About to pull the trigger on a new Tohatsu, but...

[laurentide]

As the title states, I'm getting close to purchasing a new Tohatsu kicker. It's for an 18+' aluminum cuddy with a canvas top, so it's got some windage consideration, therefore eliminating the single cylinder 6. So I'm trying to decide between the 8 and the 9.8. The only reason the 8 is a consideration is price. For my use, would it be worth the extra $200 for a long shaft 9.8 over the LS 8? Same engine, different carb, correct?

It will be used on a large lake that generates high wind and seas at times (Champlain), and will be used for trolling, which is 90% of the boat's total running time.

I was going to piggyback on the 6 vs 9.8 thread from a couple of days ago, but figured I should start my own.

I guess I'm just asking if there's any advantage to the 8 hp is price isn't factored into the decision.

Thanks!

 

[paddlers]

Unless there was a considerable difference in weight I'd always go for the extra horses !

 

[laurentide]

Ya, they're both the same powerhead...same weight and displacement (84#s and 209 cc's). Is the difference between the two long shafts just the carbs? And the 9.8 carb is $200 more?

 

[paddlers]

Sometimes it's just a restricter plate and a couple of jets but you'd need someone more technical than me for that one ! Bear in mind that if you alter anything you'd invalidate any warranty which here in the UK is 5 years!

 

[laurentide]

Thanks paddlers. I'm not going to alter anything on a new engine. Just trying to figure out which is best for my needs and make an informed purchase.

I guess the 9.8 is the way to go over the 8, and it's still a great deal for a new 4s.

 

[paddlers]

Living in the UK I often envy the prices and availability of gear & fuel in the USA !!!!

 

[Sea Rider]

It's just carb related, wider gas passages. Anyway go for the most ponies, will push boat much better than an 8. A spare 9.8 HP carb will cost less than buying a 9.8 HP. A matter to inquire to any Tohatsu dealer and making the conversion yourself. Engine warranty is other issue.

Happy Boating

 

[laurentide]

Thanks Sea Rider. About to order the 9.8.

 

[pvanv]

3V2031003M

CARBURETOR, F9.8A2/A3 (F)

$179.67

 

[laurentide]

Thanks Paul. I actually just took your advice from another thread and ordered the 9.8.

 

[rocket rich]

Not real happy with my 9.8 tohatsu ? shaft is longer than American made motors, it doesn't come out of the hole good enough. Runs good but I understand the carb blocks up, I get mind up to 5980 rpm's which is good but had to fool with it to get it that good. I'd trade mine for a good 2 sroke

 

[Sea Rider]

Well, that's the issue of Tohatsu engines compared to American made ones, but will have same issue on all newer US engines as all portables except Yam and Susy are made by Tohatsu these days, blame globalization.

BTW, portable 2 and 4 strokes Tohatsu or rebadged ones have the same longer leg issue.

Happy Boating

 

[laurentide]

I ended up finding an old Honda 7.5 for next to nothing on CL....I had the onlineoutboards checkout page up and decided to check the local CL one more time. Runs great and has good compression. I'd still like a new Tohatsu (I don't care if the shaft is longer, that's actually better for kicker trolling), but it'll wait a couple more seasons. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

The old standard of 15 and 20 inches has been long gone for over a decade....It's not an engine issue.

 

[rocket rich]

all the dealers are a good 1 1/2 hour drive that's what P me off