New Member and need help with motor selection

[drglogan]

New to the group. I have found some interesting discussions on the forums but I have a question about a new motor selection. I currently have an older 14/48 flat bottom with a 40/30 Yamaha jet (2 stroke, tiller). I’m needing to replace the motor. I was looking at a new Yamaha 40/30 jet (4 stroke, tiller). My dealer has found a good motor but they are backordered on the jet pump. Not an uncommon problem and they are saying 6 mo to year out. I found a 50/35 Tahotsu not too far away and he has it in stock and would just need to install the tiller handle, however this motor is quite a bit more in cost. The Tahotsu has power tilt and trim and 5 more horse power, but is available, but at some additional cost. The Yamaha has 5 less horse power no power tilt and trim (Nitro assist) but is much less in cost. I have had good experience with my older Yamaha no experience with Tohatsu motors. Both motors weigh about the same. The power trim seems attractive but not sure how much advantage it is, as I have not had it before. Welcome advice and suggestions.

Thanks

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Welcome to Tin Boats!

I don't have any direct experience with Tohatsu 4-strokes, but also haven't seen any specific issues/complaints about them. The small HP 4-strokes Mercury's are made by Tohatsu. I have had two 2-stroke Tohatsu's (Nissan) and they were built well and performed same.

Outboard Jets has been running about a year behind in orders for at least the last few years.

The extra HP on the Tohatsu, will help make up for the extra weight of the 4-stroke over your current 2-stroke. It should perform close to your current set-up. You still might have to move some weight forward.

Power trim doesn't help too much with a jet. While running, it is typically in the full down and in position. Best case is, it can help with a 1-2 mph at full speed if trimed out slightly. Probably unlikely on your set-up though. Helps much more on prop motors. Now the power tilt does come in handy, especially as you get older .

Yamaha's are good motors, too. If you take your boat to the dealer for all maintenance, the closer one might same you time.

I think it mainly comes down to does the extra cost make up for not loosing a season on the water.

 

[drglogan]

Welcome to Tin Boats!

I don't have any direct experience with Tohatsu 4-strokes, but also haven't seen any specific issues/complaints about them. The small HP 4-strokes Mercury's are made by Tohatsu. I have had two 2-stroke Tohatsu's (Nissan) and they were built well and performed same.

Outboard Jets has been running about a year behind in orders for at least the last few years.

The extra HP on the Tohatsu, will help make up for the extra weight of the 4-stroke over your current 2-stroke. It should perform close to your current set-up. You still might have to move some weight forward.

Power trim doesn't help too much with a jet. While running, it is typically in the full down and in position. Best case is, it can help with a 1-2 mph at full speed if trimed out slightly. Probably unlikely on your set-up though. Helps much more on prop motors. Now the power tilt does come in handy, especially as you get older .

Yamaha's are good motors, too. If you take your boat to the dealer for all maintenance, the closer one might same you time.

I think it mainly comes down to does the extra cost make up for not loosing a season on the water.

Thanks for the reply. Will see what happens. I have now found a used (71 hours) 40/30 Yamaha (4 stroke) that is availed. So I'm considering that. Also talked with a custom boat builder about putting some float pods on the back to help offset some of the weight of the new 4 stroke.

 

[loosescrew]

Considering the weight and cost issues involved I think I'd have to seriously consider fixing the two stroke motor or finding another one used in better shape.
The added weight is likely going to adversely affect the boat or maybe even take away some of its current abilities.

I for one would be inclined to stick with what I knew works.

Tohatsu as a brand is pretty much equal quality wise to Yamaha but Yamaha has a better dealer network.
My past experience with Tohatsu was mostly that parts were only available online because all the 'dealer' here did was sell them, they didn't keep any parts or do any work on them. They treated them as a side line to support their other boat sales. Usually a Yamaha dealer will stock parts and have direct access to things they don't stock.
After a Tohatsu dealer handed me a phone number to call when I needed a new recoil for my 40hp years ago I lost interest fast.
On the smaller motors though Tohatsu builds the Mercury and also built the last of the smaller Evinrude motors.
I can't speak for the jet drive parts though, as they're just not common around here.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Thanks for the reply. Will see what happens. I have now found a used (71 hours) 40/30 Yamaha (4 stroke) that is availed. So I'm considering that. Also talked with a custom boat builder about putting some float pods on the back to help offset some of the weight of the new 4 stroke.

71 hours is low and motor should look like new. If it is being read from he ECM, it will be accurate. If from an ignition switch, might not be. As a jet owner, you probably know to check the liner and jet impeller for bad gouges. Pods will mostly help with raising the stearn at rest. They can help get on plane a little faster, but might lower your top speed some. I'd try it to see how it does before adding them.

 

[Crazyboat]

Tahotsu makes reliable engines, the issue is dealer support. Without knowing your financial situation I can't say what you should do. If money wasn't an issue I'd go the the T. Waiting until Aug to get on the water is a waste of many months of boating IMO.