Ordered my sailpro

[brackish]

Ordered a Nissan sail pro today for the 23 (Nissan rather than Tohatsu because the left over 2012 model was less and it's the same thing), getting quotes on the Okume, glass and epoxy to build my skiff for the soon to be idle Suzuki 9.9.  Now have to find a trailer for the skiff.  Any thoughts on that source?  I often see trailers on Craiglist in my area that have beat up aluminum flatbottoms or semi-v's on them for $300-500.  Thinking I might buy one that has the best trailer, immediately haul the boat to the local metal scrap dealer then convert and rebuild the trailer.

[jthatcher]

sounds like a good idea for the trailer.   i have often found similar situations.  a long time ago when i lived in NH,  the son of a friend got all excited when he "won"  a wooden boat at an auction  - a silent auction in which, i suspect, he was the only participant.   i immediately suggested that he burn the boat and try to sell the trailer to get his money back.. but, like all of us at that age, the idea of fixing up a wooden boat was just too great to resist..  after pouring lots and lots of hours and hundreds into it,  i think he ended up burning it and selling the trailer    

i would like to hear about your new engine.. i am waiting to get some insurance money before i place the same order..  may i ask some of the details..  where you actually placed the order?   thanks..   jt

[brackish]

 

i would like to hear about your new engine.. i am waiting to get some insurance money before i place the same order..  may i ask some of the details..  where you actually placed the order?   thanks..   jt

I placed the order with OnlineOutboards.com.  They are located in Tennessee but shipping is included in the lower 48.  Read good reviews about them so we shall see.  When the motor comes in, I hope to get some decent weather to do the switch and try it out.  I do know my back should be much happier dealing with 59 lbs. rather than 104.  and I should be able to shed some additional lbs. by removing the start battery. 

[Billy]

Brack,
you will be very happy with your new engine.

One of the pros of the 2011 & 2012 is the gear shift is on the front of the engine, not the side. Which makes it much easier to access. I always try to sit on the starboard side of the boat when underway and the gear shift is on the port side of the engine on my 2010. Not a big deal but not a great deal either.

I am also pretty sure the newer models have a longer tiller too.

But all the Sail Pros have a high thrust prop which is great for a displacement hull / bad for a planing hull.

You will find that in calm water you will not need to adjust your engine mount due to the extra long 25" shaft and the fact that it tilts almost all the way horizontal. Which should help your back a great deal. I put the mount about half way down and that gets the prop about 5/10" out of the water. and then when the sails go up, I just tilt the motor and it easily clears the water by several inches!

In the picture below you can see that my mount is all the way up and the engine is not anywhere close to the water.


One of the draw backs is that the engine needs a special bolt/hose accessory to flush the engine instead of your typical ear muuffs. But other than that, I love it.

JT,
I have a Tohatsu sail pro that I really like and I am sure that it will be plenty for a 23' boat. It is almost too much for my 19. She gets up to hull speed at about 25% throttle.

I bought mine locally from "Star Marine" in St. Petersburg, FL and they have been great! If you are shopping around, I suggest you give him a call and see if he can give you a pricce and include shipping. I think you will find him very competitive. His name is Dick.

[Dave]

Ditto the comments on both the Tohatso sailpro and Star Marine.  Great engine and great place to buy one.