Chrysler Sailors Forum

Went shopping for a motor this morning. Based upon readings here (may not know crap about boats but I know how to use the SEARCH button!) I knew I was looking for an 8 or 9 hp motor with a long shaft. HOLY CRAP!! The motor is going to cost me more than the boat did!! That is just wrong!

Can you say "Craigs List" LOL!

Maybe watch the ads for a used motor. Preferably you join a local club and can buy one from another member?

Another idea is the local rental shops usually sell their older equiptment.
When I say older I mean outboards that are rentals and 2-3 years old. You can score a fantastic motor very reasonably priced! I picked up a merc 2.5 hp for 200 bucks at our rental place. It ran for years perfectly and still ran when I sold it.

Make sure they run the motor for you and that is has a healthy stream of water coming out the back!

Scott

Craigslist is the way to go. I just replaced my Chyrsler 10hp that burned up last fall. I found a 1996 Nissan 9.9 with electric start, charging system and remote controls that came off of a 26' sailboat (the owner wanted a 4 stroke) only used on Lake Michigan. Paid $600 for everything.

Mike, that is a great deal!

We found ours on ebay. A '93 Johnson Sailmaster. I converted it to remote, it also had the wrong prop which I rectified. The main thing for me was getting a motor I could get parts for.

They're out there just watch Ebay and Craigslist.

Oh and we just bought a never used Tanaka 5.5 for the dinghy. Got it from a former Tanaka dealer for $250.

Keep looking and you will find something, I struggled with an old chrysler 6 sailor and then I finally decided that it wasn't worth the frustration. (mixing oil, the fumes, the noise, throwing my shoulder out and never having the confidence that it would start when needed). So I purchased a 9 hp Tohatsu 4 stroke sight unseen from some place in tenn. The price was great and I have never looked back. I got the electric start, if i would have known how easy it is to start I probably wouldn't have got the electric start, and probably would have got less HP. Only word of advice is be careful not to be penny wise and pound foolish.

LeatherneckPA, did you think this past time would be cheap
Waite until you want to replace your runing riging, You can't just buy your ropes at Fleet farm
I found you just need to keep your eyes open for what you are looking for and the deals will come around.

We sailed the C-22 all season without a motor, just a few times when it would have been nice but now that I'm dealing with a 9,9 evinrude on the C-26 that the 1st mate found for $400 then ad $100 for the new prop and $5 for the starter gear, I like the idea of sailing with out a motor even more...

A reliable motor will cost you, unless you catch someone moving from a 2 to four stroke, be careful about craigslist.. people unload lots of junk there and an old poorly maintained 2-stroke might give you real problems.

I picked up a like new one year old 9.9 hp suzuki 4-stroke for 900.

Be sure and get the long shaft.... ( not as many of thsoe around!)

I'd figure out based on your sailing situation how much you will rely on your OB and then figure out how reliable / good it has to be to keep you safe and sane and then budget accordingly.

Personally, I didn't like the idea of paying big bucks for a 4-stroke and then having to modify my boat for the extra size and weight. I was glad to find a good a 2-stroke, extra-long (25") shaft.

Our old Chrysler Sailors were extra-long. I think a long (20") shaft will work ok, but if you get some big waves that extra 5" might come in handy.

I have a Johnson Evinrude dealer here that is great I told him I was looking for a 2 stroke 9.9 or 15 so it would tilt and he took one in on trade
2006 15 hp 2 stroke $1200.00 and 50 for remote kit.
which is 500 more than I paid for the boat with a new trailer.