Tohatsu outboards pros and cons

bigeasy1 · #1 08-12-2017, 11:47 AM

looking to replace the old mid 80's 20 hp Johnson on my little bang around aluminum boat.I love the Yamaha kicker on my Seacraft, but see some real nice prices on new Tohatsu motors.
I can get a new Tohatsu for the same money as a "Used Yamaha.
Has to be 25hp or less as thats the requirement on the paticular reservoir where it would be used.

Any one have any experience with Tohatsu motors (4 stroke) either good or bad, and would you recommend or not recommend them? Thanks all

NOLA Riverrat · #2 08-12-2017, 02:16 PM

My friend had a 10hp 2 stroke on a 12 foot f/g hull. It was really a 15ho throttled down to be in spec for FL law. Great motor.

DonV · #3 08-12-2017, 04:24 PM

I notice the new Chittum skiffs are using a lot of those motors in the 40 to 60 hp range on their carbon fiber boats. They have a great reputation world wide. The "for the same price as a used Yamaha" is all I would need to know. The guy across the canal from me has a 25 hp on on his 13" Whaler he putts around in and he's had it for as long as I've lived here, 17 years, plus the guy three doors down has a new 250 hp Tohatsu which is really a Honda. I'd give them a real close look.

bigeasy1 · #4 08-13-2017, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the replies guys.I was leaning towards the Tohatsu, just needed a bit more positive words, your replies made the decision easier.

FishStretcher · #5 08-13-2017, 11:51 AM

I have a 6 hp kicker. I bought it new. It runs ok but it doesn't want to pull fuel uphill. That might be a fuel fitting issue. Not sure. The frictional lock for steering did strip out though. Apparently they cannot clamp the motor fully. It is just for drag. And the gearshift jumps out or *in* occasionally. I bet it would be better with dealer service. But I'd buy a Yamaha if I were to do it over.

shrek · #6 08-14-2017, 02:55 PM

I had a 30 on my 13' rubber boat. It was bulletproof. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

uncleboo · #7 08-14-2017, 03:30 PM

I had an 8 hp on my 13' gheenoe that ran flawlessly in all conditions. I used to take it duck hunting and remember a few sub 20 degree days. Started on first or second pull EVERY time I used it.

Beaver · #8 08-15-2017, 11:41 AM

I know nothing about the Tohatsu 4 strokes but currently have been running a 90 2 stoke on the back of my 18 SC for 6 years and I've been super impressed with it. I've found the Tohatsu to be as reliable as my old Yamaha 90 (which is saying something) and its extremely simple to work on. I've actually found things I liked better than my old Yamaha 90 like a stainless steel shift rod and my Tohatsu is way quieter than my Yamaha 90 ever was.

Everything I've read points to Tohatsu building extremely solid products. I believe that they are one of the oldest and largest outboard manufactures in the world. I've read that they are the preferred motor amongst the commercial guys in Japan. I've also heard that they thoroughly test all of their motors before releasing them rather than wait to hear negative feedback and then changing them. My overall impression is old school Japanese simplicity and pride of workmanship. I'd buy another one in a heart beat.

John3325 · #9 08-20-2017, 07:24 PM

My father and I re powered my grandfather's 13' Boston Whaler this spring with a 2016 Tohatsu 20 HP engine. Sips fuel, pushes the whaler fast enough for my 81 year grandfather, and its like a caddilac compared to the old 80's Evinrude 30hp that was on it!

We bought it essentially new from a dealer with 5 hours on it as a leftover. 5 year warranty and an excellent price for what you get.