Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

[boater1234]

Well i have a newer 15hp 2stroke merc on my new jon boat but i have found what i think is a deal that can't be passed up.A brand new 25hp sea pro for $2595 with a 1yr warranty.These motors are in limited numbers and i don't know how long they will be available.You haven't been able to find new 25hp 2stroke merc anymore but this guy has some he gets imported and they are in their original boxes never opened.I will just sell the 15hp 2stroke merc as i have tons of people interested in it.The boat is rated up to a 25hp outboard.It's not the 36"floor it's the 42"floor and it's a fairly heavy boat at 230lbs from alumacraft.Plus i'm a hefty fellow at 270lbs so i think this is the right move.

All the people i have talked to at marinas said the 15hp will do just fine but i just can't pass this deal up as they are very hard to find new if at all.

Anyone have this motor?If yes have you had any probs with it?Also how is the power on it?I know it's made by tohatsu.I have owned a 9.8 tohatsu 2stroke before for many yrs and it was bulletproof.I never once changed the impeller,plugs or the lower gear unit oil once in 7yrs as i had no clue what i was doing as i was just a kid when i owned it.It lasted the whole time with no problems,of course when i found out i had to change the oil and the stuff i did it right away.When i took it in for service yrs ago the guy said the impeller was in good shape,plugs were good and the lower unit oil was ok after i had told him how long it had been since it was done,i said never.So i hope these 25hp sea pros are as durable as i will do the lower unit oil once a yr,plugs and impeller once every 2 yrs.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

My first thought is will the 2 stroke parts be available here in the states.
And will they be able to order parts based on your model number?
Is there a Tohatsu/Merc dealer for parts and service near you.Will they work on an imported motor.Who is covering the warantee and what does it cover?

 

[boater1234]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

It's honored just like any other outboard mercury said as i called them.It's a brand new motor i would think they would have to have parts for them in the states.There is a merc dealer on every corner were i live here in port richey fl.It's a 2011 motor as i was wrong.It's a rebagged tohatsu and i can find parts for them anywere.You only get a yr warranty on it so the motor will more then likely not have any type of problems within the first yr or longer.I have been thinking all night about this and i'm gonna buy it no matter what as these motors are darn near impossible to find in good condition never the less new right out of the box.It's also got more power then the reg merc as the reg merc has 400cc's this motor has 430cc's,plus it has a way better gear ratio.Plus most of the motor has stainless steel parts instead of zinc and aluminum,that in itself is worth it to me.This motor will be all i ever need especially when i upgrade to my 16ft alumacraft next yr,this motor will make either of the boats i have a rocket ship and can carry a big load with no problem.What did it for me is the power to weight ratio.The motor only weighs in at 114lbs so it is very light to move around.I was looking at the yamaha 25hp 2stroke but they are no less then $3300 anywere i look now and plus the merc has way more power.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

If it were me, I would buy an E-Tec no matter what it cost. If I couldn't afford a new one, I'd buy the newest BRP I could find.

Sounds like you've already made up your mind, so I'm confused why the question was asked in the first place. While you're out on the water enjoying your new motor, here are a few things to ponder as you catch your first fish...

Our lovely government is just giddy over the 1,400,000 jobs that American companies have generated recently. But if you read the fine print you'll find that these jobs were NOT in the good ole' USA, they were overseas. Remember the old story: "They came for the XXX, but I was not an XXX so I didn't care.......then finally they came for me and there was nobody left to care".

Better buy it now while you still have a job. Becasue when you lose yours too you won't be worrying about hanging a riceburner on your transom, you'll be worrying about being able to put rice on the dinner table. I worry about what my kids will be doing 30 years from now. In the meantime, if there is a choice, I buy USA!

(OK, off my soapbox now and I'll shut up)

 

[boater1234]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Ok jim you have my attention.I want to hear why you think the etec would be a better buy if you don't mind telling me your thoughts on that.I do know it comes with a 5yr warranty.I was also thinking today that the 15hp i have now is almost 45lbs lighter then the 25hp sea pro and almost 85lbs lighter then the etec which is a huge difference in weight.The etec is around $400 more in price with better technology but more weight.My question is what would be the pros and cons of these 2 motors?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Sounds like you already know the answer. You just said it - "Better technology". Why would you go with woorser technolgy (LOL) on purpose?

I can't comment on tohatsu because i never owned one or even rode in a boat with one on it. Where I live, there are no dealers. Hate hate hate Mercs - in past years because they were too finniky and hard to work on - in current years becasue they fired a lot of good Americans and hired chinamen to build their products.

I DO have experience with Etecs and in my book they ARE first rate, plus they are made by Americans.

So, IMHO, with better technology and American made I just don't see how there could be any other choice!

 

[1fishbone]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

"A brand new 25hp sea pro for $2595 with a 1yr warranty"
That warranty is nothing in todays warranty world.
"These motors are in limited numbers and i don't know how long they will be available"
That's a scary thought!

$400 more for an eTech with a 5 year warranty is a no brainer
85lbs more weight can be re-distributed...re-locate batteries/tackle other gear

I buy American!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

If it were me, I would buy an E-Tec no matter what it cost. If I couldn't afford a new one, I'd buy the newest BRP I could find.

Sounds like you've already made up your mind, so I'm confused why the question was asked in the first place. While you're out on the water enjoying your new motor, here are a few things to ponder as you catch your first fish...

Our lovely government is just giddy over the 1,400,000 jobs that American companies have generated recently. But if you read the fine print you'll find that these jobs were NOT in the good ole' USA, they were overseas. Remember the old story: "They came for the XXX, but I was not an XXX so I didn't care.......then finally they came for me and there was nobody left to care".

Better buy it now while you still have a job. Becasue when you lose yours too you won't be worrying about hanging a riceburner on your transom, you'll be worrying about being able to put rice on the dinner table. I worry about what my kids will be doing 30 years from now. In the meantime, if there is a choice, I buy USA!

(OK, off my soapbox now and I'll shut up)

Thats an odd comment from someone who is telling a man to buy an Evinrude engine that is made in communist China.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Thats an odd comment from someone who is telling a man to buy an Evinrude engine that is made in communist China.

I try to keep up with the industry, but sometimes things change so fast.

It is my understanding that the small Mercs are made by chinamen, and that all Evinrudes are made in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. If anybody has documented evidence refuting that, please post it.

 

[boater1234]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

1fishbone what i meant by limited production was they will no longer be available in the united states.Parts are always available as i have called on it.I can tell you first hand i have heard alot of people say the same as jim,hate mercs,hate mercs.I have to tell you though i have never had a problem with any mercs or tohatsus as they have been flat out bulletproof for me.

I also think 85lbs extra on a 1442 boat with the evinrude is just to much so i will just stick to either my 15hp 2stroke merc as i haven't really played with the tilt or prop pitch so i could be just a hair off on some of that stuff first.It's not that 15hp is slow it's just i personally think it's a steal of a deal.I know some people who i have talked to on craigslist who would kill for this motor trust me on that.It will always hold it's value as that is what most people miss in todays industry.My 15hp 2stroke weighs in at 72lbs and runs like a beast,it amazes me.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

I try to keep up with the industry, but sometimes things change so fast.

It is my understanding that the small Mercs are made by chinamen, and that all Evinrudes are made in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. If anybody has documented evidence refuting that, please post it.

The information has always been in the public domain...It's just usually glossed over by the people who are brand loyal fanatics.

Honda and Tohatsu/Nissan are 100% Japanese
Suzuki is Japanese except for their smallest ones which are made in Thailand.
Yamaha...It's 100% Japanese sort of. They own part of a European outboard company and they get at least some parts on some models that are sold somewhere from them.
Evinrude is mostly North American with their mid-size and smaller engines made in Chi-com.
Mercury...In the U.S. the 30 hp and smaller are Tohatsu's. Up from there you have some Chi-com models and then North American manufactured.

Personally I loathe Chinese products, but I do sell them under the Mercury label. I suppose that makes me something of a hypocrite, but I do make sure that everyone who asks where they are made gets the truth.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

The information has always been in the public domain...It's just usually glossed over by the people who are brand loyal fanatics.

.

I googled it because I wanted to know. I WAS a diehard loyal fanataic, but the answer may influence my future purchases. I found 3 references to WS, but still no link to where it says China.

Edit 4:47 PM EST:
BRP Evinrude Customer Service in Waukegan, IL at 1-847-689-7090 states emphatically that ALL Evinrude motors are made in Sturtevant, WS. So, it just shows to go you that you can't believe all you read on the internet. In other words, if you want to know about a Ford or Chevy, you'd better not take advice from a Toyota guy cause he might just lie to you to make his point!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Wow. It's been 21 hours since you posted and not a single Evinrude mark, who knows about the Chinese plant, has said a word. Just sad. As to me being a liar...Call some Evinrude dealers and ask them where their 25 and 30's have been coming from since they were introduced I'll be waiting for that apology that you owe me.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Boy, the truth is sometimes so elusuive. Misinformation, dishonesty, and people that just don't know what they are talking about ain't helping matters much...LOL.

I don't personally know the answer, so I can't point fingers at anyone. Its just disheartening when you get different answers from different people. As an example, I recently needed to buy trailer tires and went to a Goodyear dealer and inquired about their Marathons. I asked "Where are they made?" and without hesitation he proclaimed USA. When he brought me a pair from the back room and I pointed out the phrase "Made In China" on the sidewall, he merely left the room without comment, and didn't return. The GY Trailer Tire District Manager on the phone said China!

But I digress.

In any event, here's what I learned based on talks with Evinrude Dealers, the web and the BRP Home office: All Rude OB parts are made in the USA and always have been. BRP had an assembly plant in China, where they "assembled" some products. A BRP Press Release indicated that the China plant was completely closed about a year ago.

So, the score is 5 for Sturtevant, 1 for China.

I'm done keeping score.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

From the BRP website: http://corp.brp.com/en-CA/Company/Global.Presence.htm
Manufacturing sites (all BRP products, not just outboards)
Austria, Canada, Finland, Mexico, USA (Illinois, N. Carolina, Wisconsin)

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

http://corp.brp.com/en-CA/Media.Center/Press.Releases/1/20081209.htm

"So, the score is 5 for Sturtevant, 1 for China."

Two different games my friend

"BRP Evinrude Customer Service in Waukegan, IL at 1-847-689-7090 states emphatically that ALL Evinrude motors are made in Sturtevant, WS. So, it just shows to go you that you can't believe all you read on the internet. In other words, if you want to know about a Ford or Chevy, you'd better not take advice from a Toyota guy cause he might just lie to you to make his point!"

Still waiting for that apology

Now, JimS123 does bring up a possibility: BRP may have closed the plant recently. That may very well be the case. Regardless, 25's being delivered to dealers, at least through mid 2010, were made in China. If any of those Evinrude aficionados would like to provide the actual date of closure, if it did close, it might be helpful.

 

[boater1234]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Sorry guys i didn't know a war would start on this.But if it matters i still want the merc instead of the etec.The sea pro to me seems like alot less can go wrong with it.It's a very simple engine gas oil mix and go.Can't get any better then that right.Change the impeller and plugs once every 2yrs the lower unit oil once a yr,use some good tcw3 oil and there is basically nothing that could go wrong unless there is some freak thing that happens.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

If anything I said hurt someone'e feelings, then I certainly DO aplolgize. My comments were not directed at any particular individual, but rather to imply that since the Internet is filled with so many inaccuracies we shouldn't believe everything we read.

The OP was asking for opinions. I gave mine. It is that as good Americans we should invest our money in America, not the Pacific Rim....at least where there is a choice. If the XXX Company, with a home office in Chicago, manufactures products in China, then shame on them. If I buy a product made in China from Company YYY, with a home office in Bejing, then shame on me.

My opinion is unchanged. And, I walk the walk as well! Evinrude is the best buy, not only because of manufacture, but superior technology. The rest of the story is that I have an E-Tec on order for Spring pickup. If it comes in a package marked "Assembled in China", I'll simply buy a rebuilt lower unit and resurrect my '73 Big Twin. (or maybe I'll just take a road trip to Sturtevant and pick one up fresh off the line...LOL)

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Use of the word "lie" did hurt my baby feelings and I do accept your apology For what its worth, I'm not brand loyal to anything. I am partial to Tohatsu manufactured outboards over other brands about 51% of the time, but it is based on specific advantages of specific models over specific use. I actually like Etecs, I love DFI technology and I prefer to buy "made in America" over "made by Mao" whenever possible.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Any thoughts on a brand new 2010 merc/tohatsu 25hp sea pro

Sorry guys i didn't know a war would start on this.But if it matters i still want the merc instead of the etec.The sea pro to me seems like alot less can go wrong with it.It's a very simple engine gas oil mix and go.Can't get any better then that right.Change the impeller and plugs once every 2yrs the lower unit oil once a yr,use some good tcw3 oil and there is basically nothing that could go wrong unless there is some freak thing that happens.

I assume your getting the engine through Albert at AFA? He's an honest young guy and he does stand behind the sale of these engines. However, he is acting as a broker for the actual Canadian Mercury dealer who would be sending the engine to you. Parts availability isn't an issue since some 6000 dealers in the U.S. are there to support it either during or after warranty. That frame style engine has been out since about 84 and is still enjoying world wide sales.