Mariner Sailmate

BogMonster · 28 April 2010, 12:10

Looking at a new aux engine for the Vipermax and the Mariner Sailmate has popped onto the radar as something that might be a good choice - the high thrust fine-pitched Sailmate prop being designed to propel heavy craft.

My previous Johnson 6hp (which unfortunately I lost as part of the sale of the Humber) I always felt probably didn't make anywhere near 6hp as when shoving a heavy RIB the revs were bogged down and there was effectively no rev difference between half and full throttle.

Has anybody got a Sailmate 4/5/6hp, any comments on either the engine or the Sailmate setup? On paper it sounds like a good idea, but a search didn't show much up on here though most people don't seem to have an aux anyway which could be why.

On another point, I always vaguely intended to get a toy inflatable (2.x metre) and the aux was going to be used on that too. I assume the Sailmate would still be OK, just perhaps a little slow?

Downhilldai · 28 April 2010, 12:31

I've had a 4hp 4-stroke Merc Sailmate for 3 years now. Bought it as an aux for my 5.8m Vipermax, so my experience should be exactly what you're looking for?

I haven't got around to making an aux bracket yet though, so it hasn't been out of the garage.......

9D280 · 28 April 2010, 13:41

I may be wrong here, but memory says the sailmate type engines also have a better balance of forward & reverse thrust for manoevering?

BogMonster · 28 April 2010, 15:01

I am getting my Vmax built with a slight alteration to the transom on one side so that I don't need an aux bracket

The 4hp Sailmate has an internal tank plus external feed, while the 5/6 only have an external, so I think it's going to be a 4hp Sailmate, have sent off to see if the Mercury version is available as I'd prefer the black to Mariner's 1970s colour scheme

Downhilldai · 28 April 2010, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I am getting my Vmax built with a slight alteration to the transom on one side so that I don't need an aux bracket

Yes, I did consider chopping out the lip on the top of the transom, but thought it would look out of place.

What main motor have you decided upon?

BogMonster · 28 April 2010, 15:45

Jono pictured one on here with that mod and it looked OK.

Main whisk is an Etec 150

I figured I can add a chartplotter later, but bolting the extra 20 horses on would be messy

Downhilldai · 28 April 2010, 16:25

Yes, it should be fine.

Just make sure they don't make your transom too thick. Mine measures 60mm and I think the saddle on the Merc Sailmate only opens up to around 55mm.

BogMonster · 28 April 2010, 19:53

Ah - ok. Not something I had thought of, there was loads of clearance for the Johnson on a Humber transom. Will check it out, ta for the tip!!

Mollers · 28 April 2010, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I haven't got around to making an aux bracket yet though, so it hasn't been out of the garage.......

So how do you find it performs in the garage? Does it collect less dust than other aux?

Downhilldai · 28 April 2010, 20:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

So how do you find it performs in the garage? Does it collect less dust than other aux?

No, the entire collection of DHD outboards tend to perform similarly in that respect, but this one, being the only 4-stroke, does use a drop less fuel.

Mollers · 28 April 2010, 20:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

No, the entire collection of DHD outboards tend to perform similarly in that respect, but this one, being the only 4-stroke, does use a drop less fuel.

Really?

I'd would've thought that most unused outboards burnt roughly the same.

I'm fast catching you up in the collecting dept. Should be cutting the Jonny loose soon.

Downhilldai · 28 April 2010, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Really?

I'd would've thought that most unused outboards burnt roughly the same.

No, you need to pay closer attention to the marketing guys.....

and the nobbers on here.

Mollers · 28 April 2010, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

No, you need to pay closer attention to the marketing guys.....

and the nobbers on here.

Do you find the 4stroke quieter than the 2strokes when not running?

Downhilldai · 28 April 2010, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Do you find the 4stroke quieter than the 2strokes when not running?

Yes, 'you can hardly hear it' No smoke or fuss with mixing oil either

Chris · 28 April 2010, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Yes, 'you can hardly hear it' No smoke or fuss with mixing oil either

Great service intervals as well !

BogMonster · 28 April 2010, 22:37

Still not as good as an E-Tec though

Mollers · 28 April 2010, 22:44

My Etec has been as economical as DHD's Sailmate over the last few months.

Things might change shortly though.

BogMonster · 29 April 2010, 12:08

Meanwhile, back on topic...

Does anybody have an idea for an aux outboard in the 4-6hp range that will definitely fit on a 60mm thick transom if that is the standard Vmax transom thickness? It was nowhere near being a problem with the Johnson on the Humber so I hadn't even thought about it I just assumed it would fit as long as the transom was built flat rather than with the lip on the rear edge.

BogMonster · 01 October 2010, 10:31

Well I ordered it and it is now here and contrary to the diagram the gap between the saddle and the clamps with the clamps wound right out is in fact almost exactly 60mm so I am hoping it will fit without further modifications ... boat turns up in 3 weeks so I will soon know

Only slight issue I had is that the kind soul that test ran it in the factory forgot to put the fuel line back on from the tank (I guess they bench run it off an external tank) and thus when I filled up the tank with petrol the first litre ended up filling up the engine cowling, on the floor and over my shoes

after that little 'episode' and cleaning it all out with compressed air so it didn't explode, it seems to run ok in a drum of water, though I haven't had it on a boat yet, hope to try it on the SIB this weekend.

Meanwhile another question - I read somewhere that the baby Mercs are actually made by Twatsoo - is this correct? They certainly look the same in a picture, the specs are identical, and I know this sort of badge engineering goes on as my old Johnson aux was a white Suzuki.

kwil · 01 October 2010, 11:32

Quote:

Meanwhile another question - I read somewhere that the baby Mercs are actually made by Twatsoo - is this correct? They certainly look the same in a picture, the specs are identical

My 2stroke Mariner 4 Sailpower is definately a Twatsoo, but as a Twatsoo it is sold as a 5HP. I believe the difference is a restricter plate somewhere on the carb mounting. I cann't confirm this as when I bought mine secondhand I was told it had been altered to a 5 by Bill Highams for the previous owner.

Keith