ode to the simple, small outboard

[Frank]

 Back a few years I learned to become a diesel mechanic with the Yamar in the flicka. Cleaned out the tank, the lines, replaced the fuel pump and had the injector rebuilt. Even doing the work myself, it was a time consuming and expensive lesson.
Now, here I sit at Indiantown, with fuel problems and built-in tanks. All new lines and pick-ups needed, tank pumped out and cleaned, 2 new filters, possibly plugged injectors etc etc. All from not being properly serviced before storage (by selling dealer)
Another costly and time consuming situation.

Yep...those lil 6 or 8hp kickers we use can be finicky at times...but bottom line is: *the new 4 strokes are great on fuel,
*they are relatively quiet
*they are relatively light in wieght
*the tanks are easy to clean
*they are relatively reliable
*they are not crazy $$ (compared to inboards or larger motors)
*if the thing really makes ya mad....use it as an anchor and buy a brand new one for about the cost of a major service on an inboard

We often curse them...but our lil outboards are farly easy to service and dollar for dollar...really do perform well.

We all love to hate them....but they really aren't that bad

[CharlieJ]

Agree- we have hundreds of miles behind our 8 HP Yamaha and it runs beautifully.

Love it.

[s/v Faith]

I agree Frank,

  I really like the 'outboard in a well' since you get some of the advantages of the inboard (having the prop under the overhang) without the disadvantages you mention.

  Sure wish I could find another Yamaha 2cyl 2stroke 6hp.  What is left of mine is sitting out in the shop... It was simply run to death!  What a wonderful it of kit!

Good luck on getting your fuel issues fixed.

[Mario G]

Paid little for the 9.9 on the C-26 thou it made me an out board machanic quick ,it was easy and cheap. I'm hopeing not to become a diesel machanic on the Yanmar any time soon ;D

[w00dy]

My old boat had an Atomic 4 in it, and I can say with a certainty that I have never cursed ANYTHING as much as I did that engine.

There's definitely something to be said for a simple little outboard. My new boat has a 6hp Tohatsu longshaft on a bracket. Just large enough to push our boat at hull speed and small enough to power our inflatable dinghy. It even has an alternator....though it's unregulated, so I consider it to be worthless... Why the heck would some engineer design an unregulated alternator?

Well, I guess no matter what engine you have, there's always something about it to frustrate you. Better to keep it simple and limit the number of potential frustrations ;P

[hearsejr]

I have a new A(SS)-4 that has caused a great rise in my blood preasure. I have since found a heavy duty out board bracket but my out board is toast. so I hope to find a 10 hp outboard with a charging system and electric start for my boat one day. that way when the Ass-4 cuts off for some unknown reason, I can fire up the outoard and keep getting on down the channel...or atleast out of the way of those navy ships plowing at me! lolol.

[Seadogdave]

Yep I agree with the virtues of an outboard iron topsail.  I glassed up the well, bought a heavy duty offshore mount relatively cheap when Boater's World closed up, and put a new 9.9 4 stroke Suzuki on my Catalina 27.  It's high torque, pushes through a blow, is economical, and has never failed since I bought her a year ago.  She has a 10 amp alternator (if I remember correctly), electric start and also a pull start!