Tohatsu 5 HP MFS5DS Outboard Motor

Description

We have the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale new in the box and ready to ship. It is a 5 horsepower Tohatsu four stroke outboard with a 15 inch shaft, tiller steering and manual recoil start.

This is a new motor in the factory box, sold by us and shipped to your country. You get a written delivery quote first, so the full cost is clear from the start. That is a big part of why people choose the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale.

Everything is on this page: specifications, the model code, boats it suits, riding impressions, maintenance, delivery and an FAQ. Jump to what you need.

Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale: Specifications

Specs can change slightly between production runs, so the paperwork in the box is the final word. Tohatsu lists the current figures on its Tohatsu MFS5D page.

What the Model Code on the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale Means

Tohatsu codes are easy once someone explains them. MFS means a Tohatsu four stroke and 5 is the horsepower. The D after the horsepower marks the model series. The S at the end means a short 15 inch shaft.

Why the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale Makes Sense

The MFS5D sits in the middle of Tohatsu’s single cylinder range. It uses the 123 cc four stroke with a full forward, neutral and reverse gearbox and a front mounted shift lever.

Weighing about 25 kg, it is still a true portable that most people can lift on and off a transom. Tohatsu offers versions with a built in tank and versions that run from a separate 12 litre tank, so check the exact setup with us when you order.

The motor can be laid down on its side for transport and has a shallow water drive setting for creeks and beaches. Owners of the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale tell us the same thing.

Boats That Suit the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale

Inflatables and RIB tenders

Up to about 3.3 m.

Small aluminium boats

Rivers, lakes and sheltered bays.

Day sailers

Auxiliary power that is easy to remove.

Kicker and trolling

A light motor for slow fishing.

How the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale Runs

The Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale has a bit more push than the 4 HP, which you notice with two people in a tender or a light aluminium boat.

It idles cleanly and shifts smoothly, and reverse makes life easier around docks.

About Tohatsu Outboards

Tohatsu is a Japanese company that has specialised in outboards for decades. It is especially strong in portables and mid range motors, and its engines have powered boats under other badges too. For an owner, that means proven designs, wide parts support and a motor that is easy to service almost anywhere.

Short, Long or Ultra Long Shaft?

Measure your transom from the top to the bottom of the hull at the centre. About 15 inches needs a short shaft (S), about 20 inches needs a long shaft (L) and about 25 inches needs an ultra long shaft (UL). Sailboats often need a long or ultra long shaft so the prop stays in the water when the boat pitches. The Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale has a 15 inch shaft.

Mounting the Motor

Centre the motor on the transom and tighten the clamp screws firmly. Check them again after the first run, because they can loosen with vibration. Set the tilt pin so the motor sits straight up and down when the boat is moving, with the anti-ventilation plate roughly level with the bottom of the hull. Tie a safety line from the motor to the boat in case a clamp ever loosens. It is one of the reasons we keep the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale in stock.

Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale or the 6 HP?

The MFS6D uses the same engine and weight and revs higher for more power.

The Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale is the right pick when your boat is rated for 5 HP or you want the lowest running costs.

Who Buys the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale From Us

Most buyers are private owners with a tender, a small aluminium boat or a sailboat. After them come fishing guides, rental and sailing clubs, resorts and boat dealers. What they want is simple: a new motor, the right shaft length, proper paperwork and a fair delivered price.

Your First Day Out With the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale

Pick a calm day for the first run and stay close to where you launched. Clamp the motor on, fit the kill cord to your wrist or life jacket, open the fuel vent and squeeze the primer bulb until it goes firm. Then start it and let it idle for a minute while you look for the stream of water from the tell tale.

Spend the first hour getting a feel for the tiller, the throttle grip and the gear lever. Practise coming alongside a buoy or a pontoon at low speed. Most people are surprised how quickly a small motor like this starts to feel natural.

Starting by Hand

Manual start keeps the motor lighter and simpler, with no battery to carry. The trick is technique, not strength. Put the gear lever in neutral, set the throttle grip to the start mark, choke on if the engine is cold, then pull the cord slowly until you feel it catch and give one smooth, firm pull.

Once it fires, ease the choke back in as it warms. A healthy Tohatsu usually starts in one or two pulls. If it takes many more, check the fuel vent, the primer bulb and the kill cord clip before anything else. You get all of that with the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale.

Handling the Tiller

Tiller steering puts you right next to the engine, with the throttle in your hand. There is an adjustment for steering friction near the swivel bracket. Tighten it a little so the motor holds its line when you let go to grab a rope, and loosen it for easier turning in tight spots.

Sit so you can reach the tiller with a relaxed arm. When docking, use short bursts of forward and reverse rather than steady throttle. Small motors respond quickly, and once you learn that, coming alongside gets much easier.

Day to Day Use

A good small outboard should not need much thought. The Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale starts quickly, runs cleanly and needs only basic care: a fresh water flush after salt, a quick look at the oil level and fresh fuel. Do that and it will keep going season after season.

The First Ten Hours

New engines like variety. Keep the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale below half throttle for the first hour and keep changing speed. After that, use more throttle in short bursts. Change the engine oil and gear oil at the first service the manual lists. It sets the motor up for a long life.

Keeping the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale Healthy

Small outboards need little, but they need it regularly:

• After every trip: flush, rinse and check the tell-tale stream.
• Before every trip: oil level, fuel, clamp screws.
• Every season: engine oil, gear oil, plug, grease.
• Every two to three seasons: water pump impeller.

Keep a note of hours and services. It helps with warranty and resale. Ask us if you want photos of the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale before it ships.

The Water Pump Impeller

Every water cooled outboard has a rubber impeller in the lower unit that pushes cooling water up to the engine. Rubber ages, and sand wears the vanes, so it needs replacing every two or three seasons or sooner if you run in sandy water.

The first sign of trouble is a weak or missing stream from the tell tale. Stop the engine if that happens and find the cause. Running a four stroke without cooling water for even a short time can damage it. Changing the impeller is a straightforward job for a dealer or a handy owner.

Anodes and Corrosion

Outboards used in salt water slowly lose metal through galvanic corrosion. The anodes on the motor are there to take that damage first. They are small blocks of zinc or aluminium alloy, and they are meant to wear away. We are happy to answer questions about the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale by email or chat.

Check them every couple of months in salt water. When one is about half gone, replace it. Never paint an anode, because paint stops it working. If the anodes still look new after a full season in salt water, they may not have a good electrical contact, so clean the mounting points.

Changing the Gear Oil

The gearcase oil is easy to forget because you never see it. Change it once a season. Take out the lower drain screw, then the upper vent screw, and let the old oil run into a tray.

Look at what comes out. Clean dark oil is normal. Milky oil means water is getting in past a seal, and that should be fixed before it rusts the gears. Refill from the bottom hole with marine gear oil until it comes out of the top, fit the vent screw, then the drain screw. New sealing washers each time are a good habit. The Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale handles this well.

What It Costs to Run

Very economical. Most owners get a full day of light use from a small amount of fuel.

Beyond fuel, the costs are oil, a few service parts each season and an impeller every couple of years. For a four stroke motor, that is about as cheap as boating gets.

Keep the Fuel Fresh

Buy fuel from a busy station, use it within a month or so and treat it with stabiliser before storage. Water in fuel causes rough running, so keep tanks topped up and closed. A clean fuel filter and fresh fuel solve most problems before they start. This is where the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale earns its keep.

What It Costs to Own

Fuel is the main running cost, and four strokes are frugal. At part throttle a small Tohatsu sips fuel, so a tank lasts a long time.

Servicing is simple and affordable. Oil, gear oil, a plug and an impeller now and then cover most of it. Flush after salt water use and keep fresh fuel in the tank, and the motor will not ask for much more. That is why so many owners keep the same Tohatsu for ten years or more.

Choosing a Propeller

The right prop lets the motor reach its full throttle range of 4,500 to 5,500 rpm with your normal load. If it over revs, go up in pitch. If it cannot reach the range, come down. Tohatsu lists a 6 to 9 inch pitch for this motor. Tell us your boat and load and we will suggest a starting point. Plenty of buyers message us before ordering the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale, and we like that.

Looking After It in Salt Water

Salt is the main enemy of any outboard. A fresh water flush after every trip, a rinse of the outside and an occasional spray of corrosion inhibitor go a long way. Check the anode and replace it when it is half gone.

Storage and Transport

Store the motor upright on a stand when you can. If you must lay it down, follow the manual and lay it on the correct side so oil does not run into the cylinder. For long storage, drain or stabilise the fuel, change the oil, grease the fittings and keep it somewhere dry.

Moving the Motor Around

An outboard stand in the garage makes life easier. For the car, keep the motor upright if you can, strapped so it cannot tip. If you lay it down, use the side Tohatsu specifies. Close the vent and tap first. Keep that in mind with the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale.

Carrying and Laying Down the Motor

Four strokes have an oil sump, so they care which way you lay them down. Tohatsu marks the correct side on the motor and in the manual. Lay it the wrong way and oil can run into places it should not go, which leads to smoke and hard starting later.

Drain the carburettor or run it dry if you will store it on its side for a while. Carry it upright by the handle when you can, and use a padded bracket or stand at home. A motor stand is cheap and saves the cowling from scratches.

Common Problems and Quick Checks

Will not start. Check the kill switch clip, the choke, the fuel tap and the tank vent. That applies to the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale as much as any motor.

Starts then stops. Usually old fuel or a blocked vent.

Weak tell-tale stream. Clear the outlet. If still weak, have the impeller checked.

Loss of power. Check the prop for damage or weed, and the fuel filter. Many repeat customers come back for a second Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale.

Oil warning. Stop and check the oil level straight away.

A Small Spares Kit

You do not need a workshop on board. A small waterproof bag with the right bits will get you home from most minor problems:

• A spare spark plug and a plug spanner.
• A spare shear pin or prop parts and a split pin.
• A spare kill cord.
• A short length of fuel line and a couple of clips.
• Pliers, a screwdriver and some tape.
• A spare starter cord if the motor is pull start.

Keep the owner’s manual in a zip bag with the kit. It has the torque figures and the fuse and plug details you might need. The Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale is covered here too.

Safety Gear Worth Carrying

Attach the kill switch lanyard every time. Carry oars or a paddle, a spare kill clip, a spare plug and plug spanner, a shear pin or spare prop if your motor uses one, a bailer, a torch and a way to call for help. Life jackets for everyone on board.

Using It as a Tender Motor

Light Tohatsu motors are a favourite on yacht tenders. When you lift the motor between the yacht and the tender, use a line and a small hoist or a halyard, and always tie the motor to the boat first. Many owners store the motor on a rail bracket on the yacht.

Is 5 HP Right for Your Boat?

Check the capacity plate on your boat for the maximum horsepower and weight. Light inflatables and canoes need very little, while heavier aluminium boats and sailboats need more. Do not go over the plate. If you send us the boat details, we will tell you honestly whether the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale is a good match.

Two Stroke to Four Stroke

If you are replacing an old two stroke, expect less noise, no smoke, no oil mixing and lower fuel bills. Servicing changes to oil changes like a car engine. The trade is a bit more weight, which most boats handle easily. It is worth remembering when you run the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale.

Why Buy New

Second hand motors turn up all the time, often with stories attached. Some are fine. Others have hidden corrosion, a tired water pump or water in the gearcase that will cost money soon after you buy.

With a new motor there is nothing hidden. You get the warranty, the paperwork and a motor that has never been abused. You also choose the shaft length and start type you actually need, instead of making do with whatever is for sale locally.

Avoid These Common Errors

Wrong shaft, stale fuel, laying the motor on the wrong side and loose clamps cause most of the trouble we hear about. Measure, use fresh fuel, read the storage page in the manual and check the clamps. That is it. That is a big part of why people choose the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale.

What a Typical First Season Looks Like

Follow the break-in for the first few outings, then get the first service done. After that it is just using the motor, flushing it and keeping the fuel fresh. At the end of the season, service it and store it properly.

How Delivery Works

We ship worldwide. Once you confirm the order, the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale is packed in its original box and booked with a carrier we trust or your own forwarder. You get the paperwork and a tracking number so you can follow it to the end.

About the Warranty

Tohatsu warranty terms vary around the world and between leisure and commercial use. We will tell you what applies in your country. Keep your receipts and service records safe.

Keep a Record of the Motor

Note the model code and serial number on the day the motor arrives and store them somewhere safe. A photo of the label on your phone is fine. Parts suppliers ask for the serial to match the right components.

A simple log of hours, oil changes and services helps too. It makes warranty questions easier and adds value if you ever sell. A clamp lock is cheap insurance against theft from a dinghy or a shed.

What Comes in the Box

• The Tohatsu MFS5DS outboard
• Owner’s manual and warranty papers
• Standard Tohatsu fittings for this model

Fuel tanks, props and accessories vary by version and market. We confirm exactly what is included before shipping.

A Short Checklist Before Buying

• Transom measured and matched to the 15 inch shaft.
• Capacity plate checked.
• Starting type decided.
• Fuel and battery plan made.
• Delivery address sent to us.

Send us that and we will come back with a full price to your door.

Ordering Is Simple

Add the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale to your cart or message us. We confirm the model, shaft and starting type, then send a delivery quote. Once you approve it, we ship. Read our refund and return policy and terms and conditions first, and look at the reviews page to hear from other buyers. The about us page tells you who we are, and the contact page reaches a real person.

Other Tohatsu Outboards to Compare

• All 5 HP Tohatsu outboards
• Tohatsu MFS5DL
• All Tohatsu outboards
• Suzuki outboards
• The full shop

Our blog has more on looking after outboards, and you can browse the full Tohatsu outboard range on the maker’s own site.

FAQ: Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale

Is the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale new?

Yes. New in the box, with Tohatsu paperwork.

What shaft length is it?

15 inch (S).

How heavy is the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale?

About 25 kg (55 lb).

What engine does it have?

4-stroke, 1 cylinder, 123 cc (7.5 cu in).

How does it start?

Manual recoil start.

What fuel tank does it use?

Separate 12 L (3.1 US gal) tank or built in tank, confirmed at order.

Do you ship the Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale worldwide?

Yes. Send us your location and we will quote delivery.

Does it come with a warranty?

Yes, Tohatsu factory warranty paperwork. Terms depend on your country.

Ready When You Are

The Tohatsu MFS5DS for sale is ready to ship. If you are still deciding, tell us about your boat. We would rather spend a few minutes getting it right than sell you the wrong motor.