Opinions on Tohatsu Motors

[bkuhn]

I am looking at a couple of options regarding my outboard motor on a 2000 X. One of the options on table is replacing the current Nissan 50hp 2cycle with a 4 stroke. Perhaps a Tohatus 60hp outboard.

I'm not familiar with the brand (I'm more accustomed to seeing Yamaha or Honda in my area) and I wondered if anyone had an opinion either for or against Tohatsu? The price seems right, but I don't know if that's an indicator of lower quality than the others or not. Any input on this motor would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

Brad

[Herschel]

I really can't help with your question directly as I have a Yamaha. In my "neck of the woods" I typically see Yamaha and Mercury mostly. I speculate that what we see most in our area may relate for which brands we can most easily obtain technical support as well. Just a thought.

[pitchpolehobie]

Hi Brad -- not an expert by any stretch. I have a 25hp 2002 tohatsu 4stroke. Its been a great engine for me. As far as quality I think theyre top end (I believe they actually produce the engine blocks for many of the other brands outboards). I would go with whatever is well serviced locally....i would call around and check w marine repair stores. My boat is 2nd hand to me so the area I was in favored suzuki and johnson I think...had to wait longer for parts basically. EFI and other electronics probably are the reason u want an engine that has a loxal certified repairman.

[Stickinthemud57]

My 26S came with an 8-horsepower Tohatsu 2-stroke and I have been very happy with it. Parts have been easily available and reasonably priced, and the unit is easy to work on and runs like a top. I don't have any experience with Tohatsu 4-strokes, but they seem to enjoy the same reputation for dependability.

[1st Sail]

I second the local service comments. There appears to be very few issues with all the leading outboards in today's marketplace. I would repower with an engine that can be serviced locally. Having multiple dealers in your area for a specific brand would provide alternatives with respect to service i and when needed.

[kmclemore]

Similar discussion over here....

viewtopic.php?p=367630#p367630

I recommend reading it, as it's recent information and has some good suggestions.

In March I will be picking up my 26X with a shiny new Suzuki DF60AV four-stroke in place of my old Tohatsu 50D two-stroke. I'm already salivating. I made the decision on the Suzuki after considerable personal research, as well as a series of discussions and data sharing with Todd from BWY, and after speaking to my usual local marina. Both recommended the Suzuki highly, and both agreed that the 60AV is the best performing choice when you balance power and performance against fuel economy.

[Be Free]

Tohatsu makes a good outboard. They were certainly in the running when I was last researching a repower.

I'm not on top of everything currently going on in the outboard arena but when I was researching a few years ago I found that Tohatsu was the supplier for many of the <60hp Mercury models and just to make it real confusing the >60hp Tohatsus were rebranded Hondas.