Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has managed to fit an 8hp in the engine well?

I am an amputee and sail quite literally 'single-handed'. It's been proving difficult to handle the double controls of having throttle and gear select on opposite sides of the standard Tohatsu 6hp, and when combined with the tiller it proves practically impossible. I'm hoping to fit a new sail-drive with the gear select on the throttle arm but these simply don't exist on anything smaller than an 8hp.

So my question is has anyone had an alternative engine/managed to physically fit one where the throttle/gear selection controls are in the same area?

TIA.

Hi James,

I can't answer your question about 8 hp engines, but on my last Tohatsu, I did have a single lever that controlled both the direction and throttle.

I haven't bothered to fit to the new engine as I didn't really need it and I am not sure it would work anyway.

Pictures are much easier to explain/show but I have no real idea how to upload them here - I have made an attempt!! Didn't work

If this does not work I could send them direct.

I can't find your details in the handbook but if you would care to send me your email address I will let you have them.


Best wishes

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Many thanks John,

I'm a new member so my details will only appear in the new/handbook I believe. Pics would be very helpful, thankyou! - jdvb1087@icloud.com.

With the latest incarnation of the 6hp I believe they have moved the gear select to the front of the cowling from its previous position on the side but obviously want to explore all options before committing £1,300 to something which may still not work!

Thanks again!

Hi James

Just about to send pics. Please let me know if unsuccessful

Regards

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Hi,
I agree that the original position of the gear shift was difficult, particularly as I normally sail on my own. I have recently purchased a new Marina 5HP, now sold under the Mercury label! My original Marina was 6HP but the agent said they are only doing the 5HP sail drive now which came with the charging unit ready fitted. I very rarely used the 6HP at more than half throttle and so the 5HP appears adequate for the P235

As you say this has the gear shift positioned at the front of the cowl. That is an improvement but still makes it difficult to operate the throttle, change gear and steer at the same time! So on my original Marina I fitted a Single Lever Control and can honestly say it is one of the best things I did. The first part of the movement engages the gear and then progressively increases the throttle, the opposite engages reverse, magic!
This makes it extremely easy to manoeuvre when coming alongside or picking up a mooring. It is necessary to fit a kit to the engine which is a bit fiddly to adjust and of course purchase the Single Lever Control.

Originally I fitted the controller near the engine to leave the cockpit clear but I have now moved it near the hatch, which is where I normally sit.

You can call me on 07860 949386 if you need more information.

Peter

For info - I have a Yamaha B6, twin cylinder for my P235 (65, Swift) which has the gear shift on the throttle arm immediately behind the twist grip which I think would be ideal for you?
I too struggle to work out how to post images so here is a link which shows the engine. A google search will show more detail. It is the B6 not the standard Yamaha 6.

https://saltwater-soluti...a/outboard-engines/b-6hp 

It is a bit heavier being twin cylinder - and still only 6 hp - and more expensive of course, but it is so much quieter and smooth when running, leaps and bounds better than my old Tohatsu 6 sail drive that I used to have, the noise of which drove me mad!
This engine too has the advantage of a hoselock connector to flush the engine head with fresh water directly in situ.
Hope this is in some way helpful.

Regards

Andy

Hi
I have had two twin cylinder 8hp engines in my 235. I started off with a four stroke Honda (in 2005) , but my wife couldn't start it (too high a compression), so I changed it for a two cylinder two stroke Tohatsu 8hp, which I still have (no longer available unfortunately). Both fitted with no problem that I can remember. You can fit morse controls (as per Peter Scriven). I didn't bother, as I thought it was just something else which could go wrong. It has to be admitted however, that the twist throttle is less intuitive than the forward and backward action of the morse (or similar)
Regards
Jim Hamilton (Sandy Lady 235)

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