Yamaha 4 or Tohatsu 6?

[CAELESTIS]

Happy enough to buy another one.

I considered the Honda, but it was heavier for a similar horsepower, and I figured it would get stolen long before I could wear it out.

[ketchmeifucan]

Not sure what you ended up going with, but I came across a Tohatsu about a year ago and spent an afternoon trying it out. Have to say I was amazed at how quiet it was and how easy it started.

I'd be curious if other Tohatsu owners had similar experiences...

[Cheechako]

I would try to get into a 2 cylinder for sure if you can. If you can get a Yamaha 2 stroke, 2 cyl in nice shape, grab it! they are absolutlely bulletproof....

[mason_jj]

Hello,
I am just finishing breaking in my tohatsu 9.8. I wouldn't think twice about buying another. I am replacing my 1999 BF8 honda. I've have lots of troubles with the honda.
The tohatsu starts runs idles very well. And the price was right. Ordered from onlineoutboards.com. No tax and no shipping and was there in 4 days. I also think it will be easy to service as under the cowling everything is user friendly (easy to get plugs check/change oil).

I also picked tohatsu because I don't like paying for advertising/branding. It came recommended by a close friend.

[Cheechako]

Yea, my old Merc 5 was a tohatsu. Good engine. Not a Yamaha though I'd get a 2cyl Tohasu before a 1 cyl yamaha though... :>)

[SEAdams]

We acquired a 2005 6Hp Tohatsu and 9ft Achilles inflatable in Mazatlan in Feb/09 when we bought the 37ft cutter. The Tohatsu did not want to turn over after being stored for a year or more on it's side in the quarter berth. Turned out to be partly due to oil in the cylinder, either put there intentionally for storage by the previous owner or leaked past the rings from the sump while on it's side. Removed the plug, took off the cover and pull start mechanism and turned it over with a socket wrench on the crank until it moved easily. The clue was the big dollop of oil that shot out of the plug hole onto the dock with the first good pull on the start rope.

With a clean plug it fired after 3 pulls and has started with 1 or 2 pulls ever since. With 2 adults and the keel tube in the Achilles not holding air, the 6 pushes it easily. I'll be looking for a smaller, lighter (2-3 Hp) O/B now that we have the hardshell nesting dinghy but I would definitely buy another Tohatsu.