15hp Tohatsu - issues to look for

[MattFL]

Does anyone recognize this vintage Tohatsu 15HP, and is there anything specific on these models that I should look for when evaluating a used motor with unknown history? Specific areas that corrode, or common failures, etc..

I stumbled upon a boat + motor combo for sale locally with a 15HP Tohatsu on it. I have not seen it in person yet and the owner is not very verbose, all he's said so far is it's a 15HP 4-stroke Tohatsu that was running several weeks ago but hasn't been started since then. The package is priced to move, I think he just wants to get rid of it so I'm thinking of picking it up as a toy if it seems at all usable.

 

[km1125]

Looks identical to the Nissan 9.9 that I had (which was early 00's). I'd grab it if it's a decent price and not a disaster inside the cowling.

 

[MattFL]

They're asking $700 for the boat and motor (no trailer). It looks like it has been sitting unused, but if it can be cleaned up and run OK then that might be cheap enough to take a chance on. I don't know what a used package like this would typically go for (10 foot Avon hard bottom inflatable).

 

[km1125]

Depends on how old and rough the Avon is. I bought my 9.9 for $800 and ended up selling it (because I didn't end up using it as I thought I was going to) for $1300. I did upgrade the carb to an 15HP though for (I think) $125. Was a nice motor and I probably only used it a dozen times or so.

Around here a 10ft Avon with no leaks and reasonable shape would go for over $1k, probably closer to $1400.

 

[MattFL]

Thanks for the info. Where are you located out of curiosity? I'm in S. FL.

 

[Sea Rider]

If the seller is short on money, fan front of his eyes a package of 25/20 $ banknotes and see what happens LOL!!

Happy Boating​