9.9/9.8HP Models Zuki or Hatsu?

[DocTide]

I posted awhile ago that a buddy of mine was going to purchase a new Tohatsu 9.8... He has since put that on hold, and has given his boat to me. So I was also going to put my 15hp 2-stroke 1999 Merc on it, BUT he added a small center console. The idea of having the CC on a small 12.5' boat seems intriguing enough to me so I figured I would look at some 10HP range models with remote. Oddly enough the 15/20HP ranges dont seem to come in a 15" shaft remote model.

So I have pretty much narrowed it down to 2: Tohatsu MFS9.8A3EPS and the Suzuki DF9.9BTS (NOT out yet).

The Suzuki has EFI, 15in shaft, remote- same as the Tohatsu, but with power Tilt. That power tilt makes it weight 115, while the Tohatsu weighs 90ish. Now I know the Suzuki is not out, but does anyone have opinions on these two?

I contacted a local sales rep for Suzuki and he said they are trying to get some of these in. When? He didn't say but he didn't make it seem like it would be very long. I see plenty of reviews on the Suzuki EFI 15/20HP but price is a serious issue with me- and I don't understand why they dont make remote short shaft models.

Anyways, it seems like the differences between the two (when Suzuki comes our with their model) are:
Suzuki has EFI
Suzuki has power Tilt
Suzuki Weighs 115
Suzuki has longer warranty

Tohatsu Costs much less ($2100+tax and install VS Suzuki ~$2800 out the door)
Tohatsu is carbed
Tohatsu has manual tilt
Tohatsu weighs 88
Tohatsu has better top end and hole shot (reported on early tests vs Suzuki).

Speed is not my main concern. I have never had an issue with my previous carbed outboards, but I also haven't owned any for a long period of time. If anyone has input, I feel both are pretty bulletproof, and the new technology might be coming to other outboards, which means today might not be the best year but purchase. BUT, what are your thoughts?

 

[flyingscott]

I personally like simple motors repairs are usually cheaper. The tohatsu is a great motor. I as a rule of thumb never buy the first yr of new technology I always feel like a guinea pig. Also the suzuki at over 20#s heavier is going to be a lot on a 12' boat my 25 hp merc weighs 115.

 

[ondarvr]

I would run the boat with a tiller (your current motor) and see if you like it, a CC on a 12.5' boat makes for very little room. For just cruising around it's OK, for fishing or doing anything else it limits the already restricted amount of space.

 

[DocTide]

Thanks for input! I actually had this boat before and had a 8HP Tohatsu tiller on it. Did just fine. The issue with room was more prevelant on that boat as the boat had bench seats which did not allow for walking around. The CC on this boat is VERY small which I could see being a benefit actually since I will forego the bench seats and create a rear standing/casting platform. The console itself is just a piece of aluminum tubing to hold the controls and wheel. Pretty neat actually which is why I opted to give it a try.

 

[tomhath]

I don't know how much you weigh, but I'd think twice about putting a heavy motor and rear casting platform on a 12' boat with a short transom.

 

[steelespike]

To me it is a no brainer. The Tohatsu is 12.8 cu. in. The Suzuki efi is 20 cu. in. cu inches Thats low end torque
The displacement and efi will easily out perform the Tohatsu. Even a carb ed 18.2 cu in. will out perform the Tohatsu.
The EFI will also use less fuel as well.
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[Sea Rider]

You can't compare both, a 9.8 HP against a 9.9, both have different blocks, CC, are different animals. Will need to compare a Tohatsu 9.9 against a Suzy 9.9 to be fair.

Happy Boating