Don: I've been loving our Tohatsu since getting it last fall - so much nicer than my old Honda 5-hp. Quieter, easier to start, more thrust, lighter, and seems to be just as fuel efficient - I motor at half throttle and am nearly at hull speed - versus full throttle or so with the old Honda. I say go for it! If there is a better motor than the Tohatsu, I've not heard of it.
My Honda tried to kill me last summer on San Diego Bay. My daughter and I were just finishing a great day of sailing. We had just dropped our sails, and were slowly motoring along - stowing gear, putting out our fenders, and putting on sail covers - preparing to make the turn into Sweetwater Creek and back to Pier 32. One of those gigantic Walenius Wilhelmson car carriers just finished offloading cars by Pepper Park, and entered the channel under tow by two tugs. We were on the edge of the shipping channel but needed to give the ship more room to maneuver. Just then, the Honda randomly died and would not restart. We raised our jib and sailed clear in plenty of time, but definitely another "Honda" moment for me. A short while later, after the car carrier and tugs had passed, the Honda started right up and we motored into our slip without further incident. I've maintained that motor well, tried to love it for years, but it's too often given me issues.
I know that Gene has not been happy with his Tohatsu; but, I talked with a lot of people before buying mine, and everyone I spoke to really liked theirs.
- Bob