How do y'all feel about the Tohatsu when compared to Merc, yammie, johnson, evinrude? Until now I habve been pretty much a OMC guy, but I know a little about the mercs. I'm thinking something in the 18-25hp range...<br /><br />Thanks
Hi BluCs<br /><br />I have always had and still have a preference for Evinrudes & Johnsons, but recently picked up a 1988 Tohatsu 8hp kicker. This has caused me to find out more about them.<br /><br />1. They are simple, reliable and well built.<br />2. There are 2 stroke and 4 stroke models.<br />3. Complete owner manuals can be downloaded from http://www.tohatsu.com <br />4. They have an excellent reputation for reliability - mine always starts first time and so far has given no problems.<br />5. Some parts are interchangable with Mercury (props for one thing).<br />6. Tohatsu build Nissan boat motors, ie Nissan and Tohatsu is the same motor.<br />7. Only possible problem is parts availability - but that is definitely not a problem where I live (they are well supported in NZ).<br />8. They have the best power to weight ratios of any motor I compared them to. They are light - compare the specs on the website.<br /><br />So you can't go too far wrong with them, so long as they have dealer and parts support in your area.
an they have the thermostats in a readly accessable place on the engine block. instead of some god forsakin' spot like down under the power head or somewhere else brillant.... these engines are built smart & built to last for jap... fisherman.. tohatshu also makes MOST portable engines for merc. & johnnyrude..
