Tohatsu vs Mercury Outboard: 7 Honest Differences, Motors From $885

October 27, 2026

by marinesoutboardengines with No Comment Blog

If you’re torn on Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard, you’re in good company. It’s one of the questions we hear most at our shop in Fresno, California. We sell both brands, so we don’t care which one you pick. We just want you to end up with the right motor. Right now we have 49 Tohatsu models and more than 150 Mercury models listed, from the little Mercury 2.5 at $885 all the way up to big Verados, and we ship worldwide.

Here’s the short version. Under 30 HP, the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard choice is a lot closer than people expect, and in a few sizes it’s nearly the same motor. Over 30 HP there isn’t much of a fight, because Tohatsu’s range runs out where Mercury’s is just getting going. The long version, with specs and our prices, is below.

Tohatsu vs Mercury Outboard: The Quick Answer

If you only read one part of this page, read this table. It’s how we’d split it for most buyers.

If you want	We’d lean	Why
Cheapest small four stroke	Mercury	Mercury’s 2.5 to 9.9 HP prices are lower in our store
Simple, tough 9.8 HP	Tohatsu	The MFS9.8B is a proven, light carbureted twin
Fuel injected 9.9 to 20 HP	Either	Both have good battery free EFI motors
Sailboat motor	Tohatsu	Sail Pro models with long shafts and high thrust props
Kicker for trolling	Mercury	The 9.9 ProKicker is built for it
40 HP and bigger	Mercury	Far wider range, up to 350 HP in our stock
Small jet outboard	Either	Both make a 25 HP jet

That’s the gist of Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard for most people. Now let’s look at why, size by size, with the motors we actually have in stock.

Who Makes Tohatsu and Who Makes Mercury?

To understand Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard properly, start with who builds them. Tohatsu is a Japanese company based in Tokyo. It started out in the 1920s and has been building outboards since the 1950s. It’s a much smaller company than Mercury, and it has always focused on small and mid size motors. A lot of their motors go to work boats, fishing fleets and rental outfits in places where nobody babies an engine.

Mercury Marine is American, based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and it’s part of Brunswick. It’s one of the biggest outboard makers in the world. Mercury builds everything from 2.5 HP portables to huge V8, V10 and V12 Verados that sit on offshore boats.

So when people compare a Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard, they’re comparing a small specialist with a giant that does everything. That matters less than you’d think in the small sizes and a lot more in the big ones.

Do Tohatsu and Mercury Share Motors?

Yes, in some sizes. Tohatsu has built some of Mercury’s small portable four strokes for years. If you put a Mercury 4, 5 or 6 HP next to a Tohatsu of the same size, a lot of it looks very familiar, and both use a single cylinder of about 123cc. The 3.5 HP motors are in the same boat.

This is why the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard question is so hard to answer in the 2.5 to 6 HP range. You’re often looking at close cousins with different paint, different decals and different prices. When that’s the case, buy on price, shaft length and the features you want, and don’t lose sleep over the badge.

From 15 HP up, the two brands go their own way. Mercury builds its own 15, 20, 25 and 30 HP EFI motors, and Tohatsu builds its own as well.

Tohatsu vs Mercury Outboard Range Compared

HP	Tohatsu in our store	Mercury in our store
2.5 to 3.5	MFS2.5C, MFS3.5C from $1,020	2.5MH, 3.5MH from $885
4 to 6	MFS4D, MFS5D, MFS6D from $1,400	4MH, 5MH, 6MH from $1,165
8 to 9.9	MFS8B, MFS9.8B, MFS9.9E from $2,200	8MH, 9.9MH, 9.9 ProKicker from $1,124
15 to 20	MFS15E, MFS20E from $3,070	15 EFI, 20 EFI from $1,683
25 to 30	MFS25D, MFS30D from $3,749	25 EFI, 30 EFI from $2,290
40 and up	Not in our stock	40 HP to 350 HP

You can browse every model on our Tohatsu outboards page and our Mercury outboards page. Prices on each listing are our real prices.

2.5 to 6 HP: Dinghies, Tenders and Small Jon Boats

This is where the two brands are closest. Both 3.5s weigh about 17 kg and use a small single of roughly 86cc. Both 6 HP motors use the same size 123cc single and weigh in the mid 20s in kilograms. They’re pull start, carbureted, and very easy to live with.

The real differences are small things. Tohatsu offers Sail Pro versions of the 5 and 6 HP with a high thrust prop, a charging coil option and an extra long shaft for sailboats. It also sells propane versions of the 5 HP. Mercury has propane and Sail Power versions of its 5 HP too.

Our take on Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard at this size: buy the Mercury if price is the main thing. Buy the Tohatsu Sail Pro if it’s going on a sailboat. Either way you get a good little motor.

8 to 9.9 HP: The Most Popular Size

This is where most of our phone calls come from. A lot of lakes cap motors under 10 HP, and a 9.9 is also the classic kicker size.

Tohatsu 9.8 and 9.9

Tohatsu has two different motors here. The MFS9.8B is a 209cc carbureted twin that weighs about 37 kg in short shaft manual form. It’s simple, light and easy to fix, and a lot of people who know motors ask for it by name. Then there’s the MFS9.9E family, which is a bigger twin of about 351cc shared with the Tohatsu 15 and 20. The EF versions are fuel injected. Because it’s a bigger block running at 9.9 HP, it’s relaxed and has lots of low end grunt, but it’s heavier.

Mercury 8 and 9.9

Mercury’s 8 and 9.9 four strokes use a 209cc twin and weigh about 38 kg in manual tiller form. Then there’s the ProKicker version with Mercury’s Command Thrust gearcase, a bigger lower unit with lower gearing built to push heavy boats slowly. If the motor is going on the back of a big walleye or salmon boat, that’s the one we’d pick.

Model	Start	Shaft	Fuel	Our price
Mercury 9.9MH	Pull	15 inch	Carb	$1,272
Mercury 9.9ELH	Electric	20 inch	Carb	$1,683
Mercury 9.9ELHPT ProKicker	Electric	20 inch	Carb	$1,930
Tohatsu MFS9.8BS	Pull	15 inch	Carb	$2,440
Tohatsu MFS9.9EL	Pull	20 inch	Carb	$2,760
Tohatsu MFS9.9EEFL	Electric	20 inch	EFI	$3,050
Tohatsu MFS9.9EEFTL	Electric	20 inch	EFI, power tilt	$3,275

So which wins the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard fight at 9.9? On price, Mercury, easily. On fuel injection, Tohatsu, because the EFI Tohatsu 9.9 starts and idles better than any carbureted motor after it’s been sitting. We wrote a full Tohatsu 9.9 HP buying guide and a roundup of the best 9.9 HP outboard picks if you want to go deeper.

15 to 20 HP: Small Boats That Need to Plane

At 15 and 20 HP both brands have fuel injection that doesn’t need a battery to run. You can pull start them like an old carb motor and still get the easy starting of EFI.

The Mercury 15 and 20 EFI use a 333cc twin and weigh about 45 kg in manual tiller form, which is light for a 20. The Tohatsu MFS15E and MFS20E use the 351cc twin, also with an EFI option, and weigh a little more. In the water, this Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard pair feels very alike. The Tohatsu has a touch more low end shove. The Mercury feels a touch lighter on the transom.

Mercury 15MH EFI, $1,727
Mercury 20MH EFI, $2,013
Mercury 20ELHPT EFI with power trim, $2,438
Tohatsu MFS15ES, $3,070
Tohatsu MFS20EEFS EFI, $3,680
Tohatsu MFS20EEFTL EFI with power tilt, $4,050

In our store the Mercury 20 is a lot cheaper, so for a 14 foot aluminum boat we’d usually point people to the Mercury. If you’re in a part of the world where Tohatsu dealers are easier to find than Mercury dealers, the Tohatsu is the smarter buy. More on that below.

25 to 30 HP: Bigger Jon Boats, Skiffs and RIBs

Both brands use three cylinder motors here, which run smoother than the old twins. Mercury’s 25 and 30 EFI use a 526cc triple. Tohatsu’s MFS25D and MFS30D are also three cylinder motors, with EFI on the EF models. Both weigh roughly the same, around 70 kg in manual tiller form.

Model	Start	Shaft	Our price
Mercury 25MH EFI	Pull	15 inch	$2,290
Mercury 30ELPT	Electric	20 inch	$3,223
Tohatsu MFS25DS	Pull	15 inch	$3,749
Tohatsu MFS30DEFL	Electric	20 inch	$4,570

For the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard match at 30 HP, we think it’s close on quality and Mercury wins on price. Check our Tohatsu 30 HP listings and the Mercury 25 HP listings side by side before you decide.

40 HP and Up: Mercury Has the Field to Itself

Tohatsu does make bigger motors in some markets, but the range is small and we don’t stock them. Mercury, on the other hand, goes from 40 HP right up to the V8 and V10 Verados. If you need 40, 60, 90, 150 or 250 HP, the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard question kind of answers itself, and you’d be comparing Mercury with Yamaha or Suzuki instead.

Mercury 40 HP outboards from $3,093
Mercury 250 HP outboards, and our Mercury 250 HP buying guide
Mercury Verado for sale and Mercury Pro XS for sale

Reliability: Which Lasts Longer?

We get asked about Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard reliability every week, and the honest answer is that both are reliable when they’re looked after. Small Tohatsus have a reputation for being nearly impossible to kill. You see old ones running on fishing boats all over Asia, Africa and the Pacific that have had very little care. Mercury’s small four strokes are also solid, and its EFI 15 to 30 HP motors have been good to the people we’ve sold them to.

What kills small outboards isn’t the brand. It’s old fuel sitting in a carburetor, salt left inside after use, and a water pump impeller that never gets changed. If you flush the motor after salt water, run it dry or use stabilizer before storage, and change the impeller and gear oil on schedule, either brand will outlast your boat. That’s the truth about Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard reliability.

Weight and Portability

If you carry the motor by hand to a dinghy or a rental boat, weight matters more than almost anything. It’s a big part of any Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard comparison for small boats. At 2.5 to 6 HP the two brands are close. At 9.9 the Tohatsu 9.8B and the Mercury 9.9 are both light, while the Tohatsu 9.9E is heavier because it’s built on the bigger block. At 15 and 20, the Mercury is a bit lighter. At 25 and 30 they’re about even. Always check the exact model, because electric start and power tilt add weight to both brands.

Fuel Injection, Starting and Fuel Use

Carburetors are fine if you use the motor often and run it dry before storage. If your motor sits for weeks at a time, fuel injection is worth paying for. Both brands offer battery free EFI from 15 HP up, and Tohatsu also offers EFI on its 9.9. Fuel use is close between the two in every size we sell, so fuel use won’t settle the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard question either way.

Both brands run on regular unleaded fuel. Don’t use fuel with high ethanol if you can avoid it, and add a stabilizer if the motor is going to sit.

Parts and Service Around the World

This one gets overlooked, and in our view it’s the most important part of the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard decision for buyers outside the US. Before you choose, find out which brand has a dealer near you. In some countries Mercury dealers are everywhere and Tohatsu parts are hard to get. In others, especially in island nations and parts of Asia and Africa, Tohatsu is the common motor and every mechanic knows it.

Things like impellers, spark plugs, fuel filters and gear oil are easy to find for both. It’s the less common parts that can take time. You can check the official sites of Tohatsu and Mercury Marine to find dealers in your country. If you tell us where you are, we’ll also tell you which brand our customers there tend to run.

Tohatsu vs Mercury Outboard Prices in Our Store

Size	Cheapest Tohatsu	Cheapest Mercury	Difference
2.5 HP	$1,020	$885	Mercury $135 less
3.5 HP	$1,120	$1,030	Mercury $90 less
4 HP	$1,400	$1,165	Mercury $235 less
9.9 HP	$2,740	$1,272	Mercury $1,468 less
15 HP	$3,070	$1,683	Mercury $1,387 less
20 HP	$3,370	$2,013	Mercury $1,357 less
25 HP	$3,749	$2,290	Mercury $1,459 less
30 HP	$4,140	$2,719	Mercury $1,421 less

Prices change, so check the listing for the current number. But you can see the pattern. In our store, Mercury is the cheaper buy in every size. The Tohatsu earns its price with things like the Sail Pro models, the 9.8B, and the EFI 9.9. If budget is tight, our cheap outboard motors for sale page is a good place to look.

Tohatsu vs Mercury Outboard Specs Side by Side

Here are the numbers people ask us for most. Weights are approximate for the lightest manual tiller version, and they go up with electric start and power tilt.

Spec	Tohatsu MFS20E	Mercury 20 EFI
Cylinders	2	2
Displacement	About 351cc	About 333cc
Fuel system	Carb or battery free EFI	Battery free EFI
Shaft options	15 and 20 inch	15 and 20 inch
Start	Pull or electric	Pull or electric
Weight	Upper 40s kg	About 45 kg
Our price from	$3,370	$2,013

Spec	Tohatsu MFS9.8B	Mercury 9.9 four stroke
Cylinders	2	2
Displacement	About 209cc	About 209cc
Fuel system	Carb, EFI on some versions	Carb
Weight	About 37 kg	About 38 kg
Our price from	$2,440	$1,272

Look at those two 9.9 class motors and you’ll see why the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard debate gets heated on fishing forums. On paper they’re almost twins. The gap is in price, features and who services them near you.

What We See From Real Buyers

A customer in the Caribbean bought a Tohatsu 30 for a fishing skiff because every mechanic on his island works on Tohatsus. He didn’t even ask about Mercury. That’s the right call. A guy in Michigan went the other way and bought a Mercury 9.9 ProKicker for his walleye boat because the dealer down the road stocks Mercury parts and the big gearcase holds his speed in wind. Also the right call.

The mistakes we see come from people picking on badge alone. One buyer wanted a Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard comparison for a dinghy and ended up ordering an electric start 20 that was too heavy to lift into the tender. A 6 HP would have done the job. Think about how you’ll use the motor before you think about the brand.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Between Them

Wrong shaft length. Measure your transom first. A 15 inch motor on a 20 inch transom will cavitate and run poorly.
Too much motor. Check your boat’s capacity plate before you pick a size.
Ignoring service. The best Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard is the one your local mechanic can fix.
Skipping fuel injection to save money. If the motor sits a lot, EFI pays for itself in fewer headaches.
Buying pull start for a heavy motor. Pull starting a 30 HP gets old fast. Electric start is worth it from 25 HP up for most people.

Running Costs Over Five Years

Routine service on a small four stroke costs about the same for either brand. Expect to change gear oil and engine oil every season or every 100 hours, a water pump impeller every two to three years, plus spark plugs and fuel filters. Parts prices are close. Labor depends on your mechanic, not the brand. So on running costs, Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard ends in a tie. The purchase price is where most of the money difference shows up.

Which One Should You Buy?

For a sailboat

For a sailboat, our Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard pick is Tohatsu. The 6 HP Sail Pro with the long or extra long shaft and the high thrust prop is made for it. Mercury’s Sail Power 5 HP is a good second choice. Our long shaft outboard guide covers shaft lengths in detail.

For a dinghy or tender

Either. This is the size where the Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard choice matters least. Get the lightest motor that does the job, and buy the Mercury if you want to save a bit.

For a 12 to 14 foot jon boat

A Mercury 15 or 20 EFI is hard to beat for the money. A Tohatsu 9.8B is great if you’re on a lake with a 10 HP limit.

For a trolling kicker

Mercury’s 9.9 ProKicker. Tohatsu’s EFI 9.9 with power tilt is a strong second.

For commercial or hard use

Tohatsu, especially where Tohatsu parts are common. These motors are built to be worked hard.

For anything over 30 HP

Mercury, or look at Yamaha and Suzuki.

How to Order From Us

Pick your motor from the links on this page, or browse the shop.
Measure your transom so you get the right shaft length.
Order on the product page, or call or WhatsApp us on +1 209 690 5983.
We confirm stock and shipping for your country before anything is final.
Your motor ships in its crate with tracking.

If you’ve never bought a motor online, our guide on how to buy outboard motor online walks you through it, and our free shipping page explains delivery.

Tohatsu vs Mercury Outboard FAQ

Is Tohatsu as good as Mercury?

In the small sizes, yes. Some small Mercury and Tohatsu motors are close relatives. Tohatsu has a strong name for toughness. Mercury has a much bigger range and is cheaper in our store.

Does Tohatsu make Mercury outboards?

Tohatsu has built some of Mercury’s small portable motors. Mercury builds its own 15 HP and bigger motors.

Which is lighter, Tohatsu or Mercury?

It depends on the size. They’re close at 2.5 to 6 HP. The Mercury is a little lighter at 15 and 20 HP.

Which brand is easier to get parts for?

It depends on your country. Ask us and we’ll tell you what our customers in your area use.

Is a Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard 9.9 better?

Mercury for price and the ProKicker. Tohatsu for the EFI 9.9 and the light 9.8B.

Which is cheaper in a Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard comparison?

In our store, Mercury, by roughly $90 at 3.5 HP and close to $1,500 at 9.9 and 25 HP. Prices move, so check each listing.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Tell us your country and we’ll confirm the cost and timing before you pay.

Final Word on Tohatsu vs Mercury Outboard

You can’t really go wrong with either brand under 30 HP. Pick Mercury if you want the lowest price or a ProKicker. Pick Tohatsu if you want a Sail Pro, the little 9.8B, or the brand that’s easier to service where you live. Over 30 HP, it’s Mercury. Every motor on this page links to its listing with our current price. Questions? Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, use our contact page, read our customer reviews, or learn more about us.

Tiller Outboard for Sale: 150+ Easy Steering Motors From $390, Free Shipping

October 26, 2026

by marinesoutboardengines with One Comment Blog

Need a tiller outboard for sale? We have more than 150 tiller motors listed, from 2.5 HP portables at $390 up to 60 HP jet tillers, in Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Tohatsu, Nissan and Evinrude. Every motor is checked before it ships, free shipping is included, and we deliver worldwide.

A tiller motor is the simplest way to power a small boat. No console, no cables, no steering system to rig. You clamp or bolt it on, connect fuel, and steer with the handle. We’re an outboard dealer in Fresno, California, and tillers are the motors we sell most. This page covers every size of tiller outboard for sale we carry, the specs, how to choose one, and how to buy it from us.

Tiller Outboard for Sale: 2.5 to 6 HP

These are the small portables for dinghies, tenders, canoes and small sailboats. Most have a built-in fuel tank and manual start, and most of the smallest ones turn all the way round instead of having a reverse gear.

Motor	HP	Shaft	Price
Nissan NSF2.5B1	2.5	15 in	$390
Suzuki DF2.5S5	2.5	15 in	$695
Mercury 2.5MH	2.5	15 in	$885
Yamaha F2.5SMHB	2.5	15 in	$980
Honda BF2.3DHSCH	2.3	15 in	$1,009
Mercury 3.5MH	3.5	15 in	$1,030
Mercury 4MH	4	15 in	$1,165
Mercury 5MH	5	15 in	$1,240
Yamaha F4SMHA	4	15 in	$1,389.99
Mercury 6MH	6	15 in	$1,415
Yamaha F6SMHA	6	15 in	$1,670
Honda BF5DHSHNA	5	15 in	$1,789

Want propane instead of gasoline? The Mercury 5MH-LPG runs on a standard propane bottle, which some lakes and sailors prefer. More small motors are on the 2.5 HP Yamaha and Nissan outboards pages.

Tiller Outboard for Sale: 8 to 9.9 HP

This is the busiest size we sell. A 9.9 HP tiller pushes most jon boats and small aluminum boats, and it’s the classic kicker motor for trolling on bigger boats.

Motor	HP	Start / tilt	Price
Mercury 8MH	8	Manual	$1,124
Mercury 9.9MH	9.9	Manual	$1,272
Yamaha F8SMHB	8	Manual	$1,300
Yamaha F9.9SMHB	9.9	Manual	$1,590
Mercury 9.9ELHPT ProKicker	9.9	Electric, power tilt	$1,930
Yamaha T9.9LWHB High Thrust	9.9	Electric	$1,960
Suzuki DF9.9BTHS2	9.9	Electric, power tilt	$1,969
Honda BF8DK3SHA	8	Manual	$2,479
Honda BF10D3SH	9.9	Manual	$2,689
Suzuki DF9.9BTHL5	9.9	Electric, power tilt, 20 in	$3,120

See all of them on the 9.9 HP Mercury, 9.9 HP Yamaha, 9.9 HP Suzuki and 9.9 HP Honda pages. We also have a full Tohatsu 9.9 HP guide.

Tiller Outboard for Sale: 15 to 30 HP

Step up to this range when you have a 14 to 16 ft aluminum boat, a heavier jon boat or a small skiff and want it on plane with two or three people aboard.

Motor	HP	Start	Price
Mercury 15MH EFI	15	Manual	$1,727
Yamaha F15SMHA	15	Manual	$1,749
Mercury 20MH EFI	20	Manual	$2,013
Suzuki DF15ATHL2	15	Electric, power tilt	$2,222
Mercury 25MH EFI	25	Manual	$2,290
Suzuki DF20ATHL2	20	Electric, power tilt	$2,607
Mercury 30MHGA	30	Manual	$2,719
Yamaha F20SMHB	20	Manual	$2,950
Suzuki DF25ATHS2	25	Electric, power tilt	$2,977
Honda BF25D3SHG	25	Manual	$3,275
Yamaha F30LEHA	30	Electric	$3,400
Suzuki DF30ATHL2	30	Electric, power tilt	$3,443

For more, see the 15 HP Yamaha, 20 HP Mercury and 25 HP Yamaha pages, or our Yamaha 20 HP guide.

Tiller Outboard for Sale: 40 HP and Up

Big tillers are popular on river boats, work skiffs and larger aluminum fishing boats where the owner wants to steer from the back and keep the floor clear. At this size you’ll usually want electric start and power trim.

Motor	HP	Notes	Price
Mercury 40MHGA	40	Manual start	$3,093
Yamaha F40LEHA	40	Electric start	$3,690
Mercury 40ELHPT	40	Electric, power trim	$3,786
Honda BF40D4LHA	40	20 in shaft	$4,021
Yamaha F40JEHA	40 (jet)	Jet drive tiller	$4,075
Mercury 50ELHPT	50	Electric, power trim	$4,414
Yamaha F60LB jet tiller	60 (jet)	Jet pump, extra long tiller	$8,799

We also stock tiller Evinrude E-TEC motors, which are light and strong for their size. See the Evinrude 25 HP and Evinrude 15 HP guides.

Why Choose a Tiller Outboard for Sale Over a Remote Motor

A remote motor needs a console, a control box, throttle and shift cables, a steering system and usually gauges. That’s a lot of money and a lot of rigging before you even touch the water. A tiller outboard for sale skips all of it.

Lower cost. No controls, cables or steering to buy.
Simple to fit. Small ones clamp on. Bigger ones bolt through the transom and you’re done.
More room in the boat. No console in the way, which fishermen love.
Precise at low speed. Steering from the motor is very direct, great for trolling and working along a bank.
Easy to move between boats. Small tillers can go from the tender to the jon boat to a friend’s canoe.

The downsides are that you sit at the back, which is noisier and wetter in chop, and on bigger, faster boats a tiller can be tiring to hold. Past about 60 HP most people go remote. Some performance motors, like the Yamaha V MAX SHO 90 and 115, can still be rigged with a tiller. Our Yamaha V MAX SHO guide covers those.

Tiller Outboard for Sale: Specifications

These are standard factory figures for some of the most popular tiller motors we sell. Numbers vary a little with shaft length, start type and model year, and each product page has the details for that exact motor.

Motor	Cylinders	Displacement	Approx. dry weight	Fuel system
Honda BF2.3	1	57 cc	About 30 lb	Carburetor, air cooled
Yamaha F2.5	1	72 cc	37 lb (15 in shaft)	Carburetor
Mercury 2.5	1	85 cc	About 41 lb	Carburetor
Mercury 9.9 (standard)	2	209 cc	From about 84 lb	Carburetor or EFI by model
Mercury 9.9 ProKicker	2	333 cc	About 124 lb	EFI
Suzuki DF9.9B	2	327 cc	From about 97 lb, 123 lb with power tilt	Battery-free EFI
Mercury 15 / 20 EFI	2	333 cc	See listing	EFI
Suzuki DF25A / DF30A	3	490 cc	See listing	Battery-free EFI

Battery-free EFI, which Suzuki and Mercury use on many small motors, means the fuel injection runs without a battery. You get easy starting and smooth running from a pull-start motor with no battery to carry.

How to Read a Tiller Model Code

Every brand marks a tiller with an H somewhere in the model code. Once you spot that, it’s easy to tell a tiller outboard for sale from a remote one.

Code	What it means
Mercury 9.9MH	M = manual start, H = tiller handle, no letter = 15 in shaft
Mercury 40ELHPT	E = electric start, L = 20 in shaft, H = tiller, PT = power trim
Yamaha F15SMHA	S = 15 in shaft, M = manual start, H = tiller
Yamaha F40LEHA	L = 20 in shaft, E = electric start, H = tiller
Honda BF10D3SH	S = short shaft, H = tiller
Suzuki DF20ATHL2	T = power tilt, H = tiller, L = 20 in shaft

How to Pick the Right Tiller Outboard for Sale

Horsepower

Check the capacity plate on your boat and stay at or below the max HP. As a rough guide: 2.5 to 3.5 HP for inflatables and small tenders, 4 to 6 HP for canoes, larger tenders and small sailboats, 9.9 to 15 HP for 12 to 14 ft jon boats, and 20 to 30 HP for 14 to 16 ft aluminum boats. The US Coast Guard boating site explains capacity plates clearly.

Shaft length

Measure your transom from the top edge down to the bottom of the hull. About 15 inches takes a short shaft (S), about 20 inches a long shaft (L), and about 25 inches an extra long shaft (X). Sailboats and some pontoons often need a long or extra long shaft. This is the most important measurement, so don’t guess.

Manual or electric start

Up to about 15 HP, manual start is easy and saves weight. From 20 HP up, electric start is a lot nicer, especially if more than one person runs the boat. Electric start needs a battery, which also lets you run lights or a fish finder.

Tilt

Manual tilt is fine on small motors. Once you get to 9.9 HP kickers that sit high on a big transom, or anything 20 HP and up, power tilt saves your back. Look for T or PT in the code.

Weight

If you’ll carry the motor, weight comes first. Most people can manage a 2.5 to 6 HP motor alone. A 9.9 HP is about the limit for one person over any distance. Above that, plan to leave the motor on the boat.

Tiller Handle Features Worth Having

Not every tiller handle is the same, and the handle is the part you hold all day. When you compare a tiller outboard for sale, look at these. A throttle friction knob lets you set the throttle and take your hand off for a moment. A shift lever on the handle, rather than on the side of the motor, means you don’t have to reach back. Mercury’s multi-function tiller handle puts shift, throttle and stop on one handle. Power tilt switches on the handle are a big help on 20 HP and up. Some motors have a handle that adjusts up and down, which helps if you sit low in the boat. On a tiller outboard for sale used for long days of trolling, a comfortable handle with a good friction setting makes a real difference. Ask us about the handle on any tiller outboard for sale and we’ll tell you what it has. It’s one of those small details that decides whether you enjoy a tiller outboard for sale or put up with it.

Special Tiller Motors

Kickers

A kicker is a small tiller outboard for sale mounted next to the main motor on a bigger boat, used for slow trolling and as a backup. A 9.9 HP with a 20 or 25 inch shaft, electric start and power tilt is the classic choice. The Mercury ProKicker and the Suzuki DF9.9BTHL5 are both built for it. Many owners link the kicker to the main motor’s steering with a tie bar.

High thrust and Command Thrust

Yamaha’s T9.9 high thrust and Mercury’s Command Thrust motors use a bigger gearcase and a larger, lower pitch prop. They push heavy boats, sailboats and pontoons better than a standard motor of the same horsepower.

Jet tillers

Jet tillers, like the Yamaha F40JEHA and the F60 jet tiller, use a pump instead of a prop, so nothing hangs below the hull to hit rocks. They’re made for shallow rivers. They lose some power compared with the prop version of the same motor, so plan on that.

Propane

Mercury makes small tillers that run on propane. No gasoline to spill or go stale, and a propane bottle is easy to find in a lot of places.

Safety With a Tiller Outboard

On a tiller boat, you’re the one holding the steering. If you fall out or get thrown off balance, the boat keeps going. That’s why every tiller motor comes with an engine cut-off switch and lanyard. Clip it to your life jacket or wrist every time.

In the US, federal law requires the operator of most boats under 26 ft to use the engine cut-off switch while running on plane or above displacement speed. Other countries have similar rules. The US Coast Guard boating site explains it. Beyond that, keep the throttle friction set so the motor doesn’t speed up on its own, and don’t stand up to steer at speed.

Mounting a Tiller Outboard

Small tillers clamp onto the transom with the screw clamps. Tighten them firmly and check them often, because vibration loosens them. Fit a safety rope or chain from the motor to the boat in case it comes off. On anything over about 15 HP, bolt the motor through the transom as well.

Set the height so the anti-cavitation plate sits level with the bottom of the hull or a little above it. Then check the trim pin. With the boat running, the hull should run level. If the bow digs in, move the pin out a hole. If the bow rides high and bounces, move it in.

Looking After Your Tiller Motor

Change the engine oil once a season and the gearcase oil once a year.
Replace the water pump impeller every two to three seasons.
Use fresh fuel with stabilizer, and drain the carburetor before storage on carbureted models.
Flush with fresh water after every trip in salt water.
Grease the swivel bracket and tiller pivot now and then.
Check the clamp screws and the kill switch lanyard each trip.

The BoatUS site has good, plain articles on outboard care if you want more detail.

What We Check Before Shipping

Every tiller outboard for sale on our site goes through the same check before it leaves us.

Model plate and serial number checked against the listing.
Test run in a tank, through the rev range, forward and reverse.
Water pump and tell-tale stream checked.
Gearcase oil checked for water or metal.
Tiller handle, throttle friction, shift and kill switch checked.
Tilt, trim and starting checked on models that have them.
Packed carefully so it arrives in one piece.

If you want photos of the exact motor first, ask and we’ll send them.

Free Shipping Worldwide

Free shipping is included with every outboard motor we sell, including every tiller outboard for sale on this page. Small tillers usually go by courier. Bigger ones go on a pallet by freight truck inside North America, and by air or sea overseas. Import duties and local taxes are set by your own country and paid on arrival, so check with your customs office if you’re unsure. Our free shipping guide explains exactly how it works.

How to Order a Tiller Outboard for Sale

Pick a motor from the tables above or browse the shop.
Send us your boat type, length, transom height and max HP if you want help choosing.
We confirm the motor and how it will be delivered.
You order, we pack and ship, and we send tracking.

Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, or use the contact page. Please read our refund and return policy before ordering, and see what other buyers say on the reviews page.

Tiller Outboard for Sale by Boat Type

Sometimes it’s easier to start with the boat. Here’s what our customers usually run on each type.

Inflatables and tenders

A 2.5 HP is enough for most inflatables with one or two people. Rigid inflatables and bigger tenders do better with 4 to 6 HP. Keep the weight down, because you’ll be lifting the motor on and off the yacht or the dock. A small tiller outboard for sale with an internal tank keeps things simple.

Canoes and kayaks with a motor mount

Go light. A 2 to 3.5 HP is plenty. A side mount bracket is common on square-stern canoes. Check the canoe’s own rating before you pick a motor.

Jon boats

A 12 ft jon boat runs well on 6 to 9.9 HP. A 14 ft takes 9.9 to 25 HP depending on the rating. Flat bottom boats often have short transoms, so check for 15 inches before you order. A jon boat is the most common place we send a tiller outboard for sale.

Aluminum fishing boats, 14 to 17 ft

These often run 20 to 60 HP on a tiller, with power trim and electric start. Big tiller rigs are popular with walleye and river anglers who want the whole floor free for fishing.

Small sailboats

Most need a long or extra long shaft so the prop stays in the water when the boat heels or pitches. A 4 to 9.9 HP is common, and a high thrust model helps. Pick a tiller outboard for sale with a 20 or 25 inch shaft unless your transom is unusually low.

River boats

For shallow, rocky rivers, look at a jet tiller. The Yamaha F40JEHA and the F60 jet tiller are both in stock. A jet tiller outboard for sale costs more than the prop version but saves a lot of broken props and lower units.

New or Fairly Used Tiller Motors?

We list both. Each product page says which. New motors at our prices are often an older model year or overstock, which usually means the same engine as the current model. Fairly used motors are tested and checked over before they go on the site, and they’re where the biggest savings are.

If you’ll use the motor hard, every weekend or for work, a new one makes sense. If it’s a backup kicker or a motor for the tender a few times a year, a good used tiller outboard for sale is often the smarter buy. Ask us about any motor and we’ll tell you exactly what it is.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Tiller Motor

Wrong shaft length. Still the number one mistake. Measure the transom.
Too heavy to carry. If the motor comes off the boat after every trip, think hard before going over 9.9 HP.
Too little power. A 2.5 HP on a 14 ft aluminum boat won’t plane. You’ll just push water.
No kill switch lanyard. Always clip it on.
Forgetting a fuel tank. Motors from about 8 HP up usually need a separate tank and line.

If you’re unsure, send us the boat details before you buy a tiller outboard for sale, and we’ll point you to the right one.

Who Buys a Tiller Outboard for Sale From Us

Weekend fishermen with jon boats and small aluminum boats are the biggest group. Sailors buy small long shaft tillers for their tenders and auxiliaries. Fishing lodges, rental fleets and resorts buy several at a time because tillers are simple and tough. Small commercial users, like people running water taxis, fish carriers and work skiffs in coastal and island communities, buy tillers because they’re easy to fix far from a dealer. And plenty of buyers overseas order a tiller outboard for sale from us because the size or brand they want simply isn’t stocked near them.

Questions About Buying a Tiller Outboard for Sale

What’s the biggest tiller motor I can get?

Tillers are common up to about 60 HP. Some 90 and 115 HP motors can be fitted with a tiller handle, but most people go remote past 60 HP.

Can I convert a remote motor to a tiller?

On some models, yes, with a tiller kit from the maker. It’s usually cheaper to buy a tiller outboard for sale set up from the factory.

Do small tillers have reverse?

Some of the smallest 2.5 HP motors have forward and neutral only, and you swing the motor round to go backwards. Most from 4 HP up have reverse.

Is a tiller good for a sailboat?

Yes. Most small sailboats use a tiller outboard. Get a long or extra long shaft and consider a high thrust model.

Do you ship to my country?

Yes, we ship worldwide, and shipping is free.

Are the motors new or used?

We sell both new and fairly used tillers. Each listing says which.

More Guides

Still deciding? Have a look at our list of cheap outboard motors for sale or our guide on how to buy outboard motor online.

Final Word

For most small boats, a tiller is the simplest, cheapest and most reliable way to get going. Get the horsepower right for the hull, measure the transom for the shaft, decide on manual or electric start, and you’re set. Browse every tiller outboard for sale in the tables above, and call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983 if you want help. You can read more about us, and if you’re new to boating the Discover Boating site is a friendly place to start.