So our catamaran is powered by two outboards. Original equipment from the factory was the Yamaha brand, extra long shaft, 4 stroke, 9.9 models.

When we bought the boat, it had just undergone it's first engine change. The new (2000) Yamahas had just 15 hours on them when we bought Dream Catcher. We subsequently ran those motors for 7 years, 30,000 miles (sail and motor) and more than 2500 hours without major issues, but by the spring of 2008 the motors were definately on their last legs.

Given our successful track record with the Yamaha engines we decided to stay with them when we repowered in May of 2008. The design has changed, but other than needing to update our circa 1994 Yamaha remote wiring harness, the engines dropped right in.

After a few minor installation issues (ie remote kill switches that aren't documented in the owners manual) we were able to get both new engines running just fine.

Although we only have 14 hours on the new set of engines, we are very happy with the increased power, the reduced noise, and the ultra cool electric tilt mechanism that the new engines have.

I'd recommend these small four stroke units to anybody who is in the market.