Well, first off let me say how relieved I am and how much lighter I feel writing this post! With all the problems I’ve experienced with the 36 year old outboard motor on my boat ever since I bought the boat, it’s been somewhat of a downer with every trip to the boat. Worries clouded my head with every mile I drove there, wondering if my motor would start…and if it did, would it be reliable enough to get me out of the harbor and back in when I finished my sailing? I finally had enough frustrations and doubts and worries. I decided that I’d rather enjoy my sailing/boating experience instead.
What a relief it is to say that I broke down and got a new outboard. It’s a Tohatsu [Nissan] 6hp 4-stroke long-shaft. I ordered it online and got a great price with it on sale. I have to admit as soon as I pushed the “order now” button, I felt such relief that I’d be able to just enjoy my sailing experience again! I won’t feel frustrated or worry about motor problems. I’ll be able to go to the boat and just get sailing!
The shipping box was a little too large to fit in the car, so my sons helped me unpack it to transport to the marina. Once there, they also helped remove the old motor [I almost just chucked it overboard!] and install the new one. The new one is MUCH lighter than the old one!
Another benefit of having a new motor is that I’ll know everything that will be done to it, as far as maintenance, hours, etc. I’m told the 4-strokes are much more reliable and longer-lasting.
Here’s some photos of the process. Enjoy!
Mike
Unboxing!
Installing the new Tohatsu.
Installing the new Tohatsu.
Works like a charm!
4 stroke much better, glad it’s an issue that has been resolved.
Good for you!
Always nice getting new toys to play with. Always better if it’s for the boat 🙂
Hey Mike, I was going through some of my old posts and found your comment on my “How we Plan to Afford it” page and I guess I just neglected to say “thank you” at the time. I’m just starting to browse through your site – its nice to see a fellow Texan out here chasing the dream (we’re over here in Irving right now waiting out the hurricane season.) Good luck and I’ll try to get caught up.
Hi Kevin! Thanks for the reply. I’m also playing ‘catch-up’ on yours and other blogs I follow. You’re literally just a few minutes away from me if you’re in Irving! Maybe we should get together sometime and have a drink. I’d like to pick your brain on a few things. Let me know. Thanks!
Mike
Hey Mike,
Cool, what days and times are you usually available and if you’re close to Irving, and sail at Eagle Mountain, then maybe some place like the Hooters in Irving or Redneck Heaven in Fort Worth would work, unless Buffalo Wild Wings is better – we’re pretty flexible, we’re just hanging out here at the Mom-in-law’s and letting her wound heal but we just have doctor visits once a week and some physical therapy, but usually don’t do much else except watch tv and surf the internet. I work at the end of August and beginning of Sept., and then my oldest son and I are heading back to Key West for the final (hopefully) push towards the splash. Let me know if you wanna get together this weekend or something and I’ll load up the wife and we’ll go talk story.