mercury nissan or Tohatsu kicker motor

[yellowbelly]

in the market for a new 8hp kicker is there any real difference between these 8 hp motors or is it just a decal

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: mercury nissan or Tohatsu kicker motor

I have a 2 year old tohatsu 4 stroke 9.8 I use on my 12' jon boat and used to use it as a kicker and I'd recomend it to anyone. Mine is tiller stearing with both electric and pull starting. Has always started on the first or second pull, good power and very reliable (never had a problem with it). Highly recomended.

Art

 

[ziemann]

Re: mercury nissan or Tohatsu kicker motor

There are some subtle differences between the units (such as controls, paint, decals, etc) but for the most part, they are mechanically the same.

The relationship between Mercury and Tohatsu is deeper than most folks realize and it has been a huge benefit to both companies.

A kicker with a Mercury, Tohatsu, or Nissan label will be a quality piece of technology.... Personally, I would buy the least expensive of the 3... The resale value down the road is going to be best on the Merc, then Nissan, and lastly Tohatsu purely based upon name recognition. I guess it depends upon if you plan on selling it any time in the future.

 

[Reg312]

Re: mercury nissan or Tohatsu kicker motor

I Just got my 5 hp Nissan 4 stroke kicker. Nissan was the cheapest option at the time. Starts easy. Quiet. Pushes my 14' nice. There is some vibration due to 1 piston. Absolutely love it. Actually rated out better than Suzuki and Yamaha from my research.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: mercury nissan or Tohatsu kicker motor

The shift mechanism and tilting mechanism are different. Other than that, the differences are only cosmetic. I like the Mercury tilt system a little better, but it makes the engine heavier so I would call it a draw. The shift is a hate it or love it thing with Mercury. I prefer the Tohatsu original design as it is safer and less likely to malfunction. The Mercury system is more convenient, but it's a little cheesy and causes "involuntary water immersion of extraneous passengers" on some occasions.

 

[yellowbelly]

Re: mercury nissan or Tohatsu kicker motor

thanx fellas ordered a 8 hp tohatsu with ele start and a control king for the throttle should work out great on my river boat..the ole honda has done me well

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: mercury nissan or Tohatsu kicker motor

If you can change your order and you can spend a little more you might consider the 9.8. It's basically the same engine. I have a 2006 model Tohatsu and I LOVE it!!

Cheers,


Rick