electric starter. The newer gas outboards all have CDI ignition with no
moving parts, nothing exposed to water, and are very simple and reliable.
The fuel locker is vented. You can fill the tanks off the boat. Heavy
plastic tanks have a long life and no leaks. You will probably be carrying
gas anyways for your dinghy.
It is also great piece of mind to know that you can always unclamp your
motor, hoist it into the cockpit, take it ashore for repairs if needed, and
AT WORST replace it for $2000 or so. Your inboard diesel or outboard diesel
will require a lot more $ and expertise to repair. I recently brought mine
home for a complete tune up and service - which cost about $10. For a
larger boat you may want to consider a 9.9 HP or 15 HP model. For the price
of the diesel outboard you can buy 2 or 3.
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