Motor package for 22 Crusier??

bartender66 · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 8:50 pm Post subject: Motor package for 22 Crusier??

Hi All,
This is my first post on the C-Brats site. I have read a lot of the posts and there is much good info here.

We are getting ready to buy a 22 Cruiser. I am trying to decide which motor package to go with. The manufacturer has recommended twin 40's. In looking ay the different albums I see quite a few 90's with an 8 hp kicker. I want to go with Honda evenn though C-Dory said the Suzuki's are just as good. What about the 75 with an 8 hp kicker? From what I can see most folks have went with the 90.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Terry

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 9:14 pm Post subject:

Terry, it's really your call. You'll find folks with both. I've got twin Honda 45's ('94) and like them. Friends have both 75's and 90's and both are very acceptable.

There are apparently EFI (fuel injected) versions of Hondas in that power range coming out soon and if you've got the time, I'd encourage you to wait although the first run of any model is sometimes problematic. All the Hondas in that size range to date are carbureted of course and that comes with those problems. Never lost either engine myself though. Honda has built them for many years.

Lots of info here on engines and combinations. Depending on where you are, either a kicker or twins are possibly necessary. You in Seattle apparently and would probably benefit greatly from some sort of take home capability or trolling capabilty if you are a fisherperson....

Congratulations on the CD purchase, all of us here at the site are great fans and will provide a hearty welcome!! Thumbs Up

Charlie

Chuck S · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 9:37 pm Post subject:

Terry --

To a search, this is a a very common topic.

I'm a single engine guy for several reasons and if I got the 22 Cruiser I'd remain one. Here's what I don't like about twins.

1. Unless they're in perfect sync the drone will drive you nuts.

2. Twins have twice the potential for failure as a single engine. There are two of 'em. Likewise they require twice the maintenance. Two oil changes, two tuneups, two sets of throttle levers and engine instruments, two spare propellers, etc.

3. A single 40 will not get you home much faster than an 8, the boat won't plane if it has any load in it.

4. Check the prices, twin 40s should be more expensive than a single 90 right out of the box and rigging twins is more expensive.

5. Larger engines, like the 75/90 are more robust than smaller engines and will usually last longer.

If you do get the twins, and half the 22 owners can't all be wrong Cool

look closely at the FloScan Instrument Company gages. They'll fit in standard factory tach holes and give you a good readout of fuel rate/useage, and the two tach needles in the other gage (and the sync function) make this part easier as well.

Twins are very yachty, of course.

-- Chuck

Chivita · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 11:24 pm Post subject:

There was a great discussion on motors several months ago that really delved into both options. Hopefully I have posted the short cut correctly below. Good luck on your decision!

Motor discussion link

Brooks Cooper · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 12:11 pm Post subject:

Terry. I have 90 Honda 8 kicker on my 22' Cruiser. I've had no problems and plenty of power when needed. If you can do it, go 90 instead of 75 a little more power same weight basically it's the same motor. I also run a compprop 4 blade 15 pitch. It gives my the best performance and top end. Also think about trim tabs from the get go they really help. Brooks

COOP'S CRUISER

flagold · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 7:26 pm Post subject:

I think they're probably all that way. If you compare the Merc specs for 90/75 they're identical except for allowed RPM's -- they just turn the 90 higher. I went with the 90 as well, good to be able to outrun the Tampa Bay waterspouts if needed.

MM

Specs:
90:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/mercury_90_fourstroke
75:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/mercury_75_fourstroke

bartender66 · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 7:00 pm Post subject: Thanks for the info

Thanks everybody for all of the info and pointing me to the past threads. After reading through everything it appears there are at least a couple of good choices. Right now I'm leaning towards a Honda 90 and 8 hp kicker.

Thanks again.

Terry

Chivita · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:20 pm Post subject:

Terry, if you do decide on the 90, I'd recommend adding the swim step option as well. Although it will of course add a buck or two to the price, it will also add a great deal to the safety of the boat and to your enjoyment of it. We bought a ladder for our boat more than a year after we got the boat and I'm amazed at how much we use it, I wish Les had resolved the swip step issue for twins prior to when we bought ours! Of course I wish we had bought our boat from Les as well!

"Chivita" Dave

flagold · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 12:07 pm Post subject:

Guys,

Take a large rope that will still fit through the eye on the stern, secure it, tie a knot at the end of the rope (the rope should be like the ones kids use for a rope swing, large enough to get a handhold with), and if you do fall overboard, use the rope with one hand (left in my case), step on the prop guard, and pull yourself into the motor well. It's not perfect or expensive, but might just save the day . . .

Good luck -- I'm bugging out for Charlie (live just N of Tampa)

Matt Mattson