Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

So I'm considering buying a new Tohatsu 9.8 to replace the '86 Johnson on my 12'er aluminum boat. I like the pricing on the Tohatsus, but it raises a few questions. I was hoping that you guys that already own one can help me with some of these. Thanks in advance.

-I use my motors in salt water about 1/3 of the time. Has anyone had any problems with the materials used in the manufacture of these engines?

-I've never owned a four stroke, or a brand new motor for that matter, do I need to have it professionally serviced to maintain the warranty, or can I do things like oil changes, impellers and plugs myself?

-Am I crazy for even looking to replace my SWEET RUNNING 2stroke?

BOB

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

^^^^

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

I just picked up a new Tohatsu ( NIssan30) 4 stroke myself. My research ( some of which is from owning 2 stroke nissan/tohatsu's) tells me that it will hold up in the salt as well as anything out there. Just do normal preventive measures like flushing, cleaning etc after a salt dunking.
Also note that Tohatsu has a long history of building ALLOT of other companies small outboards/components. ( and still do)
That said, 2 strokes have their merits. Lighter, more low end torque, cheaper. You should still be able to find a Yamaha 2 stroke (try Ebay.) if that's what you want. Evenrude still makes one too but they arn't cheap.
BTW, @ 81#, the Tohatsu/Nissan 9.8 is VERY close to 10 hp 2 stroke weights

As my dealer explains, for the standard 3 yr, I can get the motor serviced anywhere (but need to keep proof that it was done). Only the extended 5 yr warrenty requires yearly dealer service (including water pump inspection and valve adjustment!)

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

The only thing you will be getting is a quieter, slightly smoother running motor with a little more power.
I think its a waster of money if your Johnson runs good.

For the price of a new 4-stroke you could get a nice used boat/motor/trailer.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

Thanks guys, the reason I ask is because I'm considering selling my small 12' aluminum set-up with the Johnson 9.9hp. I'm looking at buying a used Tracker 14'er with a trailer, but w/o a motor.

Also, I do like the environmental benefits that the 4strokes claim. I always feel a little guilty when I see the rainbow slick on the water or the smoke my motor generates when I don't get the mix right.

BOB

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

I replaced my 1974 'rude with a Nissan 9.8 (same at Tohatsu or Merc) last season.

Differences noted include: 1- A LOT quieter. 2- HALF the fuel consumption. 3- No smoke. 4- Starts on the first pull. 5- No points to change. 6- Oil change needed annually. 7- Same weight as the 9.9/15 it replaced. 8- With High Thrust prop, pushes my heavy sailboat a lot better, especially in reverse.

In my case, it was a definite improvement. The 3-yr warranty does not require dealer service, just that the maintenance be done.

 

[hipster dufus]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

i have had my 9.8 for 4 months now, approx. 15 hrs run time, first 10 break in.i will list the pros, 1600 $ to my front door, lite 85 lbs,quiet, ran for 4 hrs yesterday 1.5 gallons of gas, top speed 19.2 on my 1444 g3. cons, a little buzzy in the handle at wot, back off a little and it goes away.i will keep u updateed on any problems. i am anal about maint though. i run 89 octane and marine stabil. change oil regular, flush and keep up w/ lu changes. i researched long and hard, over 4 yrs before i purchased. a used motor in that size is a little too pricey, so i said i will buy new and know what i got. i got it from online out boards out of tenn. call up and ask for any specials they are running that day. i got 30.00 knocked off, that was enough to order the service manual. iam very happy so far.

 

[gary - k7gld]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

So far (low hours!), I love my '08 Nissan 9.8 - absolutely dead quiet, and so smooth compared to the 9.8 Gamefisher 2-stroke it replaced, it's spooky! Got mine on a $200 off special sale from Cabelas - well under $1500, and free shipping to my door! Only credible info on reliability will be after many more hours use, but with all the excellent reports from Tohatsu owners of the older units, I have no fears about this one - if Nissan and Mercury are comfortable putting their logo on these, I feel secure!

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

Thanks everyone - I think I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger on a new 15hp...after I sell the old boat/motor/trailer of course! I'm actually working on my OMC 9.9 now, and it's not cooperating at all!

Again, thanks for everyone's input!

BOB

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 4stroke Reliability

"I'm actually working on my OMC 9.9 now, and it's not cooperating at all!"

I learned two hard lessons with outboards a long time ago.
1) A boat is allot easier to row without a dead outboard hanging on the back.
2) Summer time is for using outboards, not repairing them.

With those lessons in mind, I applaud your decision!
Enjoy your new motor.