Honda or tohatsu

Notebook · 14 September 2021, 20:04

Finally bought an elling kb350.
Now for the outboard.
Thinking Honda 10 or tohatsu 9.8.
What are your thoughts?
I hear the Honda starts easier and also less vibration.
Any truth in this?
Thanks

Limecc · 14 September 2021, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notebook

Finally bought an elling kb350.
Now for the outboard.
Thinking Honda 10 or tohatsu 9.8.
What are your thoughts?
I hear the Honda starts easier and also less vibration.
Any truth in this?
Thanks

Carb vs EFI? No brainer especially with E10 around. Surprised Honda lagging behind competition.

Notebook · 14 September 2021, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Carb vs EFI? No brainer especially with E10 around.

So the Honda hasn’t a carburettor?

Limecc · 14 September 2021, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notebook

So the Honda hasn’t a carburettor?

Other way around, it still has a carb to gum up.
And so has the Tohatsu unless you buy the 9.9. Ignore my earlier comment.

Notebook · 14 September 2021, 20:51

Ok. I have read about carbs needing replacement etc.
So tohatsu your choice then?

TonyM · 15 September 2021, 10:30

Tohatsu all the way, Hondas are heavier and engine casing is very prone to corrosion, I look after quite a few small outboards and really rate the Tohatsu

Fenlander · 15 September 2021, 10:36

For me the Honda weighing close to most modern 20hp models would take it off the list.

Notebook · 15 September 2021, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyM

Tohatsu all the way, Hondas are heavier and engine casing is very prone to corrosion, I look after quite a few small outboards and really rate the Tohatsu

Thanks for that

electric start - worth it?

would this start off a pocket sized 12v car starter I have? Works up to 2 litre engines - I can't think why not, but info incase.

Ring 6000mAh
Starting current 150A
Peak 300A

Notebook · 15 September 2021, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

For me the Honda weighing close to most modern 20hp models would take it off the list.

Thanks

Turbodiesel · 15 September 2021, 22:11

Mercury, better than both of those!

Limecc · 16 September 2021, 05:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbodiesel

Mercury, better than both of those!

Of course you realize that it's the Tohatsu engine with different decals? (ditto Mariner)

Notebook · 16 September 2021, 05:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Of course you realize that it's the Tohatsu engine with different decals? (ditto Mariner)

Is that a question?

Limecc · 16 September 2021, 08:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbodiesel

Mercury, better than both of those!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Of course you realize that it's the Tohatsu engine with different decals? (ditto Mariner)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notebook

Is that a question?

Sorry it's a well known fact Tohatsu make the engines (below 30hp).

Notebook · 16 September 2021, 08:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Sorry it's a well known fact Tohatsu make the engines (below 30hp).

Oh. Ok. Thanks

Notebook · 16 September 2021, 08:13

Ok. Mercury better. In what way?
Any info appreciated.
Thanks

TonyM · 16 September 2021, 08:27

IMHO Tohatsu over Mercury becuase the build standards are the same (both made by Tohatsu anyway) but the Tohatsu parts catalogues are beetre (They give dims etc for screws rather than trying to chage you £5 for an M6 bolt with a mercury part number) and like for like the parst are cheaper.

Limecc · 16 September 2021, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notebook

Ok. Mercury better. In what way?
Any info appreciated.
Thanks

They are the exact same engine so you should choose according to dealer availability and what discount they are offering

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyM

IMHO Tohatsu over Mercury because the build standards are the same (both made by Tohatsu anyway) but the Tohatsu parts catalogues are better (They give dims etc for screws rather than trying to chage you £5 for an M6 bolt with a mercury part number) and like for like the parst are cheaper.

So if you need a £5 Mercury bolt get it from Tohatsu or look in the online parts catalogue for the size

TonyM · 16 September 2021, 10:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

So if you need a £5 Mercury bolt get it from Tohatsu or look in the online parts catalogue for the size

Exactly, I service engines so I'm happy with that but if you put your engine into some shops they won't work it that way.

Notebook · 16 September 2021, 10:49

Thanks everyone

Fenlander · 16 September 2021, 11:30

Just be wary re Tohatsu=Mercury in this 9.8/9.9 size. Yes they are made in the same factory and the same basic powerhead & leg but...

The Mercury comes with a slightly different tilt mechanism you may prefer or not... also and the biggest difference the Tohatsu has a gear lever on the front of the cowl area but the Mercury has the gearchange on the tiller throttle twist which you may love... or hate.

So check any specific outboard you are looking at to see which features it has.

Also don't get confused with info on the new Mercury 9.9efi which is a larger beast based on the 15.