best buy? nissan, tohatsu, mariner

[firemedic]

I have a 17'montaulk and am buying a newer engine. I had a 55hp johnson (too small). I would like to upgrade, but have only $4000. and not a penny more. This will buy me a new 1998 70hp nissan, a new 1998 75hp mariner, or a new 1998 tohatsu.... I don't know anyone who has field experience with these engines and the dealers keep blowing smoke up my rear. anyone have experience (good or bad) with these motors?

 

[corm]

Re: best buy? nissan, tohatsu, mariner

Hi Firemedic,<br />The Nisson motor is made bt Tohatsu, the oldest outboard motor builder in Japan. I have not run one,but have seen them tore down<br />completly at Trade Shows.They seem to be built rather well. The Mariner, built by Mercury is a good motor also.(same motor)<br />I don't know what your boatis like ,but cubic inches =toqure=power.<br />...happy holidays...corm

 

[john ho]

Re: best buy? nissan, tohatsu, mariner

As mentioned Tohatsu and Nissan are similar. I had a 1983 Montauk with an Evinrude 70 and it was great. Powerful enough for the hull, easy to fix, economical. The inline 3 is a great thing. All things being equal you have to go for the Mariner which is a Merc with a different cowling, owing to the fact that there are more Merc dealers and part dept than all the other motors put together. I do like Tohatsu as they are high output and lightweight (just sold a 40hp). On the Montauk the 70hp is good power. I've seen 90 hp on them but they look stern heavy to me and in an inlet or following sea I liked the buoyancy my Whaler had with the Evinrude 70 (never missed not having tilt and trim) I ran hundred of hours on the Montauk- a wonderful mobile vessel. Best wishes