I have had both. FWIW I would never go back to Outboard. My Catalina 27 had a 15hp and was pretty well designed for it. Transom had a cut out in the middle and the motor simply tilted up into this cut out- no bracket. There was room on either side for a 5 gal gas can. There was enough power(note this was a 15hp and not the 9.9 suggested) but chop was a problem as the prop would come out of the water. And it didn't have electric start so you had to pull the cord to start it in a very awkward position. If you go with an outboard you'll likely be stuck with a bracket. With some bracket installations (and a well installation on a Henderson 30 I sailed on) you are starting the motor with it in the air and then dropping it down so it has access to cooling water. Again very awkward positions to start if using a pull cord. You will be likely limited on motor size by the weight limit of the bracket so pay attention. You can get it to work but you are just trading one set of issues for another. If you simply use the motor to get out of the harbor on nice days or to the race course, it is certainly viable. If you just race- get a 3.5HP and take it off before the start and stow below if your PHRF allows;-) If you cruise and motor extensively then the drawbacks will increase- cavitating in chop; undersized HP (due to weight concerns); limited battery charging..... And as others have alluded the cost comparison needs to include any needed transom reinforcement; the bracket; motor; remote controls (you really don't want to be adjusting throttle and shifting by reaching over the transom); and removing the old running gear and plugging the shaft hole. Good luck I know how frustrating a flaky motor can be. In my case I solved it by buying a bigger boat with a diesel...
Kim Brown Trust Me!!! 35-3 _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
