18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

[JZ]

Anyone know how an 18 hp Tohatsu compares to a 15 hp. Mercury Force? Is there a noticable difference in power on a 14' jon boat?

 

[JB]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

The Tohatsu is definitely more powerful. They are rated at the prop, Forces were rated at the crank.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[JZ]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

Thanks. I have a 14' x 36" Alumacraft that's rated up to 15 hp. I originally wanted to put a 25 hp on it, but am leaning toward the Tohatsu 18. I'm a duck hunter, so usually have a heavy load (2 guys, decoys, battery, trolling motor, guns). Not sure if the 18 will push enough.

 

[imported_Little_Bear]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

JZ,<br />I have a 14' Sea Nymph deep V with a 1996 Evinrude 15 and the boat performs well. The boat is rated for a 25 but the 15 planes off and runs well with a moderate load. (500lbs or so. It sounds to me the 18 Tohatsu would do well for you. I hear Tohatsu/Nissan are fast motors.<br />Good Luck,<br />Little Bear

 

[johnkc]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

don't let the merc name in front of force fool you.....you do know what force stands for don't you ....F!@#$%g Old Rebuilt Chrysler Engine

 

[dmessy]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

JZ! See my posted reply to your question on Merc 25 vs. Tohatsu... You can save $!!!

 

[JB]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

Oh, JZ! I don't want to rain on DMessy's offer, but DON'T put over 15 hp on that boat!! Those ratings are there for sound reasons, including keeping you alive. There are serious legal risks in overpowering, too.<br /><br />If you must have more speed, buy DMessy's motor and get a BIGGER boat.<br /><br />Red sky at night.. .<br />JB

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

Yea, JZ, if you ever get checked by the game warden, he can give you a ticket for exceeding the safety ratings of the boat by too much HP. If the boat is only rated for a 15, I would not buy bigger.

 

[dmessy]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

The wrenches are correct JZ, if you'er boat is rated for 15hp max. don't go overpowered!<br />Still have a great motor if you want to upgrade to a bigger hull

 

[dmessy]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

PS- Mercury no longer makes Force engines, so you'er comparing a MERCURY. to Tohatsu( not Mercury Force)<br />Late model Mercury engines deliver thier rated HP at the prop whereas Force engines are rated at the crank...

 

[DJ]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

Don't overpower that boat. If anything should ever happen-God forbid, the lawyers will have a field day with you!

 

[whitewater90]

Re: 18 hp. Tohatsu vs. 15 hp Mercury Force

If you do go with the tohatsu 18 just get a tag of a 16' boat, I have run homebuilt 14' boats with 40 props or 60 jets, they work great, nuthing worse than a underpowerd boat. I would get the merc myself just because.