I use a 4hp Nissan on my M17, I don’t think the weight of it is noticeable when sailing.  Isn’t doesn’t use much fuel and is very reliable.  I understand the Nissan Tohatsu and Mercury 4hp outboards are the same.  Pretty easy to get parts and repairs since they are so popular.

Randy Sommerfeld

No Worries

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: casioqv@usermail.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 3:29 PM
To: Andrei Caldararu; For and about Montgomery Sailboats
Subject: Re: M_Boats: Motor for M17

In my opinion most modern watercooled 4-stroke outboards are just too heavy for use on sailboats. There's no way an M17 or M15 would sail properly with 65lbs hanging off the stern. I would refurb your existing motor. Buying a new motor wouldn't even save you much time because this sort of maintenance should be done frequently anyways, even on a new motor.

I have an early 80s Yamaha 2hp and am really happy with it... it weighs only about 19 lbs and has never let me down. I replaced all of the wear items with brand new components, and keep a tupperware box with a full stock of replacement factory new components onboard at all times.

Sincerely,

Tyler

----- Original Message -----

From: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com>

To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com>

Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 12:40:00 PM

Subject: M_Boats: Motor for M17

Hello fellow Monty owners,

my 1982 M17 came with a trusty old Evinrude 4hp, 2 cylinder version (see attached, old picture). Advantage -- lightweight (35lbs). Disadvantages -- works only sometimes, and has left me stranded a number of times in no-wind conditions; very noisy; uses smelly gasoline -- my wife complains about this a lot; no reverse; no alternator. 

Recently it has caused me enough troubles that I decided to try looking for another motor. One model that I was looking at was the Tohatsu Propane 5hp which seemed to do everything right. Until I looked at the weight -- well over 65 lbs!

As currently set up, my boat has the original fixed motor mount, and I leave the Evinrude there all the time, including when trailering long distances. Never had a problem. After seeing the weight of the Tohatsu, I started having doubts that it would be a good idea to get it. I fear that keeping it on the mount all the time will damage my transom or my mount during trailering.

Three questions:

a) Does anyone have experience with keeping a heavy motor on the mount all the time?b) If the Tohatsu is not the right one, are there recommendations for a lightweight, reliable, motor for the M17 that is quiet and has reverse? I don't think the Honda 2hp is powerful enough for the M17.

c) Alternatively, do people feel that I may simply be better off doing a complete refurbishing of my Evinrude? I could get it in tip top shape for about $150, I guess. I am handy with mechanicals, and I have in the past replaced points, condensers, etc.

Thanks for all your comments!Andrei.