Maximum outboard weight on transom

[MIsundog]

Good morning all,

I need to replace the outboard motor on my 1985 26-200. Currently, she has a Tohatsu 9.8 weighing approximately 85 pounds. I'm considering purchasing a Yamaha 9.9 high thrust, which is supposed to be an excellent motor for a sailboat, but is substantially heavier than the Tohatsu. Will an additional 25 pounds hanging on the transom pose structural or boat handling issues?

Thanks in advance for all opinions!

 

[Nick J]

I had a high thrust Yamaha T8 on the back of an Ericson 25+. It was perfect for pushing the boat without being overkill. There was a little bit of flex in the transom, but I wasn't concerned with it. Our 25+ was an earlier model before they used the TAFG and renamed it to the 26. Maybe they made some structural improvements in the transom as well.

 

[Christian Williams]

That heavy? Internet says Yamaha 9.9 high thrust dry weight: 42 kg (93 lbs) Standard propeller: 3-blade aluminum High Thrust (11 3/4" x 7")

 

[MIsundog]

That heavy? Internet says Yamaha 9.9 high thrust dry weight: 42 kg (93 lbs) Standard propeller: 3-blade aluminum High Thrust (11 3/4" x 7")

93 pounds is for the short shaft version. The 25" shaft with electric start and power tilt adds a lot of heft. Thanks!

 

[Christian Williams]

I think I would want all those things and put up with the weight. You probably have a good bracket. I had a lift-up aluminum bracket on my 25-footer, which could not withstand radical side forces, and I went through two of them. And the 10 hp engine was hard to lift manually with very awkward ergonomics. All is compromise, a familiar tattoo here.

 

[bigd14]

power tilt

You want this for sure. I had a Yamaha 9.9 hi-thrust XL mounted in a E27 transom cutout and even that was a pain to raise and lower. Great motors.

 

[G Kiba]

My transom mounted Tohatsu 9.8 worked great and was reliable for 15-16 years before needing a new carburetor (gasohol victim) . With the long shaft (25") and electric start, it still weighed too much for me but was quiet and ran smooth. I had a small aluminum gas tank made that was mounted below with vent and fill on the transom. Worked really well.

 

[gabriel]

You should be fine with the weight, but I would encourage to look at tohatsu’s new 8 or 9.8hp fuel injected outboards if you haven already. I believe the basic short shaft version starts at 83 pounds. Very nice.

MFS9.8C | Portable | TOHATSU North America

The new generation of MFS8C/9.8C(W) model lineup is engineered to be EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) for the first time

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