MacGregorSailors.com

I have had a M26S for almost 20 years and the Johnson 9.9 is about shot. I'm looking at a Tohatsu 9.8. The dealer is promoting a power lift. There wasn't one in stock to look at, so all I have is the catalog picture. I don't know what the power lift does, except to allow different trim positions, which I assume is irrelevant with the M26S. The dealer says it will make the motor easier to lift. In the opinion of users of this device, is that enough to justify the $500 cost? Second, is it actually "powered" by an electric motor, or just a mechanical device?

Bill Anderson ("Wilybill")
Raleigh, NC

It's actually called "Power Tilt" and yes, it seems like it is a powered trim/tilt and since it only comes on the electric start model, I would guess that it is electric.

http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Tohatsu- ... 3EFTL.html

~Rich

Wouldn't think it would be of much value for trimming (set and forget) if the motor is easily accessible to tilt it but handy if not especially if you raise and lower it a lot when sailing or both shoulders are stuffed like mine from lifting things like that in awkward situations

Thanks for the prompt replies. Maybe I didn't ask the right questions, or ask well enough; let me try again: (1) assume I am using the motor in a channel against a strong tide and I get to a point that I don't need the motor anymore; do I mash some button and the power tilt raises the motor out of the water without me having to reach out and haul it up? Similarly, assume the motor is up; for some reason I need to use it again; do I just push some button and the device lowers the motor into the water? If it does all that, it seems like a useful piece of equipment. Wilybill

Addendum: To the administrator: Your data shows me owning a Macgregor 26M. I erroneously described my boat as a 26M when I first joined the group. Actually, I believe my boat is a Macgregor 26S. (It is the older model, without stand-up room below. When I bought it in 1994 or 1995, it was just a "M26" and the "S " or "M" terminology is fairly new to me.) Wilybill

wilybill wrote:Addendum: To the administrator: Your data shows me owning a Macgregor 26M. I erroneously described my boat as a 26M when I first joined the group. Actually, I believe my boat is a Macgregor 26S. (It is the older model, without stand-up room below. When I bought it in 1994 or 1995, it was just a "M26" and the "S " or "M" terminology is fairly new to me.) Wilybill

wilbill just click on the "User Control Panel" link to edit your profile. It is at the top of most of the forum pages.

If you think the cost is worth being able to press a button on the motor rather than lift it like you did your previous motor you should do it, it's your money but I would go for electric start way before a tilt option although at 67 both seem to be pretty good .

wilybill wrote:Thanks for the prompt replies. Maybe I didn't ask the right questions, or ask well enough; let me try again: (1) assume I am using the motor in a channel against a strong tide and I get to a point that I don't need the motor anymore; do I mash some button and the power tilt raises the motor out of the water without me having to reach out and haul it up? Similarly, assume the motor is up; for some reason I need to use it again; do I just push some button and the device lowers the motor into the water? If it does all that, it seems like a useful piece of equipment. Wilybill

It does all of that and it really is a useful piece of equipment. Think of it as a power lift (and trim) quickly available on demand. You'll be glad you bought it.

Trimming a 9.9 is not a useful function , but you have described the lift function perfectly. If you sail in shallows a lot or think your motor will compromise performance a lot, then electric lift by button is for you!

When I repower my I will go 9.9 or 15 and I will have the same dilemma.

You should look at the Mercury Sailpro in Bigfoot lower end too btw. More thrust at lower revs is good for these boats

As a boat mechanic i would point out that it is simply "one more thing that can break" and therefore not necessary, especially on such a light motor.

KISS (Keep it simple stupid)