Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

[bouttime007]

At some point in the near future (or maybe not so near) I would like to upgrade to a newer outboard for my 15 ft aluminum SeaNymph. I am currently running a 1962 Johnson 28h on it, and although the motor hasnt been bad I would love to get something newer when the wallet and wife agrees.

I have been looking into the 4 stroke Tohatsu 30BEPTL and it seems a worthy candidate. I like the idea of going 4 stroke for the reliability, and the price isnt incredibly horrific around $5,300. The extra weight doesnt seem like it will be an issue as I do have a solid transom and the boat is solid too.

I was hoping to get some opinions on this motor from some Tohatsu guys, and if there were any drawbacks/issues to these motors and if they would be recommended. I wanted to make sure it would have enough power to push my boat around decently as well. Maybe I should look at the 40h instead? My boat is pretty light though, and Im not really looking for extreme speed here. Just a reliable, sure footed fishing vessel. Maybe you have other suggestions too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[EMM]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

I have a 2007 25 Tohatsu tiller with power tirm and tilt on a 1548 weldbilt aluminum boat. With just me it will run about 30mph by my GPS. It is a little heavy and causes the rear of my boat to sit a little low in the water however it is not really a problem unless I am in real shallow water. The fuel economy is great I normaly make about 13-15MPG. It starts easy runs smooth and is very quiet.

 

[bouttime007]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

30 mph would be great for me considering I can only make 20mph in prime conditions now EMM.

I was hoping the added weight wouldnt make a big differece in my draft, like is noticable on your 15 footer. Maybe the weight distributed by me sitting more toward the bow would be slightly better in that aspect. (as opposed to being in back at the tiller)

Thanks for the reply.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

As a Tohatsu mechanic, I can say this one word about the 30: Smooth. They are as good as anything on the market, and better than many. Good pricing, too.

The 3-cylinder EFI is very torquey. We have replaced 25-35 hp 2-strokes with the 30 with great success.

There are the usual differences between the old 2-smokes and the modern stuff. (more weight, less smoke, less noise for the EFI 4-stroke). These motors usually start on the first pull (and they have rope start in addition to electric on the EP you're looking at).

About your question of going with a 40: That's a fine motor, but it is not a 4-stroke. It's a TLDI. So it does use 2-stroke oil, but it's EFI, and very efficient, much quieter than your old pre-mix 28.

 

[EMM]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

My hull is light about 290# dry, wich is probably a good bit less than that sea nymph you have. It may not affect your draft as much as mine. Having a balanced load will help the draft, when I stand on the front deck the boat levels out. My boat sits low but I sit in the back to operate the motor, and there is a motor, fuel tank, and battery you may have a more balanced load.

 

[bouttime007]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

As a Tohatsu mechanic, I can say this one word about the 30: Smooth. They are as good as anything on the market, and better than many. Good pricing, too.

The 3-cylinder EFI is very torquey. We have replaced 25-35 hp 2-strokes with the 30 with great success.

There are the usual differences between the old 2-smokes and the modern stuff. (more weight, less smoke, less noise for the EFI 4-stroke). These motors usually start on the first pull (and they have rope start in addition to electric on the EP you're looking at).

About your question of going with a 40: That's a fine motor, but it is not a 4-stroke. It's a TLDI. So it does use 2-stroke oil, but it's EFI, and very efficient, much quieter than your old pre-mix 28.

Thanks for the reply Pvanv.

Yeah the 30 is the biggest 4 stroke they make right?

What is the difference between the 25h and the 30h? They seem to have the same displacement, gear ratio and weight.

 

[bouttime007]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

My hull is light about 290# dry, wich is probably a good bit less than that sea nymph you have. It may not affect your draft as much as mine. Having a balanced load will help the draft, when I stand on the front deck the boat levels out. My boat sits low but I sit in the back to operate the motor, and there is a motor, fuel tank, and battery you may have a more balanced load.

Im not sure what my dry weight is, but I assume with it being a bowrider and having the dashboard/windshield its a little heavier, but it is pretty light.

The hull spec tag is virtually unreadable, but I can make out the 800lb capacity rating for the boat. Im usually out there by myself, so its not really a concern.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

A throttle body and the ECM.......That's about $1100.00 in parts.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

I'm just taking delivery on my Nissan (Tohatsu) 30 this week. I picked this motor due to it's good reviews, expected economy, documented performance and of course, price tag. (Here in MA for $4100 will put you into the tiller flavor NSF30BEPT2) . FWIW, The dealer did an in water test on my ( Mirrocraft 1615-o 16'x6', 440#, aluminum V hull) boat today and got 30mph with a 10 pitch prop @ 6020RPM. My guess is that your boat isn't significantly heavier than mine but it may be wider. Another place to check performance of this motor is here since the Merc 30 is essentially the same motor. Seems like my boats results are pretty typical.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_d...itle&Section=outboardChecks&fourStroke2530=10

 

[bouttime007]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

A throttle body and the ECM.......That's about $1100.00 in parts.

Yeah I did some digging and found some posts on that subject.

So you save roughly $400 by buying the 25h, then spend $1100 on modifications to make it a 30h.

 

[bouttime007]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

I'm just taking delivery on my Nissan (Tohatsu) 30 this week. I picked this motor due to it's good reviews, expected economy, documented performance and of course, price tag. (Here in MA for $4100 will put you into the tiller flavor NSF30BEPT2) . FWIW, The dealer did an in water test on my ( Mirrocraft 1615-o 16'x6', 525#, aluminum V hull) boat today and got 30mph with a 10 pitch prop @ 6020RPM. My guess is that your boat isn't significantly heavier than mine but it may be wider. Another place to check performance of this motor is here since the Merc 30 is essentially the same motor. Seems like my boats results are pretty typical.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_d...itle&Section=outboardChecks&fourStroke2530=10

Id be happy with those results Wee, the test boat from the Merc site was 325lbs dry weight. I dont think my boat is any heavier than that.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

Thanks for the reply Pvanv.

Yeah the 30 is the biggest 4 stroke they make right?

What is the difference between the 25h and the 30h? They seem to have the same displacement, gear ratio and weight.

Primary difference is the ECU. Throttle body is larger. If you think you need a 30, it's a lot more cost effective to get the 30 out of the gate, rather than mod the 25.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

" If you think you need a 30, it's a lot more cost effective to get the 30 out of the gate, rather than mod the 25."

The quotes I got were around $400 difference between the 25 and 30. When you consider your getting a full 20% power increase with no added weight for 10% cost, it's an easy decission IMHO.

Also note that there were several tests with the 30 sited. The classic tiller is 625#.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

" If you think you need a 30, it's a lot more cost effective to get the 30 out of the gate, rather than mod the 25."

The quotes I got were around $400 difference between the 25 and 30. When you consider your getting a full 20% power increase with no added weight for 10% cost, it's an easy decission IMHO.

Also note that there were several tests with the 30 sited. The classic tiller is 625#.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

Id be happy with those results Wee, the test boat from the Merc site was 325lbs dry weight. I dont think my boat is any heavier than that.

Probably a little late at this point but you should take a look at the Evinrude Etec 30hp.Meets or exceeds all CARB requirements used on afficial boats on Lake Tahoe. 146lbs man.start. 177 tilt and trim long shaft
available with fingertip tilt and trim on the tiller.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

I heard that Evinrude is building the 25 in China....Do you know if that is true or is it just another evil rumor?

 

[EMM]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

I can't use a 25 E-tec due to cubic inch restriction of 33.3cid where I fish. Evinrude list the 25 E-tec at 35.3cid.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

I can't use a 25 E-tec due to cubic inch restriction of 33.3cid where I fish. Evinrude list the 25 E-tec at 35.3cid.

Yes that's right the 25 and 30 are basically the same motor.35.3.
Thats an interesting approach any chance there may be a displacement or
horsepower clause.Seems like displacement would be harder to prove than hp.
Any restriction to CARB rated motors only?

 

[EMM]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

The restrictions in this one particular area state 25 HP maximum on all outboards and surface drive motors. No more than 33.3 cubic inches displacement as per manufacturer's specifications on outboards. This is what is written on my permit word for word. The only info. they need is what the manufacturer's spec. for the motor is. I obey the rules here because it is one of the best places to fish in the area.

 

[bouttime007]

Re: Tohatsu 4 stroke opinions

Probably a little late at this point but you should take a look at the Evinrude Etec 30hp.Meets or exceeds all CARB requirements used on afficial boats on Lake Tahoe. 146lbs man.start. 177 tilt and trim long shaft
available with fingertip tilt and trim on the tiller.

I was looking at those too, but I think I want to go 4 stroke when I upgrade. I think a ballpark price on those was around $6,000, a little more than the Tohatsu. The 30BEPTL is listed at 157lbs, so its not much difference in weight too.