Tohatsu?

[explodingvarmints]

I'm currently running a 18' LoweFS with a 150 Optimax. I want to upgrade my kicker from a 1999 Merc 2 stroke (that does not fit/clamp down well) on my transom due to the height of the casting deck. I've been looking into the 9.8 4 stroke Tohatsu long shaft. Anyone have any experience bad or good with these motors? I'd get the T8 or the Honda, but the price and weight are making me think twice. Any thoughts??? Thanks a ton.

[Shellback]

Pretty sure Tohatsu makes the small Mercury motors. So that should tell you something about them.

[Miami Vice]

Tohatsu is an excellent motor.
You can buy the exact same motor at a Nissan outboard dealer.
They have been selling their outboard engines to Japanese commercial fisherman for many years.
They don't have as many dealers as Merc., Evinrude, or Yamaha, but that's no reason not to buy the motor.
Miami Vice

[Drummer Boy]

Tohatsu tried to market there motor's in the us in 1956 they faild.They made a deal with nisson to market there motor's through them it worked for them.They make more small outboard's then any one in the world. All that said I have a 8 hp that I use for trolling put on at least 200 hour's a year for three years with no problem's at all.I would buy one again in a hart beat.

[Jimmy Jig]

Cabela's sell Nisson, its the same motor, Merc. is also for that matter. My friend bought a 8 HP Nisson it runs very well.

[explodingvarmints]

Thanks for the reply's. I don't really want to buy on-line, but I'm having trouble locating dealers around Detroit MI.

[Hot Runr Guy]

I believe that Cabelas still has thier free shiping to store in effect. Also, the deal they have on the John/Zuki 9.9 ain't too bad either.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_018094&id=0063214020617a

HRG

[Planocat]

The Tohatsu/Nissan motors are about as bullet proof as they come. My son has run one without problems for years. My friend that services and sells them is like the Maytag repairman in the ads - no service work.

For some reason, the Tohatsu is less money that the identical motors badged as Nissan. I wouldn't hesitate to order one on line.

Planocat

[Shellback]

Thanks for the reply's. I don't really want to buy on-line, but I'm having trouble locating dealers around Detroit MI.

I sent you a PM in case you decide to go online for one.

[jd otis]

Who carryies them in the twin cities or anywhere. How does a guy get one Thanks

[headhanger]

dont forget that the t8 is only one with trim& tilt

[jd otis]

Just can't aford $2800 for a t-8:sad::sad::sad::

[explodingvarmints]

I called BPS last night to see what they could do. I can get a Merc. 4 stroke 8 h.p. with a longshaft for $1,700.00 O.T.D. It's not the Pro model (e-start, ect.) but I think it could work. I'd love the T8, but I just can't justify the $$$$ for it right now. Any thoughts on that Merc?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the input.

[explodingvarmints]

I appreciate the link HRG, but that thing weighs over 100 lbs dry. I was kinda trying to stay in the 80 lb. range seeing as my transom is maxed out with the 150 Merc.

I believe that Cabelas still has thier free shiping to store in effect. Also, the deal they have on the John/Zuki 9.9 ain't too bad either.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_018094&id=0063214020617a

HRG

[Hot Runr Guy]

kicker mounting plate, like the Garelick I used to have on my rig? About $50. Sure, it will raise the motor about 3", but if your 9.9 is a long shaft, I imagine you'll be fine.
HRG

[SwollenGoat]

Check out these guys:
http://internetoutboards.com/

If you are familiar with iboats.com go to the Nissan/Tohatsu forum and look for "Tohatsu Guru" his name is Elvin and works for Internet Outboards. My previous kicker was a 9.9 2 stroke Nissan and my current kicker is a 2006 Merc 9.9 4 stroke. Both are actually Tohatsu motors and I would buy another with no hesitation. Elvin knows his stuff and has been a true resource on the rare occasion I needed help or parts.

[GMC Jon]

I called BPS last night to see what they could do. I can get a Merc. 4 stroke 8 h.p. with a longshaft for $1,700.00 O.T.D. It's not the Pro model (e-start, ect.) but I think it could work. I'd love the T8, but I just can't justify the $$$$ for it right now. Any thoughts on that Merc?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the input.

I have a 8hp, 4 stroke Merc kicker, long shaft, on my 17' Crestliner. Excellent motor. Trolls down to about 1 mph with the stock 9 pitch prop. Starts great, although I do have the electric start. Also, very quiet.

[yarcraft91]

My buddy has a 2006-ish Tohatsu 8 horse 4-stroke. Beautiful kicker- quiet and smooth. If you're comparing to the Merc 8 horse, be aware that, while Tohatsu makes both motors, there may be differences in the tiller handle and throttle connections. If you ever want to install a Trollmaster, also be aware that they list a unit for the Merc 8-horse, but not for the current Tohatsu 8. My buddy likes my Trollmaster, but said he can see why a Trollmaster might not work on his motor. It's second-hand information, so take it for what it's worth...

[explodingvarmints]

What speed do you think that Merc 8 h.p. 4 stroke would take an 18 footer up to speed wise?

[yarcraft91]

What speed do you think that Merc 8 h.p. 4 stroke would take an 18 footer up to speed wise?

Between 5.5 and 7 mph at WOT. 6, 8, 9.9 or 15 horse will probably all put you in that speed range.

[wimpee]

I bought a Merc 9.9 Pro Kicker and I knew before I bought it that it's made by Tohatsu. The Merc just fit my boat and package better and the Tohatsu didn't offer the same options on any of the motors I saw.

[Just drift'n]

I have the 9.8 nissan.....great kicker. Runs like a top, quiet as a mouse. Somethimes I have to check to make sure it is running it is so quiet.

My only complaint is I had to make a wooden dowel to keep the motor in the upward tilt position when the boat is under way traveling from spot to spot. The tilt support bar that comes with the motor seems a little weak to me, and the motor would fall back into the running position when under way running the big motor and some bouncing of the boat. The dowel stops that......

Other than that...no complaints.

[drbrand]

Any day now Tohatsu is coming out with a 9.8 motor like the prokicker. It will have power tilt. And if you are looking for a non-tiller, the non-tiller Tohatsu motors come with the forward controls included. If you buy the Merc prokicker, you have to also purchase a $300 forward control box, a $75 wiring adapter to go from a Merc control box to Tohatsu wiring on the prokicker, and special cables with Merc on one end and morse on the other. Good engineering on the part of Mercury. Also, you can ship in Tohatsu tiller motors but you must get non-tiller Tohatsu motors from a local dealer.