Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

[Luna Sea]

My first post in this forum. I have one going in "General Outboard Discussions" regarding a motor for my Achilles LEX-88. It's rated for a 6 but has the locking wood floorboards, wood transom and inflateable keel. I've done my research mostly on Merc's and know their 6, 8 and 9.9 weigh the same. I opened up a catalog last night and saw the Nissan 9.8 weighs 60 lbs, 14 lbs lighter than the Mercs! This appeals to me and my weak back. Question now is the quality/experiences with Nissan's. Thus the post in this forum. I'm thinking they use more plastic but am looking for further explanation. Tohatsu weighs the same as well, are they the same motor? Thanks in advance.<br /><br />PS Here's a link to my "General" question. <br /><br /> web page

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

They are exactly the same motor Luna Sea. Tohatsu/Nissan motors are very reliable and I like them for their simplicity. Taken care of, they will last forever.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

Drowned Rat,<br /><br />I take it you own one of these? Do they build em smaller than the Mercs. or just use lots of plastic? I trust the name Nissan but am wary of a "Tohatsu". Guess the prices should be the same. Wouldn't mind lugging a 9.8 that only weighs 60lbs down the boat ramp so this could be the winner unless I find a deal on something used. Thanks for the reply.

 

[45_red]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

Tohatsu is the maufacturer of nissan outboards and some of merc's smaller ones. Maybe you're comparing a merc with electric start to a nissan-tohatsu with rope start?

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

45_red<br /><br />Nope, the 6 and 8 hp "rope start" 2 stroke Mercs have a weight of 73lbs on the Merc site (and several seller's sites), and the 9.9 is only a pound heavier. <br /><br />So Tohatsu is the big company huh? I'll have to do some searching on them next. I'm liking the Nissan/Tohatsu being 20 percent lighter, just trying to figure out how they do it.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

Luna, no need to be leary of Tohatsu. They are literally the SAME motor. Nissan's are Tohatsu motors with a Nissan sticker on them. They don't have the bells and whistles of some other motors, but they're bullet proof.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

Luna Sea, check out this thread. web page

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

Good link Drowned Rat, thanks. I now have faith! That link also may have explained why all the small 4, 5 and 6 hp 4 strokes seem to weigh the same. Cause ther're made by the same big company! Still like to know how they cut out 20 percent of the weight though!

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

hey, drowned rat knows what he/ she is talking about ! nissans are 100% rock solid... i have a 5hp and it starts every time, and i mean every time, you cant kill em! they are very simple in design and last a million years. they are what all the japanese comercial guys use! if that tells ya something

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Nissan's hp to weight ratio???

Thanks phatmanmike,<br /><br />I see you have a Nissan, and are happy with it as well. Thanks for visiting my other post too! I must say I'm impressed with the fact they can put 9.8 ponys into a 60lb package!