Any thing to say about Mercury, Tohatsu 4-6hp outboards?

[67ZL1]

I am getting really close to pulling the trigger on one of these outboards to use as a trolling motor for my boat. Anybody have first hand experience with these? I've read some complaints about vibration and that you're not supposed to let them idle for hours on end because of oil pressure issues. Also is the battery charge kit worth the extra $?

[tallieho]

i owned a 6hp & a 8hp 4 stroke.i thought i would save some $.being that they make the mtr's for merc.anyways sold both,vibraion gone wild,hard starting especially in higher elevations the mech. in cochrane said to just open up the gas ports[drill]..try out the yamaha they have solved the vibration ,little more pricey.don't buy it from the guy in calgary,great staff.the owner is a complete jack ass..

[67ZL1]

Good to know, thanks!

[TROLLER]

I switched to Yamaha 9.9 and cannot be happier. It is quiet, smooth and charges the battery no problem.

[browning375]

I have aTohatsu 9.8hp and it works great. no complaints!

[Tom Pullings]

Maybe if you go a little larger and get a twin cylinder the vibration will become a non issue. Singles are vibration prone.

[67ZL1]

Maybe if you go a little larger and get a twin cylinder the vibration will become a non issue. Singles are vibration prone.

I am getting a lund SSV and am unsure how much weight I can hang off the transom, so that's why I'm looking into these. I know electric is an option to save weight but don't want to screw around with generators and battery chargers at the cottage.

[BEL]

I am assuming you are purchasing a newer Tohatsu (if you indeed buy one). I would stay away from older models as getting parts for them is impossible. Mine was a 1980 model and when it came time to replace parts 5 years ago it was impossible to buy a coil--impossible. I phoned all over Canada and the US and finally I found a fella in the Pacific NW who told me those motors were dumped in North America under some sort of trade agreement and getting parts was tough. I don't remember the name of the agreement. Good luck. BEL

[67ZL1]

I am assuming you are purchasing a newer Tohatsu (if you indeed buy one). I would stay away from older models as getting parts for them is impossible. Mine was a 1980 model and when it came time to replace parts 5 years ago it was impossible to buy a coil--impossible. I phoned all over Canada and the US and finally I found a fella in the Pacific NW who told me those motors were dumped in North America under some sort of trade agreement and getting parts was tough. I don't remember the name of the agreement. Good luck. BEL

I was leaning towards them, but the dealer up here wants to sell them for MRSP of a name brand - between 1850 and 2400 depending on hp. I can pick up a name brand 2012 model in Calgary for 1340 to 1770 depending on hp. I was planning on heading down there next weekend and check out BPS while i was down there.

[RapStaff]

I run 3 Mercs a 4.5, 9.9 and a 25.
Super easy to work in the lower leg for changing out the impeller and such.

[TROLLER]

Bass Pro had the Merc 9.9 tiller on for 1500 a few weeks back.

[67ZL1]

Bass Pro had the Merc 9.9 tiller on for 1500 a few weeks back.

Hard to believe that guys are asking that much for one that is 10+ years old!

[mapleleafman3]

Merc. Is there any other motor out there? hehe

[67ZL1]

Merc. Is there any other motor out there? hehe

Actually I've never owned a Merc. before. I always had Johnson or Evinrude so that's why I'm asking for feedback on these little outboards. Kinda like buying a Ford for the first time after having a Chevy your whole life - a little nerve racking!