Nissan 3.5 HP or Mercury 3.3 HP 2-Stroke Engine?

[msulc]

I have been trying to look at the posts and have seen some comments about Nissan and Mercury being basically the same engines from the same chinese factory.

Island Water World in St Lucia sells the Mercury 3.3 2-stroke for 995.00 and the Nissan 3.5 2-stroke for 850.50. Seems like the Nissan is the better deal but don't know if there are quality differences or something else other than name brand that make the difference price.

Anybody have opinions on which one the better buy would be?

Also, Island Water World has an online price that is about $100 less than the instore price. That's a lot of money but I guess it is the convenience and no shipping cost that you are paying for.

[zeehag]

nissan is tohatsu. is a good engine. merc has questionable longevity in salt water. i loved my nissan 3.5 hp 2 stroke engine and i miss it much. want another.

[CAELESTIS]

Correct me if I am wrong, but the Mercury engines under 10hp are also Tohatsu.

Check Defender's price.

[zeehag]

tohatsu bought merc in what year--i know the 4 stroke are tohatsu, but i believe the 2 stroke are different. they were being sold by the omc salesperson , sunset marine, in sd. now they ar sold by the nissan tohatsu dealer in sd. i donot remember what year that change occurred.

[CAELESTIS]

The website says nothing about 2-strokes.

Here is a comment from the FAQ section:

Tohatsu or Nissan: Is there any difference?

Tohatsu is the maker of all Nissan outboards. They are identical with the exception of brand label (decals). Nissans are typically slightly higher in price as a result of the premium branding. There is no difference in features, specifications, or warranty. The only difference is the decals.

Does Tohatsu make Nissan and Mercury outboards?
Yes. Tohatsu makes ALL Nissan outboards and Mercury outboards below 40hp. We do not sell Mercury outboards as Tohatsu and Nissan are considerably less expensive than the Mercury label.

[kbudd]

I'm pretty sure mercury and tohatsu are the same. I bought a mercury 3.3hp from a dealer and a tohatsu owner's manual came with it. I like the mercury but I only use it in fresh water. It is very light but it is a little hard to start when it is really cold.

[Ofer]

why take a chance? the Nissan 3.5 two stroke is the best small dingy engine ever made IMO. I just junked my 2.2 honda and revived my 20 YO 3.5 believe me it runs better the the 2 YO honda.

[CAELESTIS]

Nissan is Tohatsu and you cannot buy 2-stroke engines in the US. I think they are all great products regardless of which sticker goes on the outside.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by msulc

I have been trying to look at the posts and have seen some comments about Nissan and Mercury being basically the same engines from the same chinese factory.

Island Water World in St Lucia sells the Mercury 3.3 2-stroke for 995.00 and the Nissan 3.5 2-stroke for 850.50. Seems like the Nissan is the better deal but don't know if there are quality differences or something else other than name brand that make the difference price.

Anybody have opinions on which one the better buy would be?

Also, Island Water World has an online price that is about $100 less than the instore price. That's a lot of money but I guess it is the convenience and no shipping cost that you are paying for.

The smaller Nissans, Mercurys, and Tohatsus are all made by Tohatsu, who are Japanese not Chinese. I believe their engines are made in Japan.

I had a Tohatsu 3.5 4 stroke and it was a great little engine.

That Nissan sounds like a good deal.

[Tellie]

I'm not pleased with the 5hp 4 stroke Mercury I bought two years ago. I've pulled apart and rebuilt that stupid little carburetor four times now. I'd rather mix the oil in the gas and get a 2 stroke.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Ofer

why take a chance? the Nissan 3.5 two stroke is the best small dingy engine ever made IMO. I just junked my 2.2 honda and revived my 20 YO 3.5 believe me it runs better the the 2 YO honda.

We have a white 3.5hp 2 stroke. It was badged Johnson until the labels fell off but other than that it has provided 7 years of faultless service without a service and only had the spark plug changed once.

However, despite the OMC Johnson colours it's still a Tohatsu.

Pete

[Blue Stocking]

I inherited a Yamaha 2CMH because the dealer told the owner that the ignition coil and CD unit were no longer available. I asked the Tohatsu guy, who turned to the shelf at his back, and threw me the parts. Starts on a 1/2 pull.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

I inherited a Yamaha 2CMH because the dealer told the owner that the ignition coil and CD unit were no longer available. I asked the Tohatsu guy, who turned to the shelf at his back, and threw me the parts. Starts on a 1/2 pull.

Now that is interesting.

[SkiprJohn]

Hi Tellie,

I'll bet there is ethanol involved.

[Matt Johnson]

I have two of the 2 stroke Mercury 3.3hp engines and love them. Not only are they light, but about as easy to work on as you can get. I have one for sale, but am keeping the second for a back-up to my 9.9hp on the dinghy. I figure if I'm just going to make a quick run to shore, I'll throw the 3.3 on the dinghy instead of the 72lbs Johnson.