ValorFish
New Member
Hi All, I've been Lurking on these forums for few months now. Finally making a post and looking for some advice. I currently have an 11' Zodiac Fish N Hunt with Aero Floor and a small 2.5HP Tohatsu 4 stroke. This works well, very portable, but so slow and quite loud actually. I would like to move up to a bigger, yet quieter motor. I have done a lot of research on cost, weight and features and really like the Tohatsu 9.9 EFI, with electric start. The electric start model has the alternator installed for charging the battery, so no kits needed to install afterwards for charging and I like the convenience of the electric start. My concern is the weight and HP rating of the Boat. As you can see in attached photo of Data Plate the Max HP rating is 10HP and Max Weight is 99lbs for the motor. The spec sheet for the 9.9 EFI Tohatsu with electric start, says its 104lbs, so 5lbs over data plate rating. My gut tells me that this shouldn't be a problem and that I am splitting hairs. I could go with a smaller motor say the 8 or 9.8HP, which are both just over 90lbs with Electric start, but not EFI. Figured that the noise of the 9.9 would be much less.
So my questions are:
1.) Is the 5lbs over on weight for the 9.9 with EFI and Electrical start enough of a concern to eliminate that option?
2.) Will there be a significant difference in noise level between the 9.8 and 9.9 and is EFI really that much better? The difference in HP and speed, will be so minimal.
Typically use in lakes and have used on inside shelter waters on WCVI (plan to do more of this). I have 2 manual scotty downriggers on now (with Weaver Mounts) plan is to upgrade to electric once I decide on which outboard with alternator for charging. Typically fish only 2 people at a time, mostly solo, but have packed 3 in, fishing with both downriggers, very crowded and not comfy.
Thanks for any replies and advice.
So my questions are:
1.) Is the 5lbs over on weight for the 9.9 with EFI and Electrical start enough of a concern to eliminate that option?
2.) Will there be a significant difference in noise level between the 9.8 and 9.9 and is EFI really that much better? The difference in HP and speed, will be so minimal.
Typically use in lakes and have used on inside shelter waters on WCVI (plan to do more of this). I have 2 manual scotty downriggers on now (with Weaver Mounts) plan is to upgrade to electric once I decide on which outboard with alternator for charging. Typically fish only 2 people at a time, mostly solo, but have packed 3 in, fishing with both downriggers, very crowded and not comfy.
Thanks for any replies and advice.