No doubt that EFI outboard motors are a huge leap in the future. Having no carburetor on a motor is wonderful. Nice article. I always enjoy your perspective. You are my favorite wordsmith. Hope you can keep up this pace of production, i.e., write more often!
I have attempted to clean a carburetor with dismal results. There are itsy bitsy parts inside and they jump overboard. Because in the summertime I work with the pilothouse doors open, and am less than graceful at times, I do not mess with carbs any more. I have had nightmares about cleaning my carb. That is something I have hired out.
This new type of outboard is for me a game changer. Instead of buying a maintenance nightmare (and I always used ethanol free gasoline) the new Suzuki 9.9 looks mighty spiffy. The white one comes with special internal guts that I want/need. Still if the 25hp doesn't burn a lot more fuel (and is affordable!) I would consider that. The motor mount I had installed on Seaweed would carry either with ease.
Anyway, for now I am attempting to save money. $3k is a LOT of money. And that's before installation. I am hopeful that can be accomplished eventually. And seriously, there is nothing wrong with Betsy, my 18hp Kubota. I'll write more about this in a bit.
Thank you Cap'n for the comment and compliment. Both are appreciated.
The Suzuki 9.9 looks very spiffy, Janice. 😊 https://www.suzukimarine.com/outboard/2-5-30hp/df9-9b/
Nice articles, Janice! I looked at the latest lot of outboards, but I would beg to differ regarding the EFI. You cannot open and service it, but I have oerhauled numerous carburetors. A bit of care and attention makes a difference. I had a Yamaha 115hp Enduro, such as the fishermen use. Marvelous thing. Now I am back to my 1986 Johnson2hp Sea horse on a canoe!
I know that carburetor cleaning services stay busy. It is one of the "lesser known" things boaters do out here. And it is profitable. Sure, there are the electric gurus, the watermaker rebuilders, engine mechanics and more. Yet the carb magicians do stay busy.
I had not considered the inability to fix the newer EFI's. That is important, at least after the warranty expires. I will take that into consideration. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. J.
On of the boats in the neighborhood has a small Johnson on his dinghy. He loves it. Those things always start -- at least his does. Congratulations.
Having an easy way to explore in shallow water is great. Friends are heading down to go lobstering, this time in their RV. They are towing a Livingston dinghy with an outboard of some variety. Lobster hunting is the plan...
Congratulations and happy exploring. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate that, and learning somethings too. I had not considered that EFI's are not easy to service. Ouch!