Terhi Outboard Choice

SuffolkSi · 05 February 2026, 15:48

Hi from Suffolk
No boat atm but hoping to buy a Terhi 450CC for fishing and photography in the Suffolk/Essex estuaries in the Summer and the Norfolk Broads in the winter. Hence the need for a light easily trailed boat.
Not sure about the best choice for an outboard and would value more experienced views. The common choice is a Yamaha 40hp but this is close to the limit of the boat in terms of hp. and weight. I like the look of the Tohatsu 30hp and the Suzuki 30hp and wondered if anyone had any comments to help me make the right choice.

Steve509926 · 05 February 2026, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuffolkSi

Not sure about the best choice for an outboard and would value more experienced views. The common choice is a Yamaha 40hp but this is close to the limit of the boat in terms of hp. and weight.

Hi and welcome, not really the right forum to ask questions about a hard boat but I'm sure you'll receive advice non the less.

I don't quite understand why you wouldn't go for a 40hp Yamaha? It will be a common choice for a very good reason. You say it is close to the limit for the boat in terms of hp and weight, providing it is not over the hp/weight limit it's not a problem.

SuffolkSi · 05 February 2026, 17:32

Apologies if I have posted in the wrong forum. I was more interested in members views on the outboards rather than the boat but thanks for your comments, much appreciated.
I am getting a bit 'long in the tooth' and single man operations will be affected by the weight, and both the Yamaha30 and 40hp are around 98kg so I understand why you would pick the 40hp over the 30hp. The Suzuki and Tohatsu 30hps are closer to 70kg. so must be easier to launch and retrieve. (A marine engineer has advised me that a 30hp should be 'ample') Also dealers do not always have a completely free choice of what to offer.

I would like to know how members value the merits of Tohatsu, Suzuki and Yamaha. I don't mind paying a premium price for a premium product.

chipko · 05 February 2026, 17:42

Hi and welcome, nice boat.

Motor wise I’m sure it will go well with either 30 or 40 horse motors. Having said that if it’s rated to 40 and costs not an issue then personally I’d be going 40. Although many 40’s are detuned 60’s, carrying the same weight penalty, they will however benefit from much more torque than the 30’s which are at the top of the smaller block size/hp ratings. There will be weight penalties, and a choice of 3 or 4 cylinders but if the hull is rated for this size/weight then more benefits than negatives. Often bigger motors offer better fuel consumption at cruising speeds than smaller units. Never heard of anyone complaining they have too much power.

Not much to choose between the big players in terms of reliability but would say Yamaha are tops in quality of finish.
Personally like the Tohatsu, and the white option would suit the Tehri. Also worth considering is distance to the nearest dealer for maintenance/servicing etc.

chipko · 05 February 2026, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

not really the right forum to ask questions about a hard boat but I'm sure you'll receive advice non the less.

Really, why on earth not.

We have a hard boat and more than a few sibs, so more than happy to throw in my two penneth worth.

Steve509926 · 05 February 2026, 18:49

I think the clue is in the name.

Personally I would be pleased if "Ribnet" became a motor/power boat forum, it would probably create a lot more traffic.

willk · 05 February 2026, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipko

Really, why on earth not.

I was asleep today and missed this. It requires an Opinion:

So yeah, I find that

It's in the wrong forum because this is the Introduction section
That's OK because as he's discussing a Hardboat, so there is nowhere more appropriate
Imma give him a Pass and a Welcome because of how I have a plastic boat and a 40hp Yam

willk · 05 February 2026, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuffolkSi

Apologies if I have posted in the wrong forum....

Pffft!

I had a similar decision to make a couple of seasons back - 30 or 40 on a similar boat. I went 40 Yam and never regretted it. Yeah, few quid more but it's the soul of the boat. 30 will be fine one up, but with a couple of passengers and their klatch then things change. As you point out, the Yam 30 and 40 are the same block and run to 100kg. Be prepared to buy a spare prop for the days you run light but I suspect mostly you would just enjoy the 40 and rejoice in your good fortune.