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Need a new outboard

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Deejavue
Deckhand

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USA
11 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/25/2011 : 10:00:10

Due to circumstances beyond our control (theft of motor), we are looking to buy a new outboard. We've always had Hondas in the past but we are seriously considering the Tohatsu/Nissan 9.8 with the electric start. I like that it is lighter and still has the regular recoil pull start. All comments, pros and cons most welcome

Dee Reed
Sacramento, CA
1989 Catalina 25 Wing Keel

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/25/2011 : 10:58:40

We've got the Nissan 9.8 elec start with 25" shaft and love it. You will, too! Toss up between the Nissan and Tohatsu brands, same motor, and the price difference is a lot less now. Buy it thru the forum here and you may get a little extra discount, if you are also a member of the Association.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 12/25/2011 : 11:14:07

Ditto David.

The Nissan and Tohatsu appear to be identical all bar the name on the side (we've had both!)

Paul

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 12/25/2011 : 13:13:54

We've had a Tohatsu 9.8 for about 3-4 years, and other than problems created outside of the engine's control (rusty, water laced, gasoline due to the tank rusting being sucked up into the carb), we'd recommend it. It's easy to work on, reliable, and economical to run.

If you're a member of the association, you can get a $50 discount (I believe) if you buy it from Online Outboards through the association.

As Paul mentioned, the Tohatsu and Nissan are identical except for the decals on the side, with the Tohatsu being generally less expensive.

Edited by - on

Deejavue
Deckhand

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USA
11 Posts

Response Posted - 12/25/2011 : 15:11:47

Thanks for the advice and info. I am a member and will indeed order through the Association website when we're ready

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5377 Posts

Response Posted - 12/25/2011 : 23:49:35

Dee,
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for becoming a member. I'm really sorry your engine was stolen. Seems so unfair. I hope you were insured. I installed a huge lock and cable for my Honda 8, and while its not completely theft-proof, I've made it as tough as possible to steal.

Do you plan to get one with an electric start, and/or with an alternator? If so, check on the recommended circuit connections and fuses. Good luck with the new engine.

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 12/26/2011 : 10:41:53

Got the Tohatsu 2 years ago very happy.
Got it delivered to the marina and added a new lift (it's heavier).

The members discount is 10% just one great reason to join and support the Assoc.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 12/26/2011 : 15:32:30

I have a 2005 Tohatsu. Love it. Mostly. If I should need to replace it, I think I'd likely go with the Mercury version(same motor, different bells and whistles) All the motor controls on the Mercury version are on the tiller. Accessing the shifter is a bit of a pain on the 250 with the motor on a Garhauer mount. It's not enough to make me replace a perfectly good motor, just less convenient. The motor weighs just under 100 pounds. Be sure to get the ultra long (25") shaft.

Edited by - John Russell on 12/26/2011 15:33:15

Deejavue
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
11 Posts

Response Posted - 12/26/2011 : 15:34:29

The motor was taken out of our garage storage area -we took it off the boat for the season so it wouldn't get stolen

. We do have coverage so we'll see how much they pay.

And we are getting the electric start with the alternator. Not getting any younger

Dee in Sacramento

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/26/2011 : 17:17:56

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 I have a 2005 Tohatsu. Love it. Mostly. If I should need to replace it, I think I'd likely go with the Mercury version(same motor, different bells and whistles) All the motor controls on the Mercury version are on the tiller.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I've had my Mercury, with it's integrated tiller, for over ten years now and I can't see myself ever owning an outboard without this feature.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 12/26/2011 : 20:10:28

I love my Mercury for the same reason, but it is a little heavier and a big price jump. I was torn between the Tohatsu price and Merc tiller, so I took the Tohatsu price to my local WM and they knocked a big chunk off the Merc price. It was still quite a bit more than the T, but it was worth it to me.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/27/2011 : 07:47:17

Interesting, the only thing I remember about the Tohatsu is several discussions here re cleaning the carb jets . . .

Our 1997 Yamaha 4-stroke has never missed a beat.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 12/27/2011 : 09:13:49

I've heard of Yamaha carb problems--I think all of the little 4-strokes are susceptible due to finer jetting than 2-strokes. I recommend a Racor filter/separator as insurance for any of them.

I decided against the Yamaha back around 2002 because it didn't have a pull-starter. I asked about emergency starting (dead battery), and they showed me how to lift off the cowling, remove 3-4 bolts, and take the flywheel cover off... I said not to bother demonstrating. (Of course, can I pull start my current Honda outboard? Anybody want to try?? Hint: It's the engine from the Pilot and Odyssey.)

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/27/2011 : 09:47:37

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave5041
 I love my Mercury for the same reason, but it is a little heavier and a big price jump. I was torn between the Tohatsu price and Merc tiller, so I took the Tohatsu price to my local WM and they knocked a big chunk off the Merc price. It was still quite a bit more than the T, but it was worth it to me.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It would be worth it to me as well. In the last ten years, I'm sure the integrated tiller has saved me from boat damage enough times around our concrete and steel docks to cover the Mercury price premium many times over.

Of the dock mishaps I've witnessed over the years, captains having to take there eye's off the bow to look back, locate, then switch the gear shift lever, sometimes going between forward and reverse several times over, has been either a primary or aggravating factor in many of the mishaps.

Edited by - on

Salvation
1st Mate

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USA
32 Posts

Response Posted - 12/27/2011 : 10:08:04

I have the Tohatsu 9.8 and have been very happy with it. It's great having an electric start and an alternator that can top off my motor and boat batteries. Concerning OJ's comments about cleaning the jets, I had to do that one time in 2010 when I first bought it. Apparently the dealer had the motor in storage before I bought it and when I ran it the first time it would not idle. I pulled the carb, cleaned the low speed jet and have not had any problems since. Definitely my kind of motor, low maintenance and easy to work on if I need to.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/27/2011 : 11:06:17

I like the Nissan/Tohatsu because of its relative low weight, 93 lbs. Mine is only 5 lbs more than the old, unreliable Suzuki 2-stroke that it replaced. Also, the manual pull start capability has saved me on 2 occasions, nice to have. In 4 years, I've had no major issues with it, other than having to clean the carb and unclog the low idle jet this past summer.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/28/2011 : 22:00:34

As I understand it the Tohatsu and Nissan are identical while the Mercury is a Tohatsu with some different features. When I was looking a few years ago Defender had a leftover Mercury that, during their annual April sale was less expensive than the Tohatsu BUT did not have electric start. Anyway I went with the Tohatsu and have been more than happy ever since. I think all three are great for the price. The Yamaha and Honda are heavier and more costly. Any, in MHO are better than the preceding generation of two stroke options. Finally, I was more than a bit skeptical of buying an outboard "mail-order" but the folks at Online Outboards were great to deal with and made the transaction a snap. Finally, I have a simple but effective lock so the engine mounting clamps can not be loosened to remove it from the boat -- my insurance covers winter storage issues.

Edited by - bigelowp on 12/28/2011 22:02:33

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2011 : 09:14:55

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2011 : 12:19:16

You have to wonder why the Merc is almost $1k more!!
If you are on an inland lake, other than the Great Lakes, and are on reasonably protected water, and don't need electric start, consider the 6 hp Tohatsu/Nissan 25" shaft model. Less power but sufficient for lake sailing and getting in/out of the marina, and only 59-60 lbs. and offers 5A battery recharging. It would be my choice today for our lake, but I've grown too fond of elec. starting.

Edited by - on

Deejavue
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
11 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2011 : 21:11:35

Thanks to everyone for your help and comments. It looks like my next motor is going to be the Tohatsu 9.8. I really want that electric start

. And the lower price tag isn't bad either,

Dee Reed
1989 C25 SR WK

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2011 : 21:50:13

If you're over, let's say 35, electric start rocks! And remember, if you're not over 35, you will be!

Edited by - on

two port feet
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 12/30/2011 : 00:38:16

I'm a little over 35+ an I wish I had power tilt along with the elect start

Edited by - on

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