New sailboat motor, 3.5? 4?

[helmsdown1225]

Hello collective group of wisdom and then some!,<br /> I own a Ranger 22 sailboat, which is sort of a lightweight in her class at only 2100lbs. I used to run a 1985 Tohatsu 3.5hp, but it was entirely unreliable and the mount snapped in two during some heavy weather sailing (only a quick grab by my brother kept it from going overboard). I've only owned the motor for 1 year (it was a give-away for some boatwork done for a friend), I really dont know of it's history or care. I have a feeling it wasn't cared for too well and may need a lot more work than it's worth. In looking for a replacement, i've considered a brand new 3.5B by tohatsu or a tohatsu 4-stroke 4hp. Having never owned a 4 stroke outboard, i'm not sure of what kind of troubles and issues to expect... on the otherhand, i'm somewhat weary to buy the 3.5B, as it looks almost identical to the previous one. I've searched the forums as to differences between 2 and 4 strokes, but most have to do with much larger engines. Can anyone offer any insight to help me decide between the 3.5 or 4? The money isn't THAT big of an issue, though cheaper would be better. Has Tohatsu made any changes to the 3.5 over the last 20 years that should make it a "better" engine, or can anyone help reassure me on the 3.5B? Thanks very much!<br />-Eric

 

[tommays]

Re: New sailboat motor, 3.5? 4?

if you want the boat to move in bad weather then 4 hp would be the smallest i would go with<br /><br />some 4 strokes may have problems with the oil if there layed down for storage<br /><br />my 5.5 johnson 2 stroke out lasted several boats and was only replaced with a 6 hp rude in 1985 because i ran in to a few problems with it being a short shaft motor on a sailboat<br /><br />tommays

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: New sailboat motor, 3.5? 4?

The Tohatsu 3.5 A model that you have is identical to the 3.5 A that is produced today, except for the ignition system. The 3.5 B's only difference is a gearshft for forward and neutral. The general rule for an auxillary engine is one HP for every 500 lbs. So a 3.5 or a 4 would be fine, regardless of brand. Your present 3.5's past history of lack of maintenance is what has made it unreliable. But, just look for the best deal for the HP that you can find in any brand as they are all equally reliable.

 

[helmsdown1225]

Re: New sailboat motor, 3.5? 4?

Thanks for both of your responses. The boat as I said is a lightweight, when the 3.5 i had WAS working, it pushed her right along at 5kts(surprised huh! i was too!). I may go ahead with the 3.5B, as it's half the weight of the 4hp 4stroke. Is there a way to retrofit the 3.5 with a hookup for an external tank?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: New sailboat motor, 3.5? 4?

Nope. No fuel pump on the engine.

 

[steelespike]

Re: New sailboat motor, 3.5? 4?

While Im not sure of the exact procedure I believe you may be able to add a fuel pump for a remote set up.If you do a search about adding a fuel pump or converting Evinrude/Johnsons from twin hose tank to single hose tank you will see the set up.I would stay away from 4 strokes for<br />kicker power just too heavy and complicated.

 

[Joey One]

Re: New sailboat motor, 3.5? 4?

I have a Ranger23 which I think weighs about 3500 pounds. For 10 years, I used an Evinrude 4 HP Yachtwin longshaft. It weighed about 40 pounds.<br />A motorboat knocked the motor into the harbor. <br />This motor moved the boat at about 4.5 knots<br />in smooth water and about 3.2 knots in rough seas.<br />I replaced this with a Nissan (Tohatsu) 4 stroke<br />5 HP long shaft of about 60 pounds.. While I liked many features of this motor, and it easily moved the boat at 5 knots; I no longer use it because of the noise and vibration. I now use a Johnson 4 HP DeLuxe long shaft, 2 stroke, 50 pounds, 4.5 knots. This has the same robber mounts as larger motors and has a f-n-r shift. I love it.<br />If your Ranger has the same aluminum pipe and plate mount as mine; it was designed for a 6HP<br />short shaft. There have been many mount failures <br />using large motors or 4 stroke motors.