Is Tohatso 9.8 the same as the Merury 9.9?

[Bobdar]

Was at an outboard dealer the other day looking at the Tohatsu 9.8. Right next to it was a Merc 9.9. They seem to be identical to each other, the guy there even swapped covers and they fit eachother perfectly. With the covers off, I couldn't tell the difference at all. The dealer told me that Tohatsu actually makes the Merc 9.9. Is this true? Is there any difference other than the decal and the price? Where are they actually made, USA or Japan?

 

[pvanv]

Re: Is Tohatso 9.8 the same as the Merury 9.9?

Tohatsu builds motors in Japan.
They also make all Nissan Marine outboards.
They make Mercury powerheads up to 30 hp.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Is Tohatso 9.8 the same as the Merury 9.9?

Shift is in the throttle grip on the Mercury rather than a separate handle like on the front of the Tohatsu. Some minor BS difference on a few other parts. I prefer the front shift of the Tohatsu...Some prefer the more problematic shift of the Mercury label.