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After my experience at the Kent Island races yesterday (July 20, 2019), I’m rethinking my engine choice. My current engine is a 1968 Johnson 6 that broke the shift lever connection to the push rod that goes down to the gear box. It can be fixed, but before it broke, the engine wasn’t running at full speed. There’s a guy who works on classic outboards in Southern Maryland who can do it, but I’m starting to wonder if I should just get a newer engine. The choices seem to be a Tohatsu, a post-79, or a late classic. It would be nice to be able to use the current 1968 as well as a newer engine, but I think the engine controls wouldn’t be compatible, except for the late classic. Maybe a post-79? Any opinions on the choices, particularly how much of an incompatibility the Tohatsu would be? Also, will a late classic have enough power to get on a plane with a 220lb driver (not me but my nephew who would like to drive it)? I think the other choices would have no problem with that.
John:
Late Classic and post ’79 have no trouble pushing 220 lb. drivers around. Unfortunately, as you noted, control systems aren’t compatible. Your early classic controls will work on late classics, but the ’80s post ’79s are unique, and 1990 and later have different connections from those.
I am no longer very fond of the early classics. Ours is temperamental – more so than the late classics and post ’79s. An early classic running well will plane a 220 lb. driver, but not as well as the later motors. If you’re looking at a late classic, I recommend a “77 to ’79 for their electronic ignitions.
There aren’t many Tohatsus running, yet, but they also should have no problem with a heavy driver.
Charlie Iliff
Hi John,
I cannot really speak from experience with regard to the early or late classic motors since I am not running either. But it is getting harder to find all of the 2 stroke OMC motors, thus the Tohatsu 4 stroke motor class was added. So if it were me, as long as it fit my budget, I would start with the Tohatsu. As far as compatibility, are you referring to the Tohatsu motor being compatible with the remote control unit you use? I think that Fred Allerton uses the same remote control unit for all of his motors, including his Tohatsu. So maybe he can shed some light on that subject.
Hey gang – I’m new to the class and these forums, let me know if I should start a new topic, but I think my dilemma fits here…
I’m a sailer/paddler/builder in the middle of my first powerboat build – the CLC cocktail racer kit. I’m pausing before the deck goes on to sort out the cockpit, and getting well out of my comfort zone!
I’ve found I can get a 1984 Evinrude 6hp for a reasonable price, but tiller steer. I think I’m reading that the OMC#431840 adapter kit works for that engine, but the MarineEngine.com rep I spoke with wouldn’t confirm that. He said there was no adapter kit for that year (which doesn’t sound right).
If that adapter kit will work, will the remote kit from CLC (control box and cables) complete the job, or is there something else I’ll need for the throttle/shift controls?
I’m not anxious about spending the big bucks, but considering the Tohatsu as the alternative to piecing everything together and the risk of not getting it right. The higher the price goes on getting the Evinrude set up correctly, the more attractive the new motor gets!
Scot:
I have an ’84 with the remote kit. Russ Bowler runs a mid ’80s motor with a system that twists the grip. I do not know of any source for the OMC kit, and few are in use in the races. The mid ’80s motors can be competitive, but their control adapters do not match the classics or the later (post 1990) motors. The Tohatsu class will be growing. Where are you located? I’m in Arnold, MD, and would be happy to show you several motor systems. I’m too deep into the old motors to do Tohatsu, but I have samples of the other 6 hp motors.
Charlie IliffThanks for the info Charlie. I’m in the Hudson Valley, NY, so maybe a bit far to pop over. I appreciate the offer though, and may be able to get down that way at some point.
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