Tohatsu outboards
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I bought a Tohatsu SailPro 5hp Propane last season and really like it so far. It’s been dependable and the only time I had a problem was because I didn’t check the tank, 100% my fault.
The Ultra Long shaft helped me a lot too. It looks too long at first but out in the steep chop it just keeps the prop submerged on my boat / mount setup.
The Ultra Long shaft helped me a lot too. It looks too long at first but out in the steep chop it just keeps the prop submerged on my boat / mount setup.
Also....Tohatsu started building small outboards in 1958... They became tremdously popular with Japanese fishermen who ran them hard all day.. everyday.
Here's something I just found out. All Tohatsu motors over 60HP have been built by HONDA under Tohatsu label since 2014!..those 60 to 250 models are fuel injected 2 strokes... whereas Tohatsu factory built smaller motors are all 4 strokes. Just in case you were wondering.
Looks like the Nissan rebranding is not longer even used. Here is the blurb from the Tohatsu site.
The bigger ones, like Joe said, may actually be built by Honda and rebranded as Tohatsu. With all the name rebranding it is hard to tell who really makes what
. The long and the short though is that the Tohatsu outboards are as good as anybody elses. Just take care of them and use non-ethanol fuel if you can.
| NISSAN OUTBOARDS ARE NOW TOHATSU | |
| Nissan Marine has discontinued sales of their outboard motors manufactured by Tohatsu Outboards, a long time partner and manufacturer for Nissan Marine. Tohatsu outboards are identical and their parts and accessories are fully compatible with all existing Nissan Marine engines. Tohatsu dealers are able to provide parts, service and warranty support for all existing Nissan Marine owners. Tohatsu continues to build the same high-quality engine you’ve come to rely on and offers a full line of outboards, from 2.5hp to 250hp, all backed by a 5 year limited warranty. |
The bigger ones, like Joe said, may actually be built by Honda and rebranded as Tohatsu. With all the name rebranding it is hard to tell who really makes what
. The long and the short though is that the Tohatsu outboards are as good as anybody elses. Just take care of them and use non-ethanol fuel if you can.
... and if you can't... do not leave fuel in the carburetor. Disconnect the fuel line while the O.B. is running and let it starve.
If I'm not mistaken, the 4 and the 6 HP NIssan (and I assume the Tohatsu) are the exact same displacement. The only difference is the carburator (at least on the older ones) and possibly the prop. Check into that because I believe you can change out the carb and have yourself a 6 hp. I think a upgraded carb is only about $125 or so but a 6HP is several hundred more than a 4hp. But you need to verify that inside info yourself. A little Google will go a long way.
Sound like the way I should go for sure, to top it off the dealer said he has a special on where he gives you $500 off for your current running motor. Think I will pay the extra for a 6 hp with the alternator and high thrust prop
I had a properly running Honda 9.9 on my H26... but it was a standard length and would come out of the water in a chop. The Tohatsu runs great, weighs a lot less etc. The only negative from the switch is that my battery bank and my Honda 9.9 were about the same weight and on opposite sides of the transom. Now my boat lists a little to port because of the battery bank. I can obviously move it inboard a little but .... inertia.
That is true with a number of their models... for instance, I have a 90's era 9.9 2 stroke ( a great motor, btw) that shares the same displacement size as the 15 hp... The difference is in the carb jets.... so for $125 I had the dealer/mechanic install the upgrade kit. It's nice to have the extra power... but I noticed an increase in fuel consumption.... The trade off in extra weight and fuel economy for a 4 stroke (you can't buy new 2 strokes in Ca. anymore) vs. more power and poorer economy but with less weight for the 2 stroke has to be considered.
The small two strokes 2.5HP and 3.5HP have a built in fuel tank fed by gravity; with a capacity of less than 1/2 Gallon and a burn rate of 0.5 GPH it will barely offer 30-40 minutes of running time so make sure you carry extra fuel. A 4,5 or 6 four stroke with an external 3 1/2 gas tank will give you 5-6 hours of running time. The sale of small two strokes has been banned in the US. I was lucky to find a Mercury 3.3HP manufactured the year prior to the regulations going into effect and at 28 lbs it is the perfect engine to lower and lift into the dink. I also have the 5HP 4 stroke Tohatsu and it makes for a better engine to be installed fixed in a small boat where constant lifting is not required.
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I just purchased a 4 hp. I'm brand new to boats and sailing. But it's the brand of motor I saw most often on the local sailboats. I considered Mercury but was told they were built by Tohatsu as well. Since I have no boating experience I wish the owners manual would have had a bit more info on how to break in. I mount motor, take prop off, and run it in a container full of water? ok
They do list break in run times and at what throttle position. Also have been told not to trailer my boat with motor mounted. Owners manual seems to state that it's fine to do so only it shouldn't be tilted when doing so. You probably already know about that stuff.
I bought mine from a company in Nashville selling on line. Outboards.com. My only concern was there is a preshipping checklist that was with the paperwork and not filled out. I called Tohatsu direct to see if this was going to cause a warranty issue. They said not at all. One day I hope I have enough experience to look back and laugh at my entry into boats and sailing.