MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

[Wee Hooker]

Looking at Merc's 4 stroke 25 and 30hp line, it appears to be identical in specs to the Nissan/Tohatsu. Is this another case of a " made by Tohatsu but different paint job" motor are their other differences? If it is the same, I've got to wonder why Merc dealers are getting $500-800 more for the same engine??

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Same engine except for the shift mechanism...And 32% of the U.S actually like that Mercury name. Some of the really dumb ones actually like it enough to pay that extra $800.00

 

[gss036]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

YEP! same same, more money because it is a Mercury .

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

It sure can get confusing, especially as we (the consumer) don't get all the facts upfront. It's the same in the car industry. Badge loyalty means very little these days.

Until 2006, Suzuki manufactured the Johnson four strokes up to 225 HP.
For 2006 Suzuki only makes the Johnson four strokes up through 30 HP, Evinrude produces direct injected two strokes (E-Tec) 40 HP and above.

Nissan outboards are built by Tohatsu.

Honda three cylinder powerheads were mounted on Mercury drive legs and props. For the last several years, Honda has built its full line of outboards.

Mercury four strokes from 2.5 through 30 HP are built by Tohatsu.

Before Yamaha entered the U.S. Market, Mercury's Mariner line was built by Yamaha.
2005 Mercury four stroke powerheads from 25 through 225 HP (except the Verados) were built by Yamaha. Several of those models used Mercury drive legs, electronics and EFI systems (replacing carbs Yamaha used in similar sized engines).
In 2006 models, Mercury four stroke powerheads from 40 to 225 HP (except the Verados) are built by Yamaha.
Mercury's agreement with Yamaha ended (badly) in March 2006.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Thanks, all the happier I went Nissan! That's some serious cash for a black paintjob!

I've owned a total of 5 Tohatsu built 2 stroke outboards and can honestly say that I've been happy with all of them. Hopefully my new 4 stroke will treat me as well.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Did you take delivery of your engine yet? As of the 13th they come with a five year warranty instead of the three year.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Thanks for that info, Elvin! The dealer got it in about two weeks ago but I won't take posession till some time in March once he rigs and test runs the boat package. So I'm guessing that I should get the longer warrenty?? Sure worth checking.
FWIW, this has been an interesting transaction. The dealer origionally quoted me a great price on a leftover 30 hp Tohatsu (although he was actually a Nissan dealer.) The Tohatsu was a few hundred lower than his best price on a Nissan 30 so I took it. However, a few weeks latter, he said that Nissan distributor was running a free shipping special if he bought 3 or more motors so I'm now getting the 09 Nissan flavor at the same price. If I can get a warrenty upgrade, all the better!

Dave

p.s. If nothing else, a 5 yr warrenty tells you something about the confidence they have in their product!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

As long as they register it before the end of March you get the extra 2 years. Oddly enough, this is the first time Tohatsu has experimented with extended warranties as a promotion.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

I'll take the package mid March and am HAPPY to help them test their promotion!

 

[marquette]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Dunarun- your list of who built what and when is interesting. when you said Honda 3 cyl were on merc legs and props do you mean honda used merc parts on honda outboards or merc used honda power heads? when did honda start making their full line of outboards? i assume that means hoda makes all it's own parts.

 

[steelespike]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Point of interest Etec now has a 25 & 30 2 stroke meets all CARB requirements.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

"Point of interest Etec now has a 25 & 30 2 stroke meets all CARB requirements."


Yea, the dealer I got my nissan from is also a Etec dealer (and fan.) He told me the 25/30 would be out in Jan if I wanted to wait to order. I decided to pass and go with the nissan/tohatsu because : a) I'm not comfortable buying the first model year of anything
b) he said it would likley cost another $1000 to go that route.
Given that I was already choking on the price of a new 25/30 hp and didn't see a reliability advantage, I went Nissan. Time will tell if I outsmarted myself or not.

 

[TGuy]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

I haven't seen the 25 etec yet either (everyone says they're "in the works" and don't know when they'll actually be available). According to the evinrude website they're a a 2 cylinder model. It's interesting to see on their website under the "comparison" of the etec 25 vs. the Merc 25 (same as the Tohatsu) that the etec weighs 156lbs vs. the merc @ 157lbs. Seems like a 2cylinder, 2-stroke motor would weigh a lot less than a 3cylinder 4-stroke. Not just a 1lb difference. I guess only time will tell if they're any good. Got to better than the Suzuki 25 2-cylinder...what a dog.

 

[sschefer]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

I haven't seen the 25 etec yet either (everyone says they're "in the works" and don't know when they'll actually be available). According to the evinrude website they're a a 2 cylinder model. It's interesting to see on their website under the "comparison" of the etec 25 vs. the Merc 25 (same as the Tohatsu) that the etec weighs 156lbs vs. the merc @ 157lbs. Seems like a 2cylinder, 2-stroke motor would weigh a lot less than a 3cylinder 4-stroke. Not just a 1lb difference. I guess only time will tell if they're any good. Got to better than the Suzuki 25 2-cylinder...what a dog.

Here Here, I'm not a mechanic that knows the service qualities of motors but my personal experince with a Nissan/Tohatsu 18hp killed the myth that they need extensive service. My dad bought it new in 2002 and we ran it hard. All I ever did to it was change plugs, oil and filters. 100.00 a year at best. The motor hadn't been started since Oct and it fired up on the first pull, (no bs). I sold it and the boat and got a premium price for both. I'm sure that little Nissan had a lot to do with it.
As a side note: My dad was pretty frugle (no, he was cheap), had he known it was really a Tohatsu he would have bought one instead. I'd still be telling the same story.

One advantage to the E-Tec's is that they would run the same at any altitude. That has always been a problem in the past that seems to be gone with these new engines.

 

[shannie]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

just found out from this forum that my 5 hp Tohatsu is the same as Merc, Nissan...which is good news...aside from that, what is the best service manual for me to get for my Tohatsu - is the Selco one sold by iboats any good?
thks!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Get a Tohatsu, Nissan or Mercury manual. The Seloc manual should be used as a doorstop....That's an opinion

 

[shannie]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

thks Elvin...will check that first and see if i can dig one up at a reasonable price.....I assume (correct me if I'm wrong) the Nissan and Merc manuals for the same Hp and year will do the job for the Tohatsu...

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MERC 25 same as Nissan/Tohatsu?

Yep...In fact, the Mercury manuals are usually a little more expicit in content.