When considering the purchase of a 9.9 outboard, it is wise to examine the motor size rules and restrictions of the waters the craft is intended to be used on. Tail shaft length, propeller design and tiller location are all factors to consider when planning to purchase an 9.9 outboard motor. Perhaps the most important consideration for any new 9.9 outboard motor purchase is deciding between a 2-stroke or 4-stroke motor.
Whether intended to be a primary or back-up power source, the 9.9 outboard is a very common outboard motor used on rivers and lakes all around the world. One of the most common uses of a 9.9 outboard motor is to power a fishing boat. With many man-made lakes, reservoirs as well as rivers and natural lakes moving toward motor size limits and no wake rules, the motors allowed on these types of waters are typically 10 horse power and less. This makes the 9.9 outboard a wise and logical choice when shopping for a new or used outboard.
Many fishing boats are equipped with huge outboard motors with 200, 300 or more horsepower. Even these boats can benefit from the installation of a small kicker outboard that can be used to power these fishing boats in the motor-restriction zones. When used in this capacity, it is wise to purchase an outboard that has the capacity to be hooked up as a kicker motor with steering controls and motor controls that can be connected to the primary outboard controls. Many small outboard motors are designed for this purpose as well as for independent operation.
For motors that are intended to be used on smaller boats only, the placement of the motor's tiller is a critical consideration. Whether it be on the right side or the left side of the motor, the placement of the tiller is critical for pleasant and comfortable operation by the operator. It is important to sit in the boat that the motor is intended for and picture operating the motor from that position. Feel which side is more comfortable to sit and operate the boat on and which hand is the most comfortable controlling and steering the motor. This is the side that the new 9.9 outboard tiller should be mounted on.