Re: New boat, looking for outboard motor.
I just got a Tracker Grizzly 1648 long transom and am currently looking for 9.9HP outboard possibilities. Could someone offer an objective opinion about Tohatsu in this size motor?
Tohatsu/Nissan is a great motor, period. I'm sure others will chime in with similar praise. They are rock solid and very dependable. *I have an early 90's 2-stroke 9.9 that still runs like a top. As with any motor, how you care for it depends on how well/long it will last.
The only downside I can think of is the very small dealer network here in the USA. You can find most common parts online fairly easily, but finding a dealer/marina that will service your motor can be sketchy depending on where you are located. If you have a local dealer that sells Tohatsu/Nissan you should be all set.
As far as new motors go, the prices seem to be very good in comparison to the other big names, but that difference in price of course makes me wonder why that is? Are they not reliable? What makes them 10-15% lower in price?
Well, I am sure several things likely affect their "cheaper" price. Mainly, would be the millions they
don't spend on marketing, and sponsorship here in the USA compared to Mercury, Evinrude, Yamaha etc.
Also, perusing the forum I noticed someone say that Tohatsu makes the Mercury 8HP. I'm curious, do they make Mercury's 9.9? What other brands does Tohatsu build motors for?
From what I understand and have been told, Tohatsu/Nissan supplies or supplied many of the parts - mainly powerheads - for many smaller Mercury motors. Similar is the fact that up until recently Yamaha was under the hood of most of the 4 stroke motors from 40hp and up (except Verados) for Mercury.
Bottom line is that some people get hung up on a "name" or the "made in USA" theme that really doesn't matter or isn't so. Personally, I would not hesitate to purchase another Nissan/Tohatsu.
