Transom mount 1. On Tue, Oct 13, 2020 at 4:35 PM Rob Bultman <rob.bultman@gmail.com> wrote:
Andrei,
I am a recent M17 owner and went through a similar delima. I opted for the 4HP Tohatsu because of the reverse and I didn't feel the need for the alternator. I'll try to attach some pictures showing my mount in subsequent emails, but I know there are size limits on pictures which might preclude sending. My M17 is from 1977 and has the "notch" in the transom for the motor. Because of the size of the motor relative to the notch, the motor is only useful for propulsion only. Steering is via the tiller. The reversing gear works well for getting the boat off of the trailer and for arresting speed when docking. I don't have much experience with outboards, but the motor is no excessively noisy, although I am happy when I can switch it off.
When under way with the motor up, I didn't feel like the motor was in the way. I will say that 4HP is plenty sufficient for the lake in which I have sailed with little wind. I have no experience in larger bodies of water or windy conditions where a larger motor might be more useful. When trailering, I made a mount for the motor on the forward section of the trailer. 65 pounds is a bit, but I found it wasn't too much when using my legs for lifting. I am in my mid 50's, 170 pounds, and 6'-1" tall and don't have too much trouble at this stage move the motor from the trailer mount to the transom notch.
I can't really comment on the rebuild.
Regards, Rob
On Tue, Oct 13, 2020 at 3:40 PM Andrei Caldararu via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
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.
