Compare 9.9 Johnson to 9.8 Tohatsu

[Grant Brown]

I have an older 15hp Johnson that I use on my 12 foot aluminum cartopper.
I have been thinking of replacing it with a 9.8 Tohatsu/Merc 4 stroke. Maybe a Honda 9.9. I like the Tohatsu/Merc for the light weight but the Honda for the reputation. I also heard the newer engines at rated as prop hp and the older are flywheel, meaning that a prop rated 9.8 would have power comparable to a 12-13 hp flywheel rating.
I would be looking at something a couple of years old.
I know everyone has an opinion but I was wondering if there are any comments about this setup and comparison?
Grant

 

[pvanv]

Re: Compare 9.9 Johnson to 9.8 Tohatsu

None of the current OB motors is bad; They are all much better than any were a couple of decades ago. Given that, I would consider what you have for dealer support. If you have a local dealer that you like, that might influence your decision.

Tohatsu makes the Tohatsu and Nissan motors; also 30 hp and below Mercury, and for 2012, 15 hp and below Evinrude. They are the largest OB manufacturer in the world, and the oldest one in Japan. More years of experience (over 50 years) with OB motors than Honda. Also... lowest price OB motors in the US. The Tohatsu MFS9.8 is the lightest in class, at 82 lbs. Honda is the heaviest, highest-price OB motor in the US, but has a loyal following.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Compare 9.9 Johnson to 9.8 Tohatsu

Johnyrudes 9.9/15 HP 2 strokes used to be around 250 CC, Tohatsu 9.8 four strokes are 210 CC, with 40 CC difference will have slight better hole shot & top speed, buy if you are looking for portability and less fuel consumption is a excellent alternative.

Happy Boating

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Compare 9.9 Johnson to 9.8 Tohatsu

More like a ten percent difference in the rating system...The real difference is in the 4-stroke versus 2-stroke technology. Top end will be close, but the takeoff power gives a real edge to the antique Johnson.

 

[Davem3]

Re: Compare 9.9 Johnson to 9.8 Tohatsu

If this helps any, here is my 2 cents .

I have a 1989 Princecraft aluminium boat and i had a 1976 johnson 15 HP motor and a 1968 Johnson 6HP motors.

Last winter, i was SUPPOSED to rebuild both carbs and go through the water jackets, head gaskets.

Long story short, i never did ( okay, i AM lazy,LOL), so this spring i went out and got 2 brand new Tohatsu's the 6HP and the 9.8 with electric start.

OMG, what a hella difference, and keep in mind i am still going through the break in and NOT even going over 1/4 throttle until i hit 5 hours.

i do 6MPH at idle with the 9.8 and 3.2 with the 6 HP, yes i said at dead idle................

Tohatsu makes motors for everyone on the planet at this point, and the difference was HUGE compared to the mercs, price wise.

why pay more if you do not need to?? Personally, i will use the savings for fuel, which is right now at $12.00 a gallon.
it is only at 12 dollars a gallon, because i ONLY burn VR racing fuels, which has no ethanol in it at all...........enough said

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Compare 9.9 Johnson to 9.8 Tohatsu

I'm very happy with my 9.8 Tohatsu 4 strk. It's currently mounted on a 16' jon.

 

[Grant Brown]

Re: Compare 9.9 Johnson to 9.8 Tohatsu

My buddy has a Tohatsu 9.8 4 stroke long shaft electric start. We were using it on my 20 foot aluminum fish/ski for trolling last summer. It is quiet and smooth, starts easy, seems pretty light too.
Seems perfect, way nicer than listening to and smelling an old 2 smoker...