About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
About to pull the trigger on the 30HP remote Tohatsu. I just want to make sure I get everything I need before I go to dealer to have it installed. I was told I needed a few things such as:

Steering cables/wheel.
Throttle cables and
Control Box

Does this look like everything other than the boat (obv.) that I need? Im sure the dealer sells these things but I think on this stuff I can get a better deal if I bring it in. For the control box, do I need to have a Tohatsu brand? Does it matter if I get the ones on ebay with the key, killswitch, cables, and trim buttons? Anything you can think of that I should know to bring in, or keep in mind? Do I need my battery? What about the electrical controls and electric fuse plate (not sure what its called)? I wanted to keep it battery-free if possible, but I want to be sure.

Thanks, you guys have been a huge help here in choosing the right outboard!
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

You could install any other brand remote system, but cable ends & hardware must match Tohatsu engine to work, better do it a pro shop that knows their work, it's a hell of a job to do it without previous experience. If it's a non electric 30 HP engine, no battery needed unless you want to power different gadgets and let engine charge the battery. Will need to buy a rectifier kit. You could add a induction hour/tach meter to console if going non battery, but if it's a electric start/trim/tilt model, definitely will need a high amp marine grade battery.

Happy Boating
 

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

If I get the Tohatsu brand control box with key and cable, should it work on the Tohatsu outboard? They sell them on ebay, with part number. When I looked at it up on the tohatsu site, they matched. Would I be good with this control box?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SIDE...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item588fdda123

Would this work for a control box/cables/ignition etc?
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,572
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

You need the correct control for your motor -- not just the right brand -- if you want full functionality. If all you want is throttle and shift, any generic Morse-type control will get you by, as long as Forward/Reverse is in the correct direction -- otherwise, you could end up moving the lever forward to back up! Will this be a new MFS30B? If so, the remote model already comes with controls. All you need is the throttle/shift cables (commodity item every dealer has), and the appropriate steering cable for your particular wheel; or if adding a wheel to the boat, get the wheel and cable at the same time. Any Teleflex-type cable will work on the motor. The MFS30B can run without any battery. It was the industry's first 25/30 hp EFI 4-stroke that could.
 

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Great! Thanks so much, and yes I will buying this motor new. MFS30BEPTS is the model I will hopefully get.

So, other than the boat, the steering cable/wheel and control cables (get at dealer) is all I would need? Do I need the hydraulic or pinion steering component?

Will this work? (just an example)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item2c5413421b
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

You could place any steering brand system, will need steering wheel, steering cable + Tohatsu engine hardware to attach steering cable end to engine, if wanting to install by yourself, once console is bolted where you want it, will need to figure out how much steering cable to buy before ordering, they come in 1" lenght increments. Which model boat do you plan to install remote & engine ?

Happy Boating
 

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

You need to buy the model that comes with the remote controls or you will spend extra money for no reason.
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,572
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Since any new remote control (EP type) Tohatsu must be dealer-installed anyway, I would work with your installing dealer to get the steering system you like, fits your budget, and the dealer understands well.
 

Star

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
481
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

It is only my two cents, but I strongly recomend getting it with electric start if you are hooking up remote controlls and steering. What ever weight you gain with starter and battery is unimportant if you need to get going in a hurry!!! I think tohasu has an auto choke so you don't need a choke circuit. It should come with a 10amp charger with the electric start. Your money isn't worth anything so you might as well spend it!!!!
 

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

@ Star, if Im not mistaken, the MFS30BEPTS model has an electric starter if I needed it.

@ pvanv, do most dealers have good deals on these steering components? $120 for a wheel plus whatever length cable seems like a good deal.

@ GURU, what do you mean? What would I be spending money on for no reason? And how do I know which model comes with the controls? pvanv previously stated that the remote Tohatsus come with the control box, but Id have to pay for the control cables.

@ Sea Rider, boat is a 14' McKee Craft.

The main reason I wanted to buy the steering seperate (or before I go in and see them) is because I will be building the side console and want the wheel and cables to just be sitting by the transom ready for install. This a bad idea?
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,572
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Yes, that motor is electric. The MFS30BEPTS model decodes as follows:
MFS=Tohatsu Four Stroke
30=Thirty Horsepower
B= Second revision (Fuel injected in this case)
E=Electric start (and Charging)
P=Pleasure (Remote Steer as opposed to Tiller)
T=Power Tilt
S=Short (15" shaft)

Most dealers earn their income on Service, so the pricing on steering hardware will usually be moderate to low. You can of course have everything prepped if you like; i.e. install the console and steering. If you do a good job, that may save you some labor costs, and give you the setup you prefer. Still, it would be best to consult with the installing dealer to make sure that you have the proper steering cable length. In fact, see whether the dealer would be able to match price on the steering. We typically can do that.
 

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

The control cables, the control box assembly, steering link arm and a water separator come with the remote model.
 

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Well, just got ahold of the dealer... He told me the motor does NOT come with a prop, control box, control cable, gauges or anything of the sort... On Tohatsu's website, it says most of this stuff is standard including the 6 gallon fuel tank. I am awaiting a response with a total estimate with all of these items I thought came standard. Kind of confused by all this but it sure is going to slow down the purchase... Is this normal?
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Will it be a central or sideways console, personally preffer a sideways console, as you can pass all cable/wiring to the right and have a ample left corridor so to move from transom to bow. Have you decided the console position on top deck for better boat ballance/weight distribution, this is a must do before ordering steering/remote cables. You can order different Tohatsu cable lenghts to match you engine remote box, the same for any other brand steering system. A pro shop will know where to install the console and match all steering and remote cables properly for that boat/engine configuration.

Will depend on the type of engine model ordered, but comes without stering wheel and cables, tiller type comes with prop. Other than that all gauges are spare parts, need to buy them separately, unless specified.

Happy Boating
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,572
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Well, just got ahold of the dealer... He told me the motor does NOT come with a prop, control box, control cable, gauges or anything of the sort... On Tohatsu's website, it says most of this stuff is standard including the 6 gallon fuel tank. I am awaiting a response with a total estimate with all of these items I thought came standard. Kind of confused by all this but it sure is going to slow down the purchase... Is this normal?

Find an better dealer.

It does come with controls, prop, and tank, as well as water separator and primer bulb/hose. The dealer needs to specify prop pitch and control cable length when ordering. Gauges are optional.
 

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

I had a slight feeling I would have to find a new one. No problem, this place just had a nice deal, but I guess this is why the price was a little lower than others. This changes things a little if the dealers are going to ask MSRP. Thats over $6000 for a 25 or 30HP installed. Its affordable, but not sure its worth it on my small boat. Going to start calling around.

@pvanv, are you a dealer? If so would you mind telling me a round about figure of what it costs for a 25 or 30hp engine? (installed or not)

@ GURU, I remember asking if you were a dealer. Anyway you can link to a page with your dealers info, or maybe shoot a phone number? I have family in Clearwater so its not unreasonable for me to get up there and get some work done if the deal is nice.
 

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

813-241-6654


The 2012 MFS30BEPTS Iis $4390.00, plus installation. Installation can vary from $400.00 up to $1000.00, depanding on what kind of mess we find, whether or not you have a battery/box, steering, etc.
 

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Great, will be giving you guys a call within the next couple of days. Do I need a battery when I come to get it installed? Id like it to be able to start electronically, but will mostly be using it without the electric start if possible.
 

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

You need a battery. You don't anything other than the standard 70 amp marine cheapo battery.
 

DocTide

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 12, 2009
Messages
143
Re: About to pull trigger on 30HP Tohatsu. Few questions.

Hey GURU, what do you guys ask for the new MFS25BEPTS model? 25HP remote. Can you guys do a permanent install, or is it not need be done this way. I have an odd shaped transom for the clamp on portables which is why Im asking.

Thanks
 
Top