Seems like everyone has a Yamaha out there.

So, why don't I see a lot of Tohatsu motors?

Looking for a 20 HP, but Yamaha's are hard to find right now.

Thanks

Todd

I've heard nothing good about 'em.

Tohatsu and Nissan are the same engines other than the stickers on the cowling.

Tohatsu also makes alot of the smaller Mercs as well.

I'll pass on all three.

Yamahas for me.

just went through decisions on repowering, but ended up getting a new boat.

check this out:
http://smalloutboards.com/review.htm

no personal experience with tohatsu, but these guys think they're great. give the guys at 3rivers a call, too. they've got plenty of experience with all the makes out there.


willy

I sure like my new Evinrude e-tec. Do your homework before you buy.

I have a 6 horse tohatsu and it works fine. I think the big difference is they are a no frills motor. Maybe a little less refined, noisier, rattle a bit more than a yami. Like the difference from a civic to a acura.

The answer to your question is simple dealer network. Look at the number of dealers selling Yamaha and then the number selling Tohatsu. I've heard nothing but good about both, hell you can't beat Japanese quality. My only concern would be are you close to a dealer if you need service?

I've had a 9.8 Nissan for about 7 years, it must have over 300 hours on it in the salt and it's still running strong, take care of it and they are fine. As said above, Tohatsu and Nissan are one and the same.

I have a 30hp Tohatsu that I put a jet on...I've used it ALOT! Lots and lots of hours! Thing starts up easy and runs very smooth, easy on gas, and makes my boat fly!

No problems trouble free motor for me! Happy buyer.

A month ago, I was looking at new 20 hp outboards. My old Merc was not designed to run on unleaded gas and ethanol enriched fuel. I looked at the Tohatsu/Nissan engines, and a number of reviews for them. Most reviews were positive and the deals I found online were enticing. Google the brand name to find dealers offering "won't be beat pricing, no tax, and free shipping." I imagine warranty service could be obtained locally.

2-stroke Tohatsu's & Nissan's are as good as Yami's no question....nice well built motors and run like swiss watches

something is wrong with the current 4 -stroke Tohatsu/Merc motors...they will figure it out but dont buy a '07/08.

B.

Thanks gentlemen (and ladies, if applicable...can't tell gender on these forums...)

I read that link, landcruiserwilly. It hits the mark. Say I take a "risk" in my opinion and switch motor brands from what I am familiar. Guess what? I'm going to be wondering about it every trip out until I get some confidence in it built up. Brand names are funny that way.

The only thing that went wrong with my Tohatsu was my fault. If it is hard to start, do not keep cranking the little starter motor or you'll burn it up. They do have quick response on parts replacement though. The reason why mine was hard to start one time was an ID ten T problem on my part.

My neighbor in California use to test drive Zodiac's for West Marine Supply in Watsonville and they had Tohatsu motoers on them and said they were far more dependable than any other engine on the market. I had used them on the Sacramento river and they start right up and never had any problems with them. Good engine.

my grandpa had a 30 hp tohatsu on his boat 28' boat as a kicker and back up motor. we never had any problems with it at all. ran real good.