New Sun Cat Owner

[Cat Man]

I purchased a 2006 Sun Cat a month ago and have had it out twice, once in light air and the second in 10 to 15MPH winds.  The boat sailed very well and definitely loves to reach.  The boat is in very good condition and I was extremely lucky to get her for $9,500 given the prices for these boats used.  My only issue is the Merc 6 hp.  It runs fine, but cuts out at idle.  The appears to be the fuel oriented, which I am working on.

I am 58 and decided to become a trailer sailor but wanted ease and simplicity, which this boat cannot be beat.  My need for speed ended a while ago, although I will crew for racer types on their boats.  So this boat seems to fit my needs, and I am happy with her so far.  She is no speed demon, but I actually have been impressed with her, especially going into heavier air.  I actually felt the boat surfing on the waves while reaching.  Upwind not bad, but I have not had a chance to compare her out on the water with a sloop rigged boat on same tack.

Anyway,  so far a happy owner!

[skip1930]

" My only issue is the Mercury 6 hp.  It runs fine, but cuts out at idle.  The appears to be the fuel oriented, which I am working on. "

So 6 hp, that would be a four cycle? Fuel problem, would that be a 'delivery of fuel problem' ? Jet closed down too much?

Gasohol ? Don't leave the dock with this in your tank.  Maybe the gasohol has fagged out the rubber diaphragms used in the pulse fuel pump.

The owners manual lays out a carburetor adjustment procedure? Too lean/too rich?

Idle speed too slow ... kick up but not to a point where she won't shift. Or at idle she loads up and dies?

This is only my opinion but all that plug into the remote tank junk is just that. Junk. I know ... billions of these set-up are out there and they work fine.

If you can grab the plug in and wiggle it ... maybe that lets air into the line. Or if the pressure bulb pumped up and gas drips out at this connection, can air leak in?

Just a thought. I fixed my 2 cycle by eliminating all these components and rebuilt the fuel pump.

skip.

[Bob23]

Hi Catman and welcome! Glad you are lovin' your Suncat. They seem to be great boats and most owners love 'em. Tell us: Where do you sail? Looking forward to hearing about your adventures.
Bob23 in NJ

[capt_nemo]

Cat Man,

Welcome to the Sun Cat Family!

Glad you are enjoying your Sun Cat, sail safe.

And, if you want to sail alongside a Sun Cat that has gotten a little "sloopish" come down to SW Florida. Better yet, come to the 2014 Com Pac Florida Get Together scheduled for May 5-9 at Anclote and Caledesi Is (Gulf Islands) just northwest of Tampa.

capt_nemo
Sun Cat "Frisky"

[tmorgan]

Welcome, I know you will love your Sun Cat.  I had a lot of problems with a Yamaha 4hp over a 5 year period. I finally traded it for a Honda 5 hp.  The mechanic at the dealer told me to only use ethanol free gas and to take the boat out and run it at a good speed for 15 minutes from time to time.  I've had no problem over the past year and a half.  I also empty the gas tank over the winter and put fresh gas in the spring.  I really don't think it's the motor brand, I do think the gas is the culprit.

[Bob23]

Good advice to run the motor. I usually sail off and on my mooring so sometimes the motor doesn't get used for a month. Occasionally, I'll take it out for a motor-spin and run the boat for a half hour. Keeps it from feeling neglected!
Bob23

[capt_nemo]

My YAMAHA 4 hp 4-stroke starts and runs great after several years of ownership.

As was mentioned, fuel type and condition (age) are of paramount importance in the care and feeding of ANY outboard out there today. Running it more than just a few minutes is also important.

I run ONLY Ethanol-free gas, and EVERY OUNCE has Sta-Bil added.

Since we don't use our OB motors all that much I never fill the 3 gal remote tank and let it sit there for prolonged periods of time. Instead,  I put in 1 to 1 1/2 gals use it a few times and then add a gal of FRESH Stabilized Ethanol-free fuel from a small 1 gal portable gas can. Repeat the process. Longer multi-day trips dictate a different fueling regimen.

capt_nemo

[rogerschwake]

Ahoy Cat Man,
  Sounds like you got a great deal on a fantastic boat. Bought a Sun Cat two years ago and just love it. I do a lot of day sailing and have spent some long weekends on board. It's no speed demon but it will always get there, give it the time. Once was caught in 55 mph winds and came out with a good story but no scrapes or scares. If you have any questions ask them here, have found the sailors very helpful here. Hope you get as much joy out of your boat as I have mine.