Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
I push my M-17 with a Honda 2hp. I have been impressed with how well it does. I think it actually make more hp then 2. I think Honda now makes a 2.5 or maybe 3 that would be worth looking into, I really like the light weight. My boat is some what lighter then standard however I'm not sure if that's an advantage or a disadvantage when going into a stiff breeze Stan ________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
If you want to make a long passage against stiff wind and sea, the 2 horse Honda may be marginal, but then so are all the other small, light motors. You'll need something more substantial, 4-5 hp perhaps, and inevitably heavier. On the other hand, if you just want a kicker to get you in and out, and for making passages in benign weather, the small Honda's perfect. I've used one for five years, and am very happy with it. Drives the boat easily at 4-5 kts for hours at a time. Also is a real gas sipper. My estimate under easy conditions is around 30 - 40 mpg Rick M17 #633 Lynne L On Sunday, September 23, 2012, Stan Susman <stanpfa@pacbell.net> wrote:
I push my M-17 with a Honda 2hp. I have been impressed with how well it does. I think it actually make more hp then 2. I think Honda now makes a 2.5 or maybe 3 that would be worth looking into, I really like the light weight. My boat is some what lighter then standard however I'm not sure if that's an advantage or a disadvantage when going into a stiff breeze
Stan
________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
I have a 2 cycle 2.5 hp Merc (Tohatsu) that pushes my M15 hull speed plus at about half throttle. -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Ronald McNeil Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1:08 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
Ron, I have the 3.5 Merc, long shaft and it works great at 1/2 throttle. However, I sail an M-15. I've never had a problem in strong winds. If it's too rough for me, I'll drop the sails and motor. No problems. Skip -----Original Message----- From: August Trometer <atrometer@gmail.com> To: 'Ronald McNeil' <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com>; 'For and about Montgomery Sailboats' <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, Sep 23, 2012 2:17 pm Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 I have a 2 cycle 2.5 hp Merc (Tohatsu) that pushes my M15 hull speed plus at about half throttle. -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Ronald McNeil Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1:08 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
The 6hp Tohatsu weighs 55#. I've had mine for 3 years now. It runs great. I get quite a bit of tidal current from 1 to 2.5 kts and when I run out the Beaufort Inlet with S SW winds and an ebb tide or N winds with a flood tide it gets pretty rough. I've never had any problems getting through it. I have the retractable motor mount that makes it very easy to raise and lower the motor in and out of the water. It might be a little weighty but I don't think it has affected anything. Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Ronald McNeil To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1:08 PM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
The 6hp also has an alternator option. August & Susan Trometer 5711 Longleaf Dr North Fort Myers,FL 33917 239 849 4681 Montgomery 15' SV #227 "Saffron" , Casita 17 LD RV Sent from my Kindle Fire _____________________________________________ From: Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> Sent: Sun Sep 23 19:26:01 EDT 2012 To: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com>, For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 The 6hp Tohatsu weighs 55#. I've had mine for 3 years now. It runs great. I get quite a bit of tidal current from 1 to 2.5 kts and when I run out the Beaufort Inlet with S SW winds and an ebb tide or N winds with a flood tide it gets pretty rough. I've never had any problems getting through it. I have the retractable motor mount that makes it very easy to raise and lower the motor in and out of the water. It might be a little weighty but I don't think it has affected anything. Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Ronald McNeil To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1:08 PM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
The 6hp also has an alternator option. August & Susan Trometer 5711 Longleaf Dr North Fort Myers,FL 33917 239 849 4681 Montgomery 15' SV #227 "Saffron" , Casita 17 LD RV Sent from my Kindle Fire _____________________________________________ From: Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> Sent: Sun Sep 23 19:26:01 EDT 2012 To: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com>, For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 The 6hp Tohatsu weighs 55#. I've had mine for 3 years now. It runs great. I get quite a bit of tidal current from 1 to 2.5 kts and when I run out the Beaufort Inlet with S SW winds and an ebb tide or N winds with a flood tide it gets pretty rough. I've never had any problems getting through it. I have the retractable motor mount that makes it very easy to raise and lower the motor in and out of the water. It might be a little weighty but I don't think it has affected anything. Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Ronald McNeil To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1:08 PM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
to add another point of view on this topic - i believe the best motor for the M17 is 4HP. the best motor that _was_ available _was_ the 'old' yamaha 4HP, 4-cycle, long shaft. this motor weighted about 40ish pounds, had an external fuel tank option, had F-N-R gearing and was water cooled. the sad truth is yamaha discontinued the 'old' 4HP powerhead and now uses, like most outboard manufacturers, the same powerhead as the 6HP ... the difference is in the carburetor. for this reason you are hauling around the extra weight of a 6HP motor ... both 6HP and the weight are not needed on the M17. the bonus' with a 6HP motor is you get into the range of outboards that have an alternator ... but you are running the motor at such low RPM (ie, 6HP is way more motor than needed) you likely are getting little, if any, current from the alternator. the second 'bonus' is an external fuel tank. i have a Suzuki 4HP outboard on my M17. HEAVY motor that hasn't failed me; but also hasn't been 'my favorite' motor. the Suzuki 4HP is the same as the 6HP but without an external fuel tank and a different carb. i have motored into 3' seas, 20+ knot headwinds, and with/against some strong tides with no concerns (remember, when 'battling' tides you really can't overcome the M17's hull-speed limitation so understand how fast she will go and how she will behave when the tide is with, or against, you). again, 4HP is a good 'size' match for the M17. There is the 3.5HP Merc/Tohatsu (Tohatsu makes the motor) as was already shared. at a light 43# dry weight in the long shaft model this is a good weight and 'power' combination. the issue comes if you can find a modification for an external fuel tank. Tohatsu also makes the Nissan outboards. Honda's 5HP is very popular on the M17s. good and reliable motor that has an external fuel tank, F-N-R gears ... but weights in at 60#. there are some folks using short shaft outboards on M17s with adjustable height outboard brackets. I have seen this with 2.5 to 3.5 outboards that only come in short-shaft versions. the negative is if there is weight (such as me at 220#) at the bow the prop will experience cavitation. there is also an issue of cavitation if motoring into a high sea ... more than a few-ish feet. warning ... when using a water cooled outboard cavitation likely means the motor isn't able to get water and this will quickly destroy the cooling system impeller and then the motor. 'paintboy' (aka, Stan) did mention the Honda 2HP. this is a very nice motor. i use this motor myself and have always found it to be reliable. this is from using a number of Honda 2HPs ... i currently use three and had one on my M15. the 2HP is enough to push an M17 at acceptable motoring speeds in calm-ish seas and calm-ish winds (about 4.5 knots). the weight of the honda 2HP is also great! about 30# including the long shaft, oil and fuel. the negative is there is no 'official' external fuel tank option. as the motor is air cooled you also avoid the issue of water pump failure and maintenance (paying someone to do the maintenance on a water pump is _expensive_). for 'just going from the dock and back' the 2HP Honda cannot be beat. the next best is, if you can find one, the 'old' 40# 4HP Yamaha. in closing an important consideration: if you are not into doing your own motor maintenance purchase an outboard from a local shop that can also do the servicing. having a 'local guy or gal' that can service the motor is a great help. oh ya ... one more thing ... Ronald, do you expect to get you M17 in time to attend the Lake Havasu Pocket Cruisers Convention? a great event you should have on your 'bucket list'. :: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com --- On Sun, 9/23/12, Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
Dave, As always, you conveyed much good information, but I have to disagree about one point. My electric motor is a better way to get in and out of docks than a Honda 2, and it does fine for a few miles in relatively flat conditions, even against a stiff wind. No gasoline or gasoline fumes on board is a real plus, and in my case carrying my Honda 5 from the car to the bracket becomes a greater challenge as the years roll on. On Sep 24, 2012, at 12:50 PM, W David Scobie wrote:
to add another point of view on this topic -
i believe the best motor for the M17 is 4HP. the best motor that _was_ available _was_ the 'old' yamaha 4HP, 4-cycle, long shaft. this motor weighted about 40ish pounds, had an external fuel tank option, had F-N-R gearing and was water cooled. the sad truth is yamaha discontinued the 'old' 4HP powerhead and now uses, like most outboard manufacturers, the same powerhead as the 6HP ... the difference is in the carburetor.
for this reason you are hauling around the extra weight of a 6HP motor ... both 6HP and the weight are not needed on the M17.
the bonus' with a 6HP motor is you get into the range of outboards that have an alternator ... but you are running the motor at such low RPM (ie, 6HP is way more motor than needed) you likely are getting little, if any, current from the alternator. the second 'bonus' is an external fuel tank.
i have a Suzuki 4HP outboard on my M17. HEAVY motor that hasn't failed me; but also hasn't been 'my favorite' motor. the Suzuki 4HP is the same as the 6HP but without an external fuel tank and a different carb. i have motored into 3' seas, 20+ knot headwinds, and with/against some strong tides with no concerns (remember, when 'battling' tides you really can't overcome the M17's hull-speed limitation so understand how fast she will go and how she will behave when the tide is with, or against, you). again, 4HP is a good 'size' match for the M17.
There is the 3.5HP Merc/Tohatsu (Tohatsu makes the motor) as was already shared. at a light 43# dry weight in the long shaft model this is a good weight and 'power' combination. the issue comes if you can find a modification for an external fuel tank. Tohatsu also makes the Nissan outboards.
Honda's 5HP is very popular on the M17s. good and reliable motor that has an external fuel tank, F-N-R gears ... but weights in at 60#.
there are some folks using short shaft outboards on M17s with adjustable height outboard brackets. I have seen this with 2.5 to 3.5 outboards that only come in short-shaft versions. the negative is if there is weight (such as me at 220#) at the bow the prop will experience cavitation. there is also an issue of cavitation if motoring into a high sea ... more than a few-ish feet.
warning ... when using a water cooled outboard cavitation likely means the motor isn't able to get water and this will quickly destroy the cooling system impeller and then the motor.
'paintboy' (aka, Stan) did mention the Honda 2HP. this is a very nice motor. i use this motor myself and have always found it to be reliable. this is from using a number of Honda 2HPs ... i currently use three and had one on my M15.
the 2HP is enough to push an M17 at acceptable motoring speeds in calm-ish seas and calm-ish winds (about 4.5 knots). the weight of the honda 2HP is also great! about 30# including the long shaft, oil and fuel. the negative is there is no 'official' external fuel tank option. as the motor is air cooled you also avoid the issue of water pump failure and maintenance (paying someone to do the maintenance on a water pump is _expensive_).
for 'just going from the dock and back' the 2HP Honda cannot be beat.
the next best is, if you can find one, the 'old' 40# 4HP Yamaha.
in closing an important consideration: if you are not into doing your own motor maintenance purchase an outboard from a local shop that can also do the servicing. having a 'local guy or gal' that can service the motor is a great help.
oh ya ... one more thing ... Ronald, do you expect to get you M17 in time to attend the Lake Havasu Pocket Cruisers Convention? a great event you should have on your 'bucket list'.
:: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com
--- On Sun, 9/23/12, Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
When I was shopping for the OB for my M17 I wanted a shaft length at least 20".I found the HP; weight; shaft length; Internal (I)or expternal (E) fuel tank; and, alternator capacity for the following major outboard manufacturers: Mercury, Nissan, Tohatsu (all made by Tohatsu) 3.5 hp; 43#; 20"; .26gal I; NA alt 4 hp; 59#; 15", 20"; 5 amp 6 hp; 59#; 15", 20",25"; E; 5 Yamaha 4 hp; 62#; 15", 20"; E; 6 amp 6 hp; 62#; 15", 20"; 6 amp Honda 2 & 2.3 hp; 27#; 20"; .26 gal I; NA alt 5 hp; 61#; 20"; E; 6 amp Evinrude 4 hp; 59#; 20"; .3 gal I 6 hp; 59#; 20", 25"; E In the end I chose the Tohatsu. It was only one of two that offered a 25" shaft. I'm glad I got the 25" shaft. The bottom of the transom clears the top of the prop not much more than a couple of inches. On more than one occasion I've had quartering waves that lifted SeaFrog's rump high enough to make the engine roar. The only other OB with a 25" shaft was the Evinrude but I couldn't find out if it had an alternator. As it turned out, I went to a OB mechanic to get the alternator installed (it's a dealer installed option). He said he'd be happy to take my money but he said I'd be wasting my money. The so-called amp claim is based on running the engine at just about full bore. Something I never do. He said I'd be happier with a decent quality 5 amp solar panel. But to be honest, I have a fairly good share of electronics aboard. VHF, GPS, during the day plus running lights at night. And then a cabin light in the evening. I've been out for 4 day trips and never got the battery below 75%. I have a solar panel, but still haven't used it. Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Jenkins To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Monday, September 24, 2012 4:23 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Dave, As always, you conveyed much good information, but I have to disagree about one point. My electric motor is a better way to get in and out of docks than a Honda 2, and it does fine for a few miles in relatively flat conditions, even against a stiff wind. No gasoline or gasoline fumes on board is a real plus, and in my case carrying my Honda 5 from the car to the bracket becomes a greater challenge as the years roll on. On Sep 24, 2012, at 12:50 PM, W David Scobie wrote:
to add another point of view on this topic -
i believe the best motor for the M17 is 4HP. the best motor that _was_ available _was_ the 'old' yamaha 4HP, 4-cycle, long shaft. this motor weighted about 40ish pounds, had an external fuel tank option, had F-N-R gearing and was water cooled. the sad truth is yamaha discontinued the 'old' 4HP powerhead and now uses, like most outboard manufacturers, the same powerhead as the 6HP ... the difference is in the carburetor.
for this reason you are hauling around the extra weight of a 6HP motor ... both 6HP and the weight are not needed on the M17.
the bonus' with a 6HP motor is you get into the range of outboards that have an alternator ... but you are running the motor at such low RPM (ie, 6HP is way more motor than needed) you likely are getting little, if any, current from the alternator. the second 'bonus' is an external fuel tank.
i have a Suzuki 4HP outboard on my M17. HEAVY motor that hasn't failed me; but also hasn't been 'my favorite' motor. the Suzuki 4HP is the same as the 6HP but without an external fuel tank and a different carb. i have motored into 3' seas, 20+ knot headwinds, and with/against some strong tides with no concerns (remember, when 'battling' tides you really can't overcome the M17's hull-speed limitation so understand how fast she will go and how she will behave when the tide is with, or against, you). again, 4HP is a good 'size' match for the M17.
There is the 3.5HP Merc/Tohatsu (Tohatsu makes the motor) as was already shared. at a light 43# dry weight in the long shaft model this is a good weight and 'power' combination. the issue comes if you can find a modification for an external fuel tank. Tohatsu also makes the Nissan outboards.
Honda's 5HP is very popular on the M17s. good and reliable motor that has an external fuel tank, F-N-R gears ... but weights in at 60#.
there are some folks using short shaft outboards on M17s with adjustable height outboard brackets. I have seen this with 2.5 to 3.5 outboards that only come in short-shaft versions. the negative is if there is weight (such as me at 220#) at the bow the prop will experience cavitation. there is also an issue of cavitation if motoring into a high sea ... more than a few-ish feet.
warning ... when using a water cooled outboard cavitation likely means the motor isn't able to get water and this will quickly destroy the cooling system impeller and then the motor.
'paintboy' (aka, Stan) did mention the Honda 2HP. this is a very nice motor. i use this motor myself and have always found it to be reliable. this is from using a number of Honda 2HPs ... i currently use three and had one on my M15.
the 2HP is enough to push an M17 at acceptable motoring speeds in calm-ish seas and calm-ish winds (about 4.5 knots). the weight of the honda 2HP is also great! about 30# including the long shaft, oil and fuel. the negative is there is no 'official' external fuel tank option. as the motor is air cooled you also avoid the issue of water pump failure and maintenance (paying someone to do the maintenance on a water pump is _expensive_).
for 'just going from the dock and back' the 2HP Honda cannot be beat.
the next best is, if you can find one, the 'old' 40# 4HP Yamaha.
in closing an important consideration: if you are not into doing your own motor maintenance purchase an outboard from a local shop that can also do the servicing. having a 'local guy or gal' that can service the motor is a great help.
oh ya ... one more thing ... Ronald, do you expect to get you M17 in time to attend the Lake Havasu Pocket Cruisers Convention? a great event you should have on your 'bucket list'.
:: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com
--- On Sun, 9/23/12, Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
My 4hp Yamaha burns about 1.1 Liter/hr at full throttle and pushes my M17 at hull speed, 5.3 knots. At 4 knots, it only burns about 0.5 Liter/hr, so it's putting out about 2 hp at 4 knots, which is a nice cruising speed for motoring. So a 2 hp outboard will push an M17 at 4 knots, and it takes 4 hp to get it up to 5.3 knots. All of this is of course in calm water. The only question then is, will the 2 hp handle the boat in a heavy wind or current when you aren't using the sails. One M17 owner told me that his Yamaha 2.5 hp was marginal in the San Juan Islands, but he seems to be doing ok with it, even though it has the short 15-inch shaft and is not available in a long, 20-inch shaft. The Honda 2hp is available in a long shaft and is the lightest weight 4 stroke outboard I know of. Another consideration whether you want a remote fuel tank. The 4 hp Yamaha has that and it is very nice for motoring long distances. The internal tank only option for the 2 and 2.5 hp engines means refueling every hour or two, which can be challenging in rough water. Some folks have modified fuel tank caps to allow pumping fuel by hand into the internal tank from an external one, which is one solution. GARY ~~~~_/) ~~~~ M17 Hydeaway 2 GARY ~~~~_/) ~~~~ M17 Hydeaway 2 On Sep 24, 2012, at 1:23 PM, Tom Jenkins <tjenk@gte.net> wrote:
Dave, As always, you conveyed much good information, but I have to disagree about one point. My electric motor is a better way to get in and out of docks than a Honda 2, and it does fine for a few miles in relatively flat conditions, even against a stiff wind. No gasoline or gasoline fumes on board is a real plus, and in my case carrying my Honda 5 from the car to the bracket becomes a greater challenge as the years roll on.
On Sep 24, 2012, at 12:50 PM, W David Scobie wrote:
to add another point of view on this topic -
i believe the best motor for the M17 is 4HP. the best motor that _was_ available _was_ the 'old' yamaha 4HP, 4-cycle, long shaft. this motor weighted about 40ish pounds, had an external fuel tank option, had F-N-R gearing and was water cooled. the sad truth is yamaha discontinued the 'old' 4HP powerhead and now uses, like most outboard manufacturers, the same powerhead as the 6HP ... the difference is in the carburetor.
for this reason you are hauling around the extra weight of a 6HP motor ... both 6HP and the weight are not needed on the M17.
the bonus' with a 6HP motor is you get into the range of outboards that have an alternator ... but you are running the motor at such low RPM (ie, 6HP is way more motor than needed) you likely are getting little, if any, current from the alternator. the second 'bonus' is an external fuel tank.
i have a Suzuki 4HP outboard on my M17. HEAVY motor that hasn't failed me; but also hasn't been 'my favorite' motor. the Suzuki 4HP is the same as the 6HP but without an external fuel tank and a different carb. i have motored into 3' seas, 20+ knot headwinds, and with/against some strong tides with no concerns (remember, when 'battling' tides you really can't overcome the M17's hull-speed limitation so understand how fast she will go and how she will behave when the tide is with, or against, you). again, 4HP is a good 'size' match for the M17.
There is the 3.5HP Merc/Tohatsu (Tohatsu makes the motor) as was already shared. at a light 43# dry weight in the long shaft model this is a good weight and 'power' combination. the issue comes if you can find a modification for an external fuel tank. Tohatsu also makes the Nissan outboards.
Honda's 5HP is very popular on the M17s. good and reliable motor that has an external fuel tank, F-N-R gears ... but weights in at 60#.
there are some folks using short shaft outboards on M17s with adjustable height outboard brackets. I have seen this with 2.5 to 3.5 outboards that only come in short-shaft versions. the negative is if there is weight (such as me at 220#) at the bow the prop will experience cavitation. there is also an issue of cavitation if motoring into a high sea ... more than a few-ish feet.
warning ... when using a water cooled outboard cavitation likely means the motor isn't able to get water and this will quickly destroy the cooling system impeller and then the motor.
'paintboy' (aka, Stan) did mention the Honda 2HP. this is a very nice motor. i use this motor myself and have always found it to be reliable. this is from using a number of Honda 2HPs ... i currently use three and had one on my M15.
the 2HP is enough to push an M17 at acceptable motoring speeds in calm-ish seas and calm-ish winds (about 4.5 knots). the weight of the honda 2HP is also great! about 30# including the long shaft, oil and fuel. the negative is there is no 'official' external fuel tank option. as the motor is air cooled you also avoid the issue of water pump failure and maintenance (paying someone to do the maintenance on a water pump is _expensive_).
for 'just going from the dock and back' the 2HP Honda cannot be beat.
the next best is, if you can find one, the 'old' 40# 4HP Yamaha.
in closing an important consideration: if you are not into doing your own motor maintenance purchase an outboard from a local shop that can also do the servicing. having a 'local guy or gal' that can service the motor is a great help.
oh ya ... one more thing ... Ronald, do you expect to get you M17 in time to attend the Lake Havasu Pocket Cruisers Convention? a great event you should have on your 'bucket list'.
:: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com
--- On Sun, 9/23/12, Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
Just where is everybody sailing that they're worrying about bucking strong headwinds? I sail on a nice little reservoir in Oregon and my Yamaha 4 pushes my 17 just fine although it is a bit heavy. Lighter would be nice but that Yamaha is a nice motor with plenty of push. Ian M-17 The mighty "Seaweeble" Sent from my iPad On Sep 23, 2012, at 10:08 AM, "Ronald McNeil" <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted this message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my motor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 but I have a couple concerns. One concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s not an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon internal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will add gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas can and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you have similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? I also know that the best way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to sit for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can simply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the Mercury 3.5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same? ________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
Our Nissan 4hp has an internal tank but it also has a port to connect an external 3 gal tank with a tube and bulb set up. The tube is long enough to set the tank on the cockpit floor (no locker nearby). Pam On Oct 14, 2012, at 8:38 AM, Ronald McNeil wrote:
First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted this message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my motor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 but I have a couple concerns. One concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s not an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon internal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will add gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas can and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you have similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? I also know that the best way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to sit for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can simply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the Mercury 3.5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same?
________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or on the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" position while running the engine. I let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work for me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO. On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months ago on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an inline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for voyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these instructions on MBoats for the details. Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Ronald McNeil Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted this message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my motor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 but I have a couple concerns. One concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s not an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon internal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will add gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas can and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you have similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? I also know that the best way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to sit for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can simply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the Mercury 3.5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same? ________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
I run my outboard out of fuel every autumn before winter storage, and change the oil too(4 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. ) ~~~_/)~~~ Gary Sent from my iPhone :-) On Oct 18, 2012, at 8:52 AM, "Hughston, Larry@DGS" <Larry.Hughston@dgs.ca.gov> wrote:
Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or on the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" position while running the engine. I let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work for me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO.
On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months ago on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an inline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for voyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these instructions on MBoats for the details.
Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Ronald McNeil Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted this message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my motor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 but I have a couple concerns. One concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s not an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon internal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will add gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas can and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you have similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? I also know that the best way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to sit for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can simply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the Mercury 3.5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same?
________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
You should check with Yamaha dealer for 4 stroke storage. I have a 4 stroke with very different info. 4 stroke and 2 stroke have very difference advice for storage Owner of 5 outboards different strokes Bill Sent from my iPhone On Oct 18, 2012, at 9:36 AM, GARY M HYDE <gmhyde1@mac.com> wrote:
I run my outboard out of fuel every autumn before winter storage, and change the oil too(4 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. )
~~~_/)~~~ Gary Sent from my iPhone :-)
On Oct 18, 2012, at 8:52 AM, "Hughston, Larry@DGS" <Larry.Hughston@dgs.ca.gov
wrote:
Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or on the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" position while running the engine. I let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work for me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO.
On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months ago on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an inline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for voyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these instructions on MBoats for the details.
Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Ronald McNeil Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted this message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my motor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 but I have a couple co ncerns. One concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s not an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon internal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will add gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas can and I espec ially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you ha ve similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal wit h this? I also know that the best way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to sit for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can simply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the Mercury 3.5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same?
________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
What are the differences for storage between a 4 stroke and 2 stroke? Unless you are talking about which side to lay them down I don't know what would be done differently... drain the carbs and put them away until next time. BP -----Original Message----- From: Bill Buller <bill.buller7777@gmail.com> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thu, Oct 18, 2012 1:15 pm Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 You should check with Yamaha dealer for 4 stroke storage. I have a 4 stroke with very different info. 4 stroke and 2 stroke have very difference advice for storage Owner of 5 outboards different strokes Bill Sent from my iPhone On Oct 18, 2012, at 9:36 AM, GARY M HYDE <gmhyde1@mac.com> wrote:
I run my outboard out of fuel every autumn before winter storage, and change the oil too(4 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. )
~~~_/)~~~ Gary Sent from my iPhone :-)
On Oct 18, 2012, at 8:52 AM, "Hughston, Larry@DGS" <Larry.Hughston@dgs.ca.gov
wrote:
Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or on the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" position while running the engine. I let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work for me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO.
On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months ago on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an inline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for voyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these instructions on MBoats for the details.
Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Ronald McNeil Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted this message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my motor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 but I have a couple co ncerns. One concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s not an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon internal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will add gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas can and I espec ially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you ha ve similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal wit h this? I also know that the best way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to sit for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can simply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the Mercury 3.5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same?
________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17
Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
The Mercury 3.3 also has the turnoff valve. I think they preceded the 3.5. The one thing it doesn't have is the flush fitting like my 6hp. But I guess they figured the 3.3 was light enough to put in a trash barrel to flush. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: Hughston, Larry@DGS To: Ronald McNeil ; For and about MontgomerySailboats Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 11:52 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or on the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" position while running the engine. I let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work for me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO. On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months ago on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an inline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for voyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these instructions on MBoats for the details. Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Ronald McNeil Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted this message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my motor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 but I have a couple concerns. One concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s not an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon internal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will add gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas can and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you have similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? I also know that the best way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to sit for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can simply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the Mercury 3.5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same? ________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM Subject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Hi, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. I was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it would only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with either of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have experience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
My .02 cents worth.............I have the Mercury 3.5 long shaft with the cock valve. I too would use the valve to starve the engine of fuel before the long Winter storage. Unfortunately, this is not the best approach. Once you open up the cock vale in the Spring, all the crud that may have formed during the winter months within the old gas that sits in the tank, will find it's way to the very small jet orifices in the carb. How do I know this you ask?..........the same way I now know how to dismantle the fuel system and rebuilt the carb. Experience!!! Not to mention the hours of 'Upper Body' work out. I was sore for days from pulling on the D * * N rope!!! I would recommend running the tank dry and if possible, use the drain screw on the carb to drain the bowl, just to be sure!!! It will save you $$ on Ibuprofen in the Spring. Skip M-5.8 M-10 M-15 -----Original Message----- From: Hughston, Larry@DGS <Larry.Hughston@dgs.ca.gov> To: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com>; For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thu, Oct 18, 2012 11:52 am Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or n the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" osition while running the engine. let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work or me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO. On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months go on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an nline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for oyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these nstructions on MBoats for the details. Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento -----Original Message----- rom: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] n Behalf Of Ronald McNeil ent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM o: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats ubject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted his message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my otor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 ut I have a couple concerns. ne concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s ot an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon nternal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will dd gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas an and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you ave similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? also know that the est way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to it for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can imply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the ercury .5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same? ________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> o: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> ent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM ubject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 i, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it ould only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with ither of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have xperience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
.......and don't forget to spray some fogging oil in the sparkplug hole and give it a couple of pulls... Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: wcampion@aol.com To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 2:17 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 My .02 cents worth.............I have the Mercury 3.5 long shaft with the cock valve. I too would use the valve to starve the engine of fuel before the long Winter storage. Unfortunately, this is not the best approach. Once you open up the cock vale in the Spring, all the crud that may have formed during the winter months within the old gas that sits in the tank, will find it's way to the very small jet orifices in the carb. How do I know this you ask?..........the same way I now know how to dismantle the fuel system and rebuilt the carb. Experience!!! Not to mention the hours of 'Upper Body' work out. I was sore for days from pulling on the D * * N rope!!! I would recommend running the tank dry and if possible, use the drain screw on the carb to drain the bowl, just to be sure!!! It will save you $$ on Ibuprofen in the Spring. Skip M-5.8 M-10 M-15 -----Original Message----- From: Hughston, Larry@DGS <Larry.Hughston@dgs.ca.gov> To: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com>; For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thu, Oct 18, 2012 11:52 am Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or n the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" osition while running the engine. let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work or me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO. On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months go on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an nline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for oyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these nstructions on MBoats for the details. Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento -----Original Message----- rom: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] n Behalf Of Ronald McNeil ent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM o: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats ubject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted his message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my otor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 ut I have a couple concerns. ne concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s ot an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon nternal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will dd gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas an and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you ave similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? also know that the est way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to it for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can imply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the ercury .5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same? ________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> o: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> ent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM ubject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 i, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it ould only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with ither of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have xperience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
Put seafoam or the marine version sta-bil in the fuel for storage and you won't have this problem. If you stored it without seafoam, pour an oz or two in the tank a few days before cracking the valve open. It will desolve the crud in most cases. 4 stroke, 2 stroke, it doesn't make a difference. BP -----Original Message----- From: wcampion <wcampion@aol.com> To: montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thu, Oct 18, 2012 2:18 pm Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 My .02 cents worth.............I have the Mercury 3.5 long shaft with the cock valve. I too would use the valve to starve the engine of fuel before the long Winter storage. Unfortunately, this is not the best approach. Once you open up the cock vale in the Spring, all the crud that may have formed during the winter months within the old gas that sits in the tank, will find it's way to the very small jet orifices in the carb. How do I know this you ask?..........the same way I now know how to dismantle the fuel system and rebuilt the carb. Experience!!! Not to mention the hours of 'Upper Body' work out. I was sore for days from pulling on the D * * N rope!!! I would recommend running the tank dry and if possible, use the drain screw on the carb to drain the bowl, just to be sure!!! It will save you $$ on Ibuprofen in the Spring. Skip M-5.8 M-10 M-15 -----Original Message----- From: Hughston, Larry@DGS <Larry.Hughston@dgs.ca.gov> To: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com>; For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thu, Oct 18, 2012 11:52 am Subject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 Ron, I have the Nissan 3.5, same as Mercury 3.5. When I run by OB in a tank or n the water there is a small valve on the left side that I turn to the "OFF" osition while running the engine. let the engine run until it dies from fuel starvation. That seems to work or me but I am no expert, just seemed like common sense IMHO. On the issue of extra fuel for longer voyages, there was a post several months go on the Mboats blog and I think the sender hooked up some clear tubing, an nline squeez bulb and more tubing to a 3 or 6 gallon tank. This was for oyages to Catalina island! This blogger had a 3.5 or 4 hp OB. Find these nstructions on MBoats for the details. Fair Winds....Larry Hughston M-15 Old 189 in Sacramento -----Original Message----- rom: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] n Behalf Of Ronald McNeil ent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 8:39 AM o: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com; For and about Montgomery Sailboats ubject: Re: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 First I want to thank everyone for their feedback from when I originally posted his message in Sept. It’s been very helpful but I’m still not settled on my otor choice. I still really like the idea of going with the lighter Mercury 3.5 ut I have a couple concerns. ne concern I have is with adding fuel while on the water. For day outings it’s ot an issue since I will typically never run out of gas with the .3 gallon nternal tank, but when I go to the HPCC in February, I’m not sure how I will dd gas. I don’t want to be caught hanging over the back of my boat with a gas an and I especially don’t want to spill gas in the water. I know a lot of you ave similar motors with internal fuel tanks, so how do you deal with this? also know that the est way to avoid gumming up the carb and fuel jets when the boat is going to it for more than a couple days is to run it dry. With an external tank you can imply pull the fuel line off and let it run dry. Does anyone know if the ercury .5 has any kind of fuel value to accomplish the same? ________________________________ From: Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> o: "montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> ent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 10:08 AM ubject: M_Boats: Yamaha 4hp or Mercury 3.5hp on M17 i, I have a new M17 on order and I’m now shopping for a motor. was planning to go with the Yamaha 4hp, but if I go with the Mercury 3.5 it ould only weigh 40lbs vs. 60lbs, which I like. My biggest concern I guess with ither of these is their ability to motor into a strong head wind. Does any have xperience motoring in stong wind with these or like size motors on an M17?
participants (15)
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August Trometer -
Bill Buller -
GARY M HYDE -
Hughston, Larry＠DGS -
Ian Black -
Joe Murphy -
pam and dana -
Rick Davies -
Ronald McNeil -
Stan Susman -
SUSAN or AUGUST TROMETER
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Tom Jenkins -
W David Scobie -
wcampion＠aol.com -
Wcpritchett