Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Dagohunter1 on 06/07/15 - 9:49 AM

What is opinion of the Tohatsu outboards?
Reading the article on engine choices for the 16, seems like a good fit and value. But I don't think I have ever seen one on a boat.
Thanks

Posted by wlagarde on 06/07/15 - 11:48 AM

My experience with my Nissan (Tohatsu) has been a good one. I have the older version (2005; carbureted pre-TLDI) 2-stroke 40 hp engine that I upgraded to a 50 hp (http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...lbum_id=65). The TDLI uses the same block which Tohatsu upgraded to low-pressure direct injection.

Mine starts right up every time and runs very smooth. I have never had problems with it. The TLDI version idles much smoother than the carbureted version.

Tohatsu has a relatively smaller market share in the US; however, I understand world wide they are very popular.

They have also introduced 4 stroke outboards recently.

I perform all of my service myself and the engine is out of warranty so I don't rely on a service center although I am lucky enough to have one very near to my home if I need them.

If you are considering one I would be sure a service center is located near you.

Edited by wlagarde on 06/07/15 - 12:05 PM

Posted by William M Worden on 06/07/15 - 1:22 PM

I have a Tohatsu 2.5 A ( 2 stroke, carbed) on my 17 ft BW Harpoon that I use for trout. Despite its early 90's origin it fires right up.
I also have a 2009 3.5 hp (4stroke) that vibrates a bit more.

My new neighbor "Big Dave" is one of the partners in Cascade Marine in Everett, Wa. He has a 9.9 Tohatsu (4 stroke) on his girlfriends boat and is looking to replace his 8.0 Johnson (2cylinder,2stroke kicker) on his boat next year with a similar Tohatsu. Says something when the guy who sells and services them has them on his own boat, his girlfriends boat and other family members boats too.

Tohatsu besides making their own label, also makes the Nissan, and smaller Mercury motors
; and has for years.

Justin my 2 cents.

Edited by William M Worden on 06/07/15 - 1:25 PM

Posted by AReinhart on 06/08/15 - 5:54 PM

A perspective from a sailboat guy, I've dealt with and worked on (never owned) a few Tohatsu small outboards, 6 HP and below over the years that people used on their sailboats. These motors often pulled double duty as the engine for their dinghys. So far, my opinion is that they are pretty bulletproof. Tohatsu has a HUGE worldwide presence within the sailboat cruising community and the commercial community overseas. Like WLA said, they had a small market here though. Tohatsu, up until recently, kinda always had the no frills outboards that just work and work and work. Sailors are not known for taking care of their kicker motors. Yet these survive in the worst coniditions year after year. I don't have any experience with their larger motors but I would expect the same. Think about it, Japan is a fishing nation and operates in nasty conditions, Tohatsu is very popular there for a reason.

Posted by tom blinstrub on 06/09/15 - 7:47 AM

I had a 50 hp Tohatsu TLDI on my 16' Whaler and was a great engine.
I also have a 90 hp TLDI on my 21 Whaler I have had for 9 seasons and has Made over 100 trips a year. I would quess it has 3000 hours on it. The dealer hasn't seen it since it was new. I did the water pump impeller once and spark plugs twice. It just started acting up and the engine diagnoses itself. The fault code points to ignition coil # 1. I sure hope thats all is wrong.