TOHATSU OUTBOARDS

Tohatsu Outboard Motors for Sale: The Complete Buying Guide

Tohatsu is a Japanese engine maker with roots going back to 1922, and it has built outboard motors since the 1950s. While the name may be less familiar to some boaters than the biggest brands, Tohatsu engines are everywhere: over the years the company has built small outboards that were sold under other well known badges too. Tohatsu's own range focuses on the small and mid size motors that most boaters actually use, and they are prized for being light, simple, dependable and fairly priced. On this page you can browse every Tohatsu outboard motor for sale in our stock, from 2.5 to 30 HP, and use this guide to choose the right one.

Shop Tohatsu Outboards by Horsepower

Tohatsu portables (2.5 to 6 HP)

These are some of the lightest four strokes you can buy, perfect for dinghies, yacht tenders, canoes, small inflatables and sailboats. The 5 HP also comes in propane form, and the 6 HP comes in Sail Pro versions for auxiliary power. Browse Tohatsu 2.5 HP, Tohatsu 3.5 HP, Tohatsu 4 HP, Tohatsu 5 HP and Tohatsu 6 HP outboards.

Tohatsu kickers and small boat motors (8 to 9.9 HP)

Ideal for larger inflatables, small aluminium boats, sailboats and kicker duty on bigger fishing boats. Electric start and remote versions are available. Browse Tohatsu 8 HP, Tohatsu 9.8 HP and Tohatsu 9.9 HP outboards.

Tohatsu mid range outboards (15 to 30 HP)

Light, fuel injected engines that get jon boats, skiffs, RIBs and 14 to 16 foot aluminium boats on plane with ease. Choose tiller or remote, manual or electric start, and power tilt on selected models. Browse Tohatsu 15 HP, Tohatsu 20 HP, Tohatsu 25 HP and Tohatsu 30 HP outboards, including the 25 HP jet.

Why Choose a Tohatsu Outboard?

Low weight

Tohatsu has always focused on keeping its motors light. A lighter motor is easier to carry, easier to mount on a bracket or tender and puts less weight on the transom, which helps small boats sit and plane better.

Simple, proven design

Tohatsu engines are straightforward to service, with good access to the parts you check most often. That simplicity matters if you boat in remote places where mechanics and parts can be far away.

Fuel injection on mid range models

Tohatsu's electronic fuel injection on the 15, 20, 25 and 30 HP models gives easy starting in any weather, smooth running and good fuel economy without carburettor adjustments.

Specialist versions

Few brands offer as many small motor variations. Sail Pro models are built for auxiliary sailboat use, propane models run from a gas cylinder, and the 25 HP jet runs in shallow, rocky rivers.

Value

Tohatsu motors typically cost less than equivalent motors from larger brands while offering similar quality, which is why many rental fleets, dive operators and sailing schools use them.

Sail Pro, Propane and Jet Models

Sail Pro

Sail Pro motors are designed for sailboats. They use a high thrust propeller to push a heavy displacement hull efficiently, and longer shaft options suit high transoms and brackets. Several Sail Pro models include a charging coil to help top up the boat's battery.

Propane (LPG)

Propane Tohatsu motors run from a standard gas cylinder, so there is no petrol to spill, no stale fuel in the carburettor and no fuel smell on board. They are popular on lakes with fuel rules and with sailors who already carry propane for cooking.

Jet drive

The 25 HP jet replaces the propeller with a pump intake, so there is nothing below the hull to hit rocks or gravel. It is the choice for shallow rivers and creeks.

How to Read a Tohatsu Model Code

Every Tohatsu outboard motor for sale on our site lists its model code. Here is a general guide:

For example, an MFS20EEFTL is a 20 HP E generation motor with electric start, power tilt and a 20 inch shaft. An MFS9.9EEFTUL adds a 25 inch shaft for high transoms and sailboats. Each product page explains its exact code.

Choosing the Right Shaft Length

The anti ventilation plate should sit level with or just below the bottom of the hull. For sailboats, it needs to stay in the water as the boat pitches, which is why sailors often choose a longer shaft.

1. Measure from the top of the transom or motor bracket straight down to the bottom of the hull.
2. About 15 in: short shaft (S).
3. About 20 in: long shaft (L).
4. About 25 in: ultra long shaft (UL), common on sailboats.

Not sure? Send us your measurement and boat type and we will help you choose the right Tohatsu outboard motor for sale.

Choosing the Right Horsepower

Respect the maximum on your boat's capacity plate, then match power to use:

• Yacht tenders and canoes: 2.5 to 4 HP.
• Inflatables and small sailboats: 5 to 6 HP.
• Larger sailboats, kickers and small boats: 8 to 9.9 HP.
• Jon boats, skiffs and RIBs: 15 to 30 HP.

For small boats, weight matters as much as power, and Tohatsu's light motors often let a boat take a little more horsepower without becoming stern heavy.

Tiller or Remote?

Most Tohatsu motors are tiller steered, which suits the small boats they power. Selected models come in remote versions with electric start, so they can be steered from a console. Remote motors need a control box, cables, a key switch and a battery. Each product page states what is included.

Tohatsu Motors for Yacht Tenders

Tender motors live a hard life. They get lifted on and off the stern, stored on rails, splashed with salt water and expected to start first pull after weeks of sitting. That is exactly where Tohatsu portables shine. The 2.5 and 3.5 HP models are light enough to lift from a dinghy to a yacht's motor bracket with one hand, while the 4, 5 and 6 HP models give a loaded tender enough push to cross a busy anchorage against wind and current. Many yacht owners pick the 6 HP as the best balance of weight and power for a 2.7 to 3.1 metre inflatable. Look for models with an integrated fuel tank if you want a self contained unit, or an external tank connection if you want longer range.

9.8 HP or 9.9 HP: Which Tohatsu?

The two motors look similar on paper but suit different buyers. The 9.8 HP is the lighter, carbureted option, which keeps cost and weight down and suits tenders, inflatables and simple small boats. The 9.9 HP uses electronic fuel injection, so it starts easily in cold weather, idles smoothly for trolling and is well suited to kicker duty and sailboats where reliable starting really matters. Some 9.9 models are also offered with electric start, remote steering, power tilt and 25 inch shafts. If you will use the motor often or in cold climates, the 9.9 is usually worth the extra cost.

Carrying, Mounting and Storing a Portable

• Clamp the motor centrally on the transom and tighten the clamp screws firmly. Fit a safety line so the motor cannot be lost overboard.
• Set the tilt angle so the shaft is vertical when the boat is loaded and moving.
• When carrying or storing the motor, lay it only on the side shown in the owner's manual to protect the engine from oil getting into the wrong places.
• Close the fuel vent and fuel valve before transport.

Getting the Propeller Right

Each Tohatsu has a recommended full throttle rev range. A light inflatable may run happily on the standard prop, while a heavier sailboat or work boat may benefit from a lower pitch or a high thrust prop. If the engine cannot reach its range with your normal load, a lower pitch prop will help. Sail Pro models already come with a prop chosen for pushing heavy hulls.

Popular Tohatsu Outboards in Stock

Buyers often ask about the Tohatsu MFS30DEFL, the Tohatsu MFS20EEFTL, the Tohatsu MFS9.8BS, the Tohatsu MFS6 Sail Pro, the Tohatsu MFS5 propane and the Tohatsu 25 HP jet. Each product page has specifications and buying advice.

New Tohatsu Outboards and Warranty

Our new Tohatsu outboards ship in the factory carton or crate. Warranty terms depend on the country where the motor is registered and how it is used, so ask us what applies before you buy. Keep your invoice and follow the service schedule.

How Buying From Us Works

1. Choose your motor from the horsepower categories above.
2. Check the model code and shaft length.
3. Request a freight quote to your country and nearest city or port.
4. Confirm your order once you are happy with the total.
5. We ship and send tracking details.

Read our terms and conditions and refund and return policy before you order, and see what others say on our reviews page.

Worldwide Shipping

We ship Tohatsu outboard motors for sale worldwide. Because Tohatsu motors are small and light, most travel by courier or on a single pallet, which keeps delivery costs down. Every quote shows the full delivery cost before you pay.

Breaking In a New Tohatsu

• Run at varied, moderate throttle for the first hours and avoid long periods at full throttle.
• Check the oil before every trip.
• Make sure the cooling water tell tale is flowing each time you start.
• Do the first service at the interval in the owner's manual.

Looking After Your Tohatsu

• Flush with fresh water after salt water use.
• Change engine and gear oil on schedule.
• Check the water pump impeller, anode and spark plugs.
• On carbureted models, run the carburettor dry or use stabilised fuel before storage.
• Store portables upright or on the side shown in the manual, so oil does not run where it should not.

Who Buys Tohatsu Outboards?

Our Tohatsu customers are a varied group. Sailors buy Sail Pro and long shaft models as reliable auxiliaries for coming in and out of marinas. Yacht owners buy light portables for their tenders. Anglers buy 9.9 HP motors as kickers for trolling, and 15 to 30 HP motors for jon boats and small aluminium boats. Rental fleets, sailing schools, dive operators and small fishing businesses choose Tohatsu because the motors are affordable to buy, simple to keep running and easy to replace when needed. Lake users who face fuel restrictions choose the propane models, and river anglers choose the 25 HP jet for water too shallow for a propeller. Whatever your use, there is usually a Tohatsu built for it.

Tohatsu vs Other Brands

Tohatsu is hard to beat for light weight and value in small motors. If you need more than 30 HP, or want to compare, browse our Suzuki outboards, Yamaha outboards, Mercury outboards and Honda outboards. For budget portables, see our Nissan outboard motors, and for silent electric power see our Torqeedo electric motors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tohatsu outboards good quality?

Yes. Tohatsu has built outboards for decades and is known for reliable, light motors.

What is a Sail Pro?

A Tohatsu motor set up for sailboats, with a high thrust prop and longer shaft options.

Can I run a Tohatsu on propane?

Yes, the LPG models run from a standard propane cylinder.

Which shaft length suits a sailboat?

Often the 20 or 25 inch shaft, but measure your bracket or transom to be sure.

Do you ship Tohatsu motors worldwide?

Yes, with a freight quote before you pay.

Talk to Us

NJ Marines Outboard Engines is based in Fresno, California, and supplies outboard motors and boats worldwide. Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, read our about page or use our contact page. For official model information, visit Tohatsu.