Small motor research

[TNBronzeback]

Im starting to do some looking into various motors for my john boat. It measures 15' +/- x 48.
Its an alumacraft. Looking for either at either a 20 or 25.
Power wise, 25 might be too much according to the spec sticker on the boat, so i might need to look into a 20.
So what is everybodies preference on small motors? Who has the "edge" as far as reliability and maintenance to date? Looking to get a 4-stroke for quiet running and gas saving.
Any thoughts on any warranties or extended service plans?

[TroutFiend]

I was in the same place earlier this year TB. I have a Tracker 1542 that's a couple of years old. I ended up finding a Tohatsu short shaft 9.8 hp 4 stroke. It will push 2 adults and gear against 2 gens on Caney Fork @ 15mph. On the lake it comes in around 19mph per my iPhone speed test App. It is a little cold natured in the winter, I try fish it every weekend of the year pretty much if possible. On 25-30 degree mornings it takes about 4 pulls. Once warm though it will start on 1st pull. I run Star brand ethanol treatment thru it as specs call for on bottle. Very happy so far with power and reliability, I fish with my kids a lot and speed is not a priority.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1420515498.980625.jpg

[TNBronzeback]

Thanks for the info!
Well i currently have a 1951 or 1953 seahorse 18hp that TK got in tip top condition but its a loaner motor which im very grateful for....but i think something a little less....seasoned....might do me better on many fronts. Im not a speed demon myself on a tiller but some speed, or atleast having speed to use would be beneficial if needed. Plus its not always me in the boat and i dont wanna take somebody fishing and take 30 minutes to go a mile or 2 ya know. Lol. Plus being an older motor it is killing me in gas.
Ive read some good reviews on Tohatsu but nothing in regards to service-ability should something break down.
Im thinking also sticking with a pull start to save on weight and another battery.
I think im gonna visit the boat show this weekend so i might pick some brains there as well and see what the salemen have to say about thier own motors and thier competitors.
Thanks again for the response!

[tkwalker]

Originally Posted by TroutFiend

I was in the same place earlier this year TB. I have a Tracker 1542 that's a couple of years old. I ended up finding a Tohatsu short shaft 9.8 hp 4 stroke. It will push 2 adults and gear against 2 gens on Caney Fork @ 15mph. On the lake it comes in around 19mph per my iPhone speed test App. It is a little cold natured in the winter, I try fish it every weekend of the year pretty much if possible. On 25-30 degree mornings it takes about 4 pulls. Once warm though it will start on 1st pull. I run Star brand ethanol treatment thru it as specs call for on bottle. Very happy so far with power and reliability, I fish with my kids a lot and speed is not a priority.

Attachment 6650

For those of you who do not know ... Tohatsu makes All Nissans ... up to their largest motor ... I'll Have to check But I know they make all Merc's for sure up to 15HP, 2 and 4 stroke ... And I am thinking on up to a 25 HP or larger .. . Yamaha makes all Merc's 4 strokes, 50 HP and up ... ... <'TK><

[TNBronzeback]

Thanks for the input as well TK.
So Tohatsu has your endorsement as well then?
Would that be something that you could work on as well if need be or do you prefer to stick with the older motors?
No disrespect to your knowledge or ability but mechanic preference is good prior knowledge while considering a purchase to me when i know zero about the modern motors.

[tkwalker]

No, we work on Modern motors as well ... Our passion is vintage stuff post war through the 80's Really the 50's stuff is our preference ... Just completed a total overhaul on a 1996 15 HP Evinrude ... We rebuilt a 1999 Yama 25 HP a couple of months back ...

We have a lot of business primarily the 50's OMC's There is a lot of them still out there and I stock a lot of parts ... But between walk in's and my restorations I stay behind all of the time my AOMCI Club Partner Helps out usually 5 days a week I don't have to advertise, They find me ...

We really like to stick to tiller motors not remotes .(With steering wheels) Tiller motors we can bring in the shop ... Plus since I have lost pretty much the use of my left arm and my age I can't maneuver around under consoles and things like I use to ...

Now as far as parts Tahatsu/Nissan are available ... They are really big especially in Fla. and along the Gulf Coast. There are no Dealers real close to middle TN .. There is a distribution and internet sales in West TN. Near Jackson I think and a web sales near Cookeville.. And I believe there a dealer or two around the Knoxville area. Go on line and check these out ... ... ... I can order Sierra, Merc, OMC/Bombardier, Yama parts direct... and some Tahatsu/Nissan via Sierra ... If you are going cruising at the boat shows for a motor ... I would keep the major brands in the back of your mine ... Where dealers and parts are readily available <'TK><

[TNtroller]

The 'hatsu's are very popular with the "gheenoe" crowd, lightweight FG flats boats very popular in FL, and duck hunters, guys that fish the Caney and other river type environments. Most comments are positive on the 'hatsu's. I've got a 5hp Merc 4s, no complaints about it, it can be a bit cold blooded but that's a Merc IMO.

[TroutFiend]

Here is a link to TOHATSU/Nissan website. http://www.onlineoutboards.com
I believe they have a shipping location based here in TN. Free shipping on orders placed in US. And yes mine sips fuel also, I constantly am picking up the little 3 gallon tank and amazed with the fuel economy.

Andy