Where to buy an outboard?

Rick Webb · Feb 27, 2011

Start Here

http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Tohatsu-6-hp-Outboards.html

Roy10289 · Feb 27, 2011

You might want to look at www.defender.com also. I bought my 5hp there and at the time their pricing was good and no sales tax.

Deadhead · Feb 27, 2011

There are many buys to be had on Craigs List. You just need to watch & get a little lucky. Last winter I bought a 5 hp Yamaha 4 stroke w/ less than 10 hrs. for $500. It was within 30 miles from home. I aslo found an 8 hp Mercury 4 stroke with only 2 hours for $850.

Sumner · Feb 27, 2011

We have bought 2 from online (see post above) with no problems. I don't think you can get the 8 HP in the 25 inch shaft. For that reason we bought the 9.8 with electric start and extra-long shaft....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-25.html

We bought a used Nissan 5 HP Long Shaft for the dinghy off of craigs list. We just got a new 4 stroke 3 1/2 HP Tohatsu long shaft to replace it as we wanted something lighter. I think it will still push the Mac to shore if needed in an emergency. I switched props on both, higher thrust on the 3 1/2 and a little lower thrust on the 9.8.

The used 5 HP is a good outboard and so far we really like the 9.8. We will soon know how we like the small one.

Good luck,

Sum

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

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Joe · Feb 27, 2011

Here's a dealer in your area.... http://www.tohatsu.com/dealersearch...ate=SC&Category=Both&RADIUS=30&submit2=Search

I would consider going to him for a price comparison. Keep in mind the shipping fee when comparing online price and local dealer price. In any event you want to find a dealer service center once you get your motor, and this may be a good place to start. My local Tohatsu service guy (PacWest Marine in Shelter Island) also sells used OB's and provides parts, along with excellent free advice. He has been invaluable.

shemandr · Feb 27, 2011

I bought a Nisson 3.5hp 2 stroke online from Sailnet (The old one). I ordered one with a gear shift but got one that didn't have it. Same order numbers blah blah blah. I could have sent it back but didn't because I needed it for our summer cruise. Every time I start it and the dingy starts to move the mother boat I am irritated that I didn't get the gear shift. How nice it would be to be able to warm up the engine without pushing the mother boat all around the anchorage. A friend tells me he has the gear shift and its next to useless anyway and that mitigates my irritation but .....
There's something to say for a reputable local guy. It's maybe a bit more expensive but you do have a place to go for service. Best price is only part of the story.
I wouldn't buy a used outboard on eBay. I guess if you really know engines it would be OK but I've been burned with used outboards. BTW I wouldn't sell one on eBay either.

Charlie13958 · Feb 27, 2011

Portaboat sells online also.http://www.porta-bote.com/suzuki-info-request

OdayDave · Feb 27, 2011

I bought a 6hp Tohatsu 4-stroke from www.onlineoutboards.com a few years ago and have been very pleased with it and also with the vendor. My recollection is that it came within 4 business days of ordering it, and any questions I had were quickly answered by the company. Also, there was no shipping cost.

There are always good deals on Craigslist if you watch it closely. As always though, buyer beware, but I have gotten some good sailing gear there.

Good luck,

Dave
O'Days 222 and 25

captsam54 · Feb 28, 2011

Craigslist, and eBay... Why pay full price...

jrussnogle · Feb 28, 2011

Tohatsu engine

Cabela's sells and services Nissan engines, which are the same as Tohatsu. The number of Nissan/Tohatsu dealerships really varies around the country. You might also watch ebay. I've had several engines with either the Nissan or Tohatsu name and have always been really satisfied.

Squadron said:
I didn't see any previous posts like this so I figured I would ask away:

I'm in the market for a new Tohatsu outboard to replace the one that is currently providing a useful habitat for dust (it melted itself last summer). I basically know what I want, but have no idea where to buy from. Anyone have any good recommendations for online shops to buy from? There's no local places that have Tohatsu's or even long-shaft engines.

I'm looking for either a 6HP 25" or 8HP 20-25", manual start.

scsailor23 · Feb 28, 2011

Rick Webb said:
http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Tohatsu-6-hp-Outboards.html

If I had the bucks the 6hp 25" shaft with 12v charging is what I would buy

RichH · Feb 28, 2011

Best prices for Tohatsu are www.internetoutboards.com and www.onlineoutboards.com and usually shipping is free. Both these net sources will 'oscilate' with pricing so just choose the one with 'todays' lowest price. Sales tax is always an issue ... so just be sure to buy from a source that has NO location or business address in YOUR state to save on state taxes.

That stated and one who owns a Tohatsu 4 stroke 6 hp. and with the realization that Tohatsu is the prime manufacturer of 4 cycle power heads for virtually ALL other brands ... one should be mindful that the EPA is soon to imperially impose E15 fuel (15% Ehtanol / 85% gasoline) for common public usage. The currently imposed E10 (10% EtoH / 90% 'gasoline) has caused horrendous problems with especially small HP engines - phase separation, chemical incompatibilties, carburetor problems and instabilities, etc. That it would really behoove one to strongly consider purchasing a quality used 2 stroke .... for less carburetor problems, higher power to weight ratio, etc. etc. etc.
It may be illegal (everything is nowadays) but to make and keep my (Tohatsu) 4 strokers 'reliable' I have the knowledge and expertise to 'distill out' or remove the EtOH from the gasoline that I use in my outboards to ensure their 'reliability' ... I dont have to do this with my 2 strokers. When E15 is commonplace I predict, 4 cycle outboards will not be 'running very well', if at all, and there will develop a huge blackmarket for 2 strokers. Buying a good used 2 stroker will keep one well ahead of the cacophony that will surely follow the mandatory usage of E15.

Johnb · Feb 28, 2011

I hope everyone is aware that Tohatsu, Nissan and some Mercury's are the same motor, the price just rises in that order.

soggysocks · Feb 28, 2011

Craigslist

Squadron said:
I didn't see any previous posts like this so I figured I would ask away:

I'm in the market for a new Tohatsu outboard to replace the one that is currently providing a useful habitat for dust (it melted itself last summer). I basically know what I want, but have no idea where to buy from. Anyone have any good recommendations for online shops to buy from? There's no local places that have Tohatsu's or even long-shaft engines.

I'm looking for either a 6HP 25" or 8HP 20-25", manual start.

Craigslist.com for used and possibly new as well.
eBay is another great source.
In Cal we have a 9.75% sales tax so an online out of state purchase more than pays for shipping.

Rae18368 · Feb 28, 2011

Anybody ever use an electric motor?

sailmaine · Feb 28, 2011

As a Tohatsu dealer I would recommend buying from your local dealer, should you have a problem he is the one you will probably want to turn to. If you do not have a local dealer I would be happy to help, send me an email.

owner23.5 · Feb 28, 2011

brother is a local tohasu dealer here http://www.stlawrencerecreation.com/
not sure about pricing would have to give him a ring.

Don-MT · Feb 28, 2011

Just a thought. Check out your local want ads for a small fishing boat with the outboard you want. Often you can buy the boat, motor, and trailer for less than the cost of the motor. If you find the motor you want, buy the boat, remove the motor and resell the boat. Or simply give it to a charitable organization and you get the tax deduction as well.

And, yes, I have tried this method.

Shine On!

Don

darkaegisagain · Feb 28, 2011

Speaking of Craigslist.. any opinions on buying one of the older 2 cycle engines on Craigslist? I know 2 cycles have more available torque to get on a plane for the HP rating but what about parts / service...etc.