THE ENGINE
9.9 hp Honda 4 stroke outboard with electric start and a 6-amp alternator provides adequate power at little more than a fast idle. I have never used over about 1/3 throttle. It had a new carburetor and ignition module installed in 2002. This engine has been 100% reliable, starts promptly and easily, and runs a long while on its 3.5 gallon tank. From our dock, it is about 10 miles to open water. I make the round trip at least twice before I add fuel. It does not dirty the oil or use any between changes. One of the nice things about the boat is how it helps you pull the engine off. The boom will swing directly over the engine. Using the toping lift and the main sail sheeting system you can lift the engine clear of the deck and swing it to the dock – or the reverse. The preventers hold the boom where you want it. Believe me, if you have ever had a major problem with a diesel you will love being able to so easily get this engine in a truck and to a dealer. The engine is mounted on an adjustable mount giving you 5 heights to accommodate different sea states. An improvement I have considered would be a remote shift/throttle/ignition control, perhaps an upgrade of the tilt machinery and linking the tiller to the motor at anchor and in marinas.
