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.
Paul, When I bought my Tohatsu, I got the best price I could find on line, then went to the dealer saying that "money was tight, and that I had found the motor online for $X, but that I would really prefer to give him my business...did he think he could match the price?" He didn't blink and said.."no problem". Just a possible purchasing strategy. Willy
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by britinusa</i> <br />Tim, FWIW, our good experiences with our Tohatsu are shown in our choice of it's replacement... another Tohatsu! I would stand up and strongly recommend Tohatsu as a very reliable engine.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Keep in mind that Tohatsu makes all Nissan outboards (decal change) and all smaller Mercury outboards.
Paul, Something to keep in mind when you get your new Tohatsu, the gear shift paddle is going to be in a different place than on your old engine. Maybe you can salvage the linkage & cowling from the old one to use on the new one if you run into the same problems I did where it wouldn't allow you to swing the engine very far. They may have changed the design so much that the old won't fit the new, but it's worth a shot.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by delliottg</i> <br />Something to keep in mind when you get your new Tohatsu, the gear shift paddle is going to be in a different place than on your old engine. Maybe you can salvage the linkage & cowling from the old one to use on the new one if you run into the same problems I did where it wouldn't allow you to swing the engine very far.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Or buy a Tohatsu made Mercury and eliminate the paddle shifter altogether.
Come to think of it, a simple tiller extension might put the throttle/shifter near a C250's skippers hip while he's standing at the wheel thereby eliminating the need to reach back to the outboard to shift gears....Hmmm
Paul, So sorry to hear that. I know we have all blundered to one degree or another. I cant tell you how many times after screwing up I said to myself, "If I had only checked this or that", would have saved me time and bucks. Re taking in for service, I just took my 8hp Honda for its annual service. I was told couple of weeks. Its now the third week week and I am still waiting. And yes, I am missing valuable sailing time. I was thinking of using my new Tohatsu 6hp that I have for my dinghy until the Honda returns but keep saying to myself, any day now!.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Stardog</i> <br />This begs another question to be answered: I have a new Tohatsu on my boat, I got the 6hp model as I rarely use an engine, except to manoeuvre in the marina at close quarters. Anyway, I have about 2 hours of running time on this engine and I'm wondering when is best to change oil during or after break-in? <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> My Tohatsu manual said after 10 hours break in, I should do service. However the dealer I bought it from, said I should bring it in after 20 hours, regardless of time. I have about 5 or 6 hrs on it now, after 2 trips to Catalina. I do check oil and she is clean as a whistle and starts right up. So I am gonna wait till probably end of this season. Steve A
We ordered our new 'Nissan' today (there was a 3 week back order on tohatsu's) Thanks to the Assoc, we got a $75.00 discount and we also took the phone check discount.on the nissan. Total cost $1915.90 (an expensive oil change!)
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Dave Bristle</i> <br />It'll arrive with a dry sump--don't forget to add oil.
The motor that was on my boat died on me coming back to the mooring Monday. Was a pretty hairy minute or two until I verified the anchor was holding. I don't know what was wrong with it but I made the command decision to buy a new outboard for it. Not much sense owning something that is supposed to be relaxing when I am going to constantly stress on if the motor will start or not. I already needed one for the dingy so I am shelling out a lot. I did get the local dealer to match the online price though so that is good news. I will make sure to add oil :) Thanks for the heads up.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Dave Bristle</i> <br />It'll arrive with a dry sump--don't forget to add oil.
I like Hondas and until proven otherwise, I stick with them. I know their cars have nothing to do with the outboards but Honda is known for their engineering and reliability. They have only made 4 strokes from the very beginning. They are primarily an engine mfr that teamed up with a marketing executive.....that's how they got into the auto business. Read the Honda Biography (in the library) and then maybe become more biased toward them.
But this is a personal choice. There have been those happy with each and the Tohatsu's are less expensive and easier to carry given that they are about 20# lighter. Do not believe you will find any Consumer Reports out there recommending one over the other. In fact, I read somewhere on the web from a distributor, etc about this same thing and that there are those that either swear they will not buy another of whatever brand because of some past horror story or those that walk in the door and talk about the same brand the other guy would not buy and finatically support only buying that one because of past success.
Sift thru all the advice in the above postings and then....go with your gut (what after all of this seems important to you).
Of possible interest. I read somewhere elsewhere on the web (unverified) that the Tohatsu is supposed to slow down and start running rough if the oil pressure goes low. (Their way of getting the operator's attention)
Unfortunately that might not happen if you are already at idle.
Yes, the engine does slow up, the horn goes off which is very loud and I have been told by dock people to start my engine so they could cast us off and I have to let them know that the engine is running, quietly. I also have the tachometer and start panel just inside the cabin but accessable from the cockpit and out of the weather. The Honda system is very nice.
This is at the opposite end of the spectrum, and I jump in here because it sounds like Paul has made a decision... last season, here in the land of metric, I added one litre of oil to my Honda 9.9 4 stroke when I did an oil change. The instructions on the OB and in the manual say to add one litre. There is a note hand written by the PO on the inside of the engine cowling that says - 1 QT 10W30. A litre is larger than a quart by 57 ml (between 1/4 & 1/5th of a cup).
My OB ran rough and it discharged a fair amount of oil. On the dipstick, the oil was above the top hash mark. I changed the oil, this time adding 946 mls or 1 quart, and the engine ran much better, started better, and did not belch any oil. I also changed the spark plugs and the plugs are dry, the previous ones were oily and sooty.
My conclusion, my US made Honda Outboard wants an imperial measurement of oil, even though the nuts and bolts are all metric.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by SCnewbie</i> <br /> I did get the local dealer to match the online price though so that is good news. I will make sure to add oil :) Thanks for the heads up. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> The dealer will probably add oil, unlike buying online. And yes, sounds like you are gonna have to shell out a lot of bucks. Guess the motor you are replacing is very old. Piece of mind is important. Re Honda VS Tohatsu, its personal choice. Either one is excellent. I have a 8hp Honda and its tough removing for service due to weight but I love it. Its very reliable. My Piseas II is in a slip all year round but if you have a trailer then its easier to remove motor when time for maintenance. I also have a new 6hp Tohatsu for my dinghy and have no problems-except for putting motor on & taking off. It is much lighter and cheaper than a comparable Honda. I got the 6hp as I do a lot of ocean sailing with sereral overniters and wanted the extra protection. If I were on a small lake, then I would have gotten a much smaller motor. Steve A
There's one thing that can make a situation like this bearable or like hell on earth. I'm glad for you Paul that the Mrs. was understanding, and she was correct in being so, because as she knows so well, we've all been there!
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">There's one thing that can make a situation like this bearable or like hell on earth. I'm glad for you Paul that the Mrs. was understanding, and she was correct in being so, because as she knows so well, we've all been there!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Amen to that! Let he who has made no mistakes cast the first stone.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Nautiduck</i> <br /><blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">There's one thing that can make a situation like this bearable or like hell on earth. I'm glad for you Paul that the Mrs. was understanding, and she was correct in being so, because as she knows so well, we've all been there!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Amen to that! Let he who has made no mistakes cast the first stone.
Peggy rocks!! <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> Paul, Maybe I should start a new topic but I wonder how many of our wives would be so understanding as yours. I hope mine would be. Steve A
Still haven't ordered it. Man the price on the order form is big!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Making me reconsider power tilt and also if I should go with the Tohatsu. 5 year warranty on the honda motors. 2 on the tohatsu. Total price of the two motors is over 5000 with tax. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!! The Tohatsus would run me about 3800. Is 3 years of extra warranty worth 1200. That is a tough one. I'll think on it tonight. 4400 to get the Honda for the sailboat and Tohatsu for the dingy. I like the thought of no choke adjustment to mess with but is it that big a deal cranking these engines if they are maintained? I say I will sleep on it, but it is going to be the wifes call in reality. I can admit it.
Ahh 3 year. Maybe I am going to go with the Tohatsu... Are there any opinions of which will hold up to salt water better? The dingy will be flushed after each use. The one on the moored boat won't have that option.
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.