Tohatsu Saildrive

Grouse · 24 February 2009, 14:59

Hi Guys
Is anyone using a 6hp saildrive as an aux motor. It is to be used on a 6.5m ribtec.
On paper these seem to offer the most thrust for the least weight. Would appreciate your opinion on this.

kwil · 24 February 2009, 15:57

Hi Grouse

I use a Mariner Sailpower as an auxilary, which is a rebadged Tohatsu 5 Saildrive. It pushes my 6.1 at 4.5 - 6 knots depending on head wind. So the 6 hp soud be fine as an aux on your boat. Mind you I also do the flapping tackle type of boating as well so 4.5 - 6 knots is quite acceptable.

Keith

Grouse · 26 February 2009, 20:06

Thanks keith
I think i will get the wallet out.

NorthernMonkey · 02 March 2009, 14:01

It may cost less for a longshaft, and replace the prop with the saildrive highthrust prop.

You will loose the charging coil, but you probably didnt want to use that anyway.

The SD is just a longshaft with different prop + charging

Jelly · 02 March 2009, 14:53

Question, I thought saildrives also had a heavy duty gearbox as well?

al40 · 12 March 2009, 21:52

I had same decision as you. When I spoke to the dealer, he informed that the main diff is in the prop. Saildrive prop is high thrust but that actually reffers to astern. It's less efficient in ahead than non saildrive prop but saildrive version will stop a yacht better when in astern.

I got a normal tohatsu 6hp 4str and it's great as an aux. Got an alternator fitted so it charges the battery (worked out a bit cheaper doing this than getting saildrive version with alternator already fitted).

Grouse · 16 March 2009, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by al40

I had same decision as you. When I spoke to the dealer, he informed that the main diff is in the prop. Saildrive prop is high thrust but that actually reffers to astern. It's less efficient in ahead than non saildrive prop but saildrive version will stop a yacht better when in astern.

I got a normal tohatsu 6hp 4str and it's great as an aux. Got an alternator fitted so it charges the battery (worked out a bit cheaper doing this than getting saildrive version with alternator already fitted).

I actually ended up making the same decision,and bought a normal 6hp mercury longshaft.