2 stroke: Yamaha 15, Tohatsu 15/18 advice please

[Max...]

Thinking of moving up from my Tohatsu 2006 9.8 2 stroke. Need a 15 (or possibly 18) Tohatsu or Yamaha.

Familair with the Tohatsu and I believe the 15/18 are the same unit essentially, same weight etc, both pull start, same number of cylinders?

The Yam is the other choice in a 15 - not familiar with these, which model number etc would I be looking at for an engine from the last 10 years? Would like to make sure I get the last generation 2 stroke not 'older'. Weight looks superb at just 36kg for the 15. Is it the models as attached on pics (got this from another forum topic). Anyone got a pic of one?

Any thoughts on choice welcome - and value for a Yam 15?

[Fenlander]

You've reached the power limit of the Tohatsu very quickly! Do you mean this model Yamaha?

**YAMAHA 15HP 2 STROKE OUTBOARD ENGINE** | eBay

Anything against the Mariner/Mercury like mine (no I'm not touting it!) from around 2001 on?

MARINER OUTBOARD MOTORS Portable 15 HP

I'm quite impressed with its starting/performance and service simplicity. I thought the Tohatsu 9.8 was quiet for a 2-stroke but this Mariner is even better. Only 35kg too... I say only but actually that extra 9kg over the Tohatsu seems a fair bit for anything other than a short carry over level ground. I think you might have to pop the transom wheels on.

[Max...]

No, just thinking ahead, I would keep the 9.8 - seeing the price they are fetching on eBay at present I'd loose too much money!

Been let down by Mercury and Suzuki in the past so kind of (illogically) biased against them, mind you the Tohatsu let me down so that doesn't leave much...(they're probably all Twatsoo's under the hood anyway)

[Fenlander]

In truth I don't think there's a lot between any of the 15hp motors of the last 10yrs from the major makers... really down to preference.

I thought that last Tohatsu 9.8 on Ebay was about right at almost £700 given it had just one on its side photo and zero stated history or previous use... not exactly confidence inspiring.

I've recently watched two 15hp's like my Mariner sell since I've had it. One poorly described/photographed at £700 and another with a dozen images plus chapter & verse description made £1250.

With their cult status a well presented Tohatsu 9.8 should make about the same as many 15hp's so you should come out of it about even.

[Nick Hearne]

I have a 2006 Yam15hp & it has never let me down in the last 4 years I have had it!
Starts first pull normally if not second & I do like the gear change up at the front.

[Max...]

Cheers Nick, sounds like the one I would go for, if possible can you post a couple of pics and maybe the ID plate or full model number/designation (15FMH?) so I can check against any advertised? Many thanks. And I know you're not selling but what do you think it is worth?

[Nick Hearne]

It is a SM116953 YAMAHA 15 FMHS
I would have anther any day & would not want to part with this even if I did not have a use for it!
Cracking little outboard.

[Nick Hearne]

Photos

[Max...]

Cheers Nick, so SM116953 is the serial number and FMHS(s=short?) is the model?

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by Max...

Cheers Nick, so SM116953 is the serial number and FMHS(s=short?) is the model?

Sorry just took it from the original invoice the "SM116953" was just a Product Code from Salterns Marine! It is a YAMAHA 15 FMHS & yes it is short shaft.