wanted a Tohatsu ended up with a Merc

[Bobby B.]

After learning that Tohatsu builds the Mercs and a Tohatsu is less $$$ than a Merc, I decided to buy a 30 HP Tohatsu. What I want is an electric start, tiller steering and gas assist. The bad news? Tohatsu doesn't offer this. I can have electric start if I go with power tilt. I don't want power tilt, I want gas assist. If the battery dies on me when I'm out in the boonies, I don't want to be stuck with a dead power assist. Mercury offers tiller steering, gas assist and electric start so that's what I'm buying.

BTW, after speaking with numerous outboard owners and outboard dealers, I've discovered that, yes, the Hondas and Yamahas are a little better. However, no recreational fisherman in Alberta ever wears out an outboard regardless of make. So, there seems no point in dishing out the extra $$$ for a Honda or Yammie when a less expensive Merc will serve me well.

Bobby B.

[chuck0039]

I looked at Tohatsu last year as well. Found out that not all Tohatsu parts are interchangable with Mercury parts, and to find new parts for Tohatsu is a bugger.

At least thats what the guys at Europa Canopy told me. They are the cheapest price I found in Edmonton, and seem down to earth. They deal with Tohastu as well Murcery

http://europacanopy.com/

[new LT]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

After learning that Tohatsu builds the Mercs and a Tohatsu is less $$$ than a Merc, I decided to buy a 30 HP Tohatsu. What I want is an electric start, tiller steering and gas assist. The bad news? Tohatsu doesn't offer this. I can have electric start if I go with power tilt. I don't want power tilt, I want gas assist. If the battery dies on me when I'm out in the boonies, I don't want to be stuck with a dead power assist. Mercury offers tiller steering, gas assist and electric start so that's what I'm buying.

BTW, after speaking with numerous outboard owners and outboard dealers, I've discovered that, yes, the Hondas and Yamahas are a little better. However, no recreational fisherman in Alberta ever wears out an outboard regardless of make. So, there seems no point in dishing out the extra $$$ for a Honda or Yammie when a less expensive Merc will serve me well.

Bobby B.

Just out of curiosity why would your battier die does the motor not have a charging system?

[Bobby B.]

Originally Posted by new LT

Just out of curiosity why would your battier die does the motor not have a charging system?

I'm not so much saying it would, what I'm referring to is if it does. Expect the best, prepare for the worst.

Bobby B.

[new LT]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

I'm not so much saying it would, what I'm referring to is if it does. Expect the best, prepare for the worst.

Bobby B.

But if motor is running you have power for trim do you not?

[Bobby B.]

Originally Posted by new LT

But if motor is running you have power for trim do you not?

That's a good point, I hadn't thought of that before. Thank you.

Is there anyway the power tilt could quit and leave a guy stranded?

Bobby B.

[JohninAB]

If the motor that operates the power tilt goes (brushes, wire) or the oil gets down too low or you lose a fuse or power relay.

Not sure on the smaller motors but on the big ones, if the trim/tilt quits working you can turn the one screw on the trim unit (be identified in the owners manual) and then you can lift and lower the motor by hand. Been there done that.

Personally I would get the power trim tilt feature, you will love having it and they are pretty failsafe as long as your battery is good to go.

I would not classify a Merc engine any lower than a Honda or Yamaha that is for sure. In fact, I would probably go with the Merc over either of those 2.

[Hunter Trav]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

Is there anyway the power tilt could quit and leave a guy stranded?

Bobby B.

Even if your trim did quit working, the motor should still be in the water when your out on the lake, so as long as you can start it you should be good...

[hockey1099]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

BTW, after speaking with numerous outboard owners and outboard dealers, I've discovered that, yes, the Hondas and Yamahas are a little better. However, no recreational fisherman in Alberta ever wears out an outboard regardless of make. So, there seems no point in dishing out the extra $$$ for a Honda or Yammie when a less expensive Merc will serve me well.

Bobby B.

Yep save your self the money.Unless your on the ocean fishing 7 days a week 10hrs a day your not going to kill an outboard.

[67ZL1]

I can't remember what the price difference was between the power trim or gas trim but I was sure glad I got the pwr trim. Unless you're fishing lakes with deep shoreline I would get it.

[Mountain Guy]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

After learning that Tohatsu builds the Mercs and a Tohatsu is less $$$ than a Merc, I decided to buy a 30 HP Tohatsu. What I want is an electric start, tiller steering and gas assist. The bad news? Tohatsu doesn't offer this. I can have electric start if I go with power tilt. I don't want power tilt, I want gas assist. If the battery dies on me when I'm out in the boonies, I don't want to be stuck with a dead power assist. Mercury offers tiller steering, gas assist and electric start so that's what I'm buying.

BTW, after speaking with numerous outboard owners and outboard dealers, I've discovered that, yes, the Hondas and Yamahas are a little better. However, no recreational fisherman in Alberta ever wears out an outboard regardless of make. So, there seems no point in dishing out the extra $$$ for a Honda or Yammie when a less expensive Merc will serve me well.Bobby B.

Bingo..

[TROLLER]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

After learning that Tohatsu builds the Mercs and a Tohatsu is less $$$ than a Merc, I decided to buy a 30 HP Tohatsu. What I want is an electric start, tiller steering and gas assist. The bad news? Tohatsu doesn't offer this. I can have electric start if I go with power tilt. I don't want power tilt, I want gas assist. If the battery dies on me when I'm out in the boonies, I don't want to be stuck with a dead power assist. Mercury offers tiller steering, gas assist and electric start so that's what I'm buying.

BTW, after speaking with numerous outboard owners and outboard dealers, I've discovered that, yes, the Hondas and Yamahas are a little better. However, no recreational fisherman in Alberta ever wears out an outboard regardless of make. So, there seems no point in dishing out the extra $$$ for a Honda or Yammie when a less expensive Merc will serve me well.

Bobby B.

Had those less expensive Mercs in my time too. Now I use a Yamaha.

And at over 400 hrs trolling a year believe me you can wear an engine out. The power tilt elec start is a must. Your battery should not go dead if you are running. I know the Yamaha charges the batt while it is running as will I think most all motors, and in any case even the elec. start Merc will come with a rope so you can always pull start it.

Get the elect start and trim. You will never regret it.