Association Forum - Tohatsu vs. Yamaha auxiliary

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Tohatsu vs. Yamaha auxiliary

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 2

tchowes
1st Mate

Member Avatar

USA
36 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/21/2008 : 20:08:40

I am in the process of getting my 25 ready for the Spring, 4 years after I bought it at an auction (raising two small children kept me busy!). I REALLY appreciate these forums.

I need to purchase an auxiliary outboard. I have a few options.

Ed's Marine Superstore has a 8hp 4 cycle Yamaha electric start 25" ob for $1,900+ tax. Only problem is that I have to drive to near Richmond, VA from MA. Definitely an day (and part evening) trip.

My local Tohatsu dealer has a 9.8hp, same specs essentially for $2,300 (plus tax). Know the people well. Very reputable.

Onlineoutboards has the same motor for about $1,850 with bank wire and free delivery. About $500 savings total. That would sure buy a nice 3 spring bracket and then some.

Just curious the opinion on Yamaha vs. Tohatsu. (My local Honda dealer is quoting $3,000+ for a similar motor, so they are out of consideration). For the same money, I'd go for the Yamaha, but given the 800+ mile road trip, I'm thinking about onlineoutboards.com. I'd like to do business with my local dealer, the cost differential and my limited budget to get this boat in the water are swaying me away.

Any thoughts?

Tim Howes
1982 C25 FK/SR
Dartmouth, MA

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2008 : 20:35:34

I live in Virginia but in Northern Virginia about a 2 hr or so drive to Richmond. My thought is not to drive all the way to Richmond for a motor. I would either go more local to you or get it mail order thru Online Outboards which others from the Forum have had some experiences with them. If it was me, something like a motor, I would like to deal with the local guys rather than take a chance dealing with mail-order and then any hassles , if any, with who to bring it to if there are any issues...and some people do have issues. Same goes with picking it up from Richmond. If any issues, then you would have to see if they could arrange a local warranty/ service guy to work through and that is not worth the hassle to me even if it is a remote chance you need service.

What about Defender Industries ?
http://www.defender.com/
They are in Waterford, Connecticut..which is a bit closer to you ?

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=&address=42%2Bgreat%2Bneck%2Brd&city=Waterford&state=CT&zipcode=06385

I would check on availability and specifics but their website indicates the following:

They have a Tohatsu 9.8Hp, electric start, 25" long shaft for $1915.
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|530904|530906&id=752089
This whole thing above is the link...not just what is highlighted...same goes for below link...

If still have problems with these motor links, then just go to the www.defender.com link and then click on Boats & Motors and then go to Tohatsu or your mfr choice...then check out all their available motors. if they have one that you are considering, then call to find out if it is available & more details such as P/U versus delivery, etc such as do they run the motor before you pick it up. I am pretty sure those motors shipped are not run beforehand...but check on these things - suggestion. By the way...some of these motors have a preferred side for it to be layed down on if it has oil in the crankcase. On my Honda...you lay it down on the side that has the two flat bosses.

and a Honda, 8Hp, 25" long shaft, electric start for $2452. :
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|219582|295720&id=702388

Edited by - OLarryR on 01/21/2008 20:43:03

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2008 : 20:52:04

I bought a Tohatsu from onlineoutboards for my C22. Great price and prompt delivery. Outboards are a commodity and if there is a problem any authorized dealer can work on it. The Tohatsu is a fine motor and you wont have any trouble. Save the $500.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2008 : 21:43:59

I bought a 9.8 Nissan 25" shaft elec. start (same engine as Tohatsu, just different nameplate), from Onlineoutboards right after Christmas. The transaction went very smoothly. Arrived in styrofoam a heavy duty cardboard carton, total weight about 95-100 lbs. I had it delivered to my office and the shipper driver and I easily transferred it directly from his truck to my Dodge Grand Caravan. I've only run it in a barrel at home so far, but it started up almost instantly first time. Purred like a kitten. Very easy to set up. It will arrive with oil in the lower unit, but not the crankcase. Follow the instructions carefully. It will easily accept a full qt. of oil, as I found out, but don't do it. It takes 13.5 oz. max. (800 ml). I suggest pouring in 12 oz, let it sit a minute, and then check the dipstick. That may be sufficient. If not, add another oz. Can't wait to get it on our boat!!!
P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I live in Nashville, TN and they are in Cookeville, about 2 hrs. away. Good luck.

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 07:57:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">The Tohatsu is a fine motor and you wont have any trouble. Save the $500.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Ditto Randy,
I've got a Tohatsu 8 and just love it!

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 09:09:35

This has been discussed multiple times and the general consensus seems to be the Tohatsu 9.9 purchased from Onlineoutboards.com is the best engine at the lowest price from a reputable source. You do know if you order it using the link in this forum that they offer an association discount? Not sure if the price you quoted included that.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1778 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 13:38:33

I looked at the options this past spring and bought a new Tohatsu from Online Outboards. I had looked at a leftover Mercury 9.8/25" at Defender (I live in CT so an easy pick-up) but it cost exactly the same as the new Tohatsu and was manual vs. electric start. I looked at Honda and Yamaha and the issue was weight -- regardless of the bracket's capacity I have a problem putting too much weight hanging out there, and they cost much more. Regarding the Tohatsu, many here had good comments about Tohatsu and Onlineoutboards. I was concerned buying an outboard on-line and doing the set up myself, etc., but it turned out to be a great experience. Nice folks, the engine arrived in only three days in a solid, undamaged carton. The engine has run flawlessly and I have no regrets with my decision. I think you will like the Tohatsu and if you buy from Onlineoutboards, the experience.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 14:06:54

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bigelowp
 I looked at the options this past spring and bought a new Tohatsu from Online Outboards. I had looked at a leftover Mercury 9.8/25" at Defender...but it cost exactly the same as the new Tohatsu and was manual vs. electric start.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

If you would've taken that Mercury, with its integrated shifter/throttle, for a test drive, it would probably be hanging from your transom right now.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 15:58:54

Love the Tohatsu 9.8 XXL shaft with electric start from Online Outbaords. Free shipping and no sales tax, too. Zero problems.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

Members Avatar

USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 16:24:46

Go with the consensus. Save $500 and get Tohatsu.
Steve

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 17:02:53

I like my Tohatsu and ultra long shaft. I don't have sufficient experience to recommend one over the other though.

Even if you don't buy it from them, it's good to have a local dealer to do any warranty work or maintenance as needed. Granted, they'd rather also make the sale but for $500, I'd buy elsewhere.

I would take the Onlineoutboards ad in to them and see what they can do. Never assume that the posted price is the real price. I might even split the difference with them just to nurture a relationship. In any event, 5 boat units is a significant price difference that can be spent on other cool toys.

Finally, be sure you're comparing apples to apples. Is the online motor electric start? Are you sure?

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

Members Avatar

452 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 19:29:38

I am not sure how much it matters, however I have a 9.9 Mercury (Tohatsu) on my fishing boat and it is very quiet. When I got my C25 in the water last year for the first time with the Yamaha 9.9 I was surprised how much more quiet it was then my Mercury. The Yamaha has impressed me so much in my first year.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 20:07:12

Since I live in Tennessee, I had to pay sales tax on the motor from Onlineoutboards. The total with the Association discount came to $2,063.30. For some reason the Nissan is slightly more than the Tohatsu, so your price will be less, especially since you won't get hit for the sales tax. I bought the Nissan because the name is more readily accepted at the shops here, maybe because we also have the Nissan auto plant just outside Nashville.
A Merc 8 hp manual start was going to cost me around $2,500 plus tax.
all of these are 4 strokers.

Edited by - dmpilc on 01/22/2008 20:09:47

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2008 : 20:28:04

1100 miles round trip @ $.40/mile (total operating cost for a Corolla) = $440. 18 hours (if there're no traffic problems in Providence, New Haven, Stamford, NYC, NJ Turnpike, Baltimore, WDC Beltway,...) Yup, that Richmond deal sounds great!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 01/22/2008 20:28:49

tchowes
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2008 : 22:11:14

I was leaning towards onlineoutbard, the concensus definitely makes that decision easier. Dave, thanks for the thoughts on the roadtrip. I would only drive to VA if I was "in the neighborhood" for other reasons. Also appreciate the forward controls on the Merc. Good idea.

I have a friend/outboard mechanic to handle any issues along with personal experience with outboards, so I'm not intimidated.

I did consider the 6hp 25" shaft motor for the light weight, however the idea of single cylinder along with varying conditions on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, swayed me to consider 8-10hp engines.

I had a Tohatsu 70 back in 1984. Great motor and simple. A good friend, who is a naval architect and has lived aboard his Pearson 35 for 15 years has owned Tohatsu(s) and said that they are simple to run and repair, especially in areas were dealer support is lacking such as the carribean.

I'm sorry for not checking the General Forum for previous discussions on this topic. I had stayed in the Catalina 25 forum only previously. Also had forgotton about the Association discount.

Thanks again for everyone's feedback!

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2008 : 10:21:58

Yo Yo, chalk up another one that purchased the Tohatsu 9.8 XXL from onlineoutboards. Great experience, great motor. Also added the 3 spring motor mount from Catalina Direct. What a difference with these two upgrades...most of the stressful issues are now gone.

I can also hear my radio now

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2008 : 10:43:15

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tchowes
 ...I did consider the 6hp 25" shaft motor for the light weight, however the idea of single cylinder along with varying conditions on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, swayed me to consider 8-10hp engines.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Definitely! Honda or Yamaha 8, or Tohatsu/Nissan/Merc 9.8. Smoother, quieter, and with plenty of reserve power for your Big Buzzards Chop!

Edited by - on

tchowes
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2008 : 11:12:35

You're also talking about a reformed powerboater who still owns a 22' Boston Whaler, so the idea of adequate power calls to me. It's going to take a while to get all that gasoline out of my veins. Don't mind NOT spending a great deal of money on gasoline.

It will be an adjustment getting used to Buzzards Bay by sail. I'll actually enjoy days with some wind for a change (not too much wind). However, I'll actually have to watch tide/current for a change. Looking forward to the learning curve.

Honestly, I'm just excited about being able to stay overnight on my boat with my wife and kids. Not feasible on the whaler.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tchowes
 ...I did consider the 6hp 25" shaft motor for the light weight, however the idea of single cylinder along with varying conditions on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, swayed me to consider 8-10hp engines.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Definitely! Honda or Yamaha 8, or Tohatsu/Nissan/Merc 9.8. Smoother, quieter, and with plenty of reserve power for your Big Buzzards Chop!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2008 : 11:26:24

I'm a lake sailor and use the motor primarily to get in and out of the marina, and getting back when the wind dies. I would have preferred the somewhat lighter weight and less expensive 8 hp Nissan/Tohatsu, except it is not available with both 25" shaft and electric start. Actually, except for the admiral needing the electric start, I personally would have preferred the lighter and MUCH less expensive 6 hp.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

Members Avatar

USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2008 : 16:14:13

Lighter is better, especially for us geezers! When I got an outboard for my dingy, I got a Tohatsu 6hp as it was the same weight as the 4. Of course it was a few more bucks but I do coastal/ocean sailing and wanted a little more piece of mind with the 6.
Steve A

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2008 : 17:46:06

I have had Honda cars in the past and at present. So has the rest of our family members. I read the Honda Autobiography and I am pretty much sold on them for their engineering. The Coast Guard are always zipping around the river with their inflatables and other craft with dual Hondas. I have talked to them (that is the Coast Guard...not to my Honda) ...the Coast Guard likes them and they have been blasting around on them. Based on my experiences and if the Coast Guard likes them...I'm getting one ! (and so I did)

The local marina that has a good engine mechanic, they sell many of the top brands - Yamahas, Hondas, Tohatsu, Johnson, Evinrude...not sure if they sell Nissan. I asked the mechanic what he would buy. He indicated either a Yamaha or a Honda. Not sure exactly why he did not recommend the Tohatsu but many have them and like them. I asked the marina owner how come not recommending the Johnsons. he indicated that years ago, Evinrude and Johnson had decent motors. But they are under different management for past few years (not sure how long ago) and he said ever since then, the quality seems to have gone down based on some of the warranty/repair issues that they have seen thru the years.

My 2006 Honda is working great....but it cost more than the others. On a positive note offsetting the cost...you do not have to workout at the fitness center so much on arm exercises...you get that raising, lowering and carrying a Honda ! LOL

Edited by - OLarryR on 01/24/2008 17:47:36

tchowes
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2008 : 10:07:03

I also considered the Honda, as have owned several Honda cars in the past and present. My local Honda dealer is very pricey at over $3,000 for a comparable model.

I don't doubt that the Yamaha and Honda models are more refined than the Tohatsu models, and likely "better motors" (depending on how you define better of course). My subjective opinion is that they are more basic and commercial spec'd in nature, which makes them less slick, but simpler.

Everything comes down to value. I would pay a premium for a Honda or Yamaha in many cases, however, not a $1,000 or even a $500 premium for that class of outboard (on a large OB, that's a different discussion all together). Simplicity and lighter weight help too.

If onlineoutboards shipped Yamahas (or Ed's for that matter), I would probably go with them for the small price difference.

dmplic, I agree about an 8hp outboard. I would go with a Tohatsu 8hp 25" shaft if they made one. After reading threads in here, given our Buzzards Bay slop, I have no choice but to go with the 25" 9.8hp OB. Most manufacturers 8hp shares the same (or near size - Yamaha) size block with their respective larger 10hp cousins.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1778 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2008 : 20:40:50

Gotta add that one of this year's projects is replacing my motor mount with the three spring CD version -- While the old engine looked better half submerged, the new engine looks (and performs) better set on the upper notch.

I think the real lesson is that the newere engines are a big improvement over older technology -- I grew up on (and loved) mid-60's Evinrude's and Johnsons -- but I will never go back to two stroke technology!

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2008 : 07:37:40

Peter,

I had experience back in 1980 with a brand new Evinrude 7.5 Hp 2 stroke. It was powering my 1980 ODay 23. I had the boat and motor for 5 years till I sold the boat. The motor was a pleasure to use.

Nowadays, I believe Evinrude only sells motors in the higher horsepower ranges and Johnson is designated for the lower horsepower range. I am not positive but thought 2 strokes motors are being phased out throughout the country - Not sure if there is a cutoff point as to when they can no longer be sold.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2008 : 10:36:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 ...I am not positive but thought 2 strokes motors are being phased out throughout the country - Not sure if there is a cutoff point as to when they can no longer be sold.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">The new Evinrude e-Tech engines (larger) are two-strokes, but very high-tech (computerized oil and fuel injection). The issue is emissions, and the Evinrudes apparently meet the same standards as the comparable 4-strokes. It's hard to imagine how... I also suspect that technology is too expensive to scale down to little engines and meet the market price-points, just as EFI is for 4-strokes.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 01/26/2008 11:06:36

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2008 : 18:07:47

Thanks Dave - I thought about the emmissions after I added my post and I was away from the PC. I think I was recalling an article or two that indicated about individuals getting 4 stroke engines because most of the 2 stroke ones used significantly more gas and then there were the excess emmissions. But I think I have seen something about 2 strokes becoming more efficient and w/lower emmissios. But by then I had already bought a new 4 stroke and then stopped reading so much about outboard motors and latest enhancements.

Edited by - on

Page: of 2

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.