should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

[johnsk2004]

Hi all:<br />I have read the previous listings and I have learnt that all the small 4 strokes are OK.<br /><br />Tohatsu is cheaper ~ $500 and lighter than the honda ~ 5 lbs.<br /><br />I have both a local honda dealer and a mercury dealer and my understanding is that the mercury 4 s are just OEMed tohatsu. You suggested that I should make sure that I have good local service and it seems to me that the mercury guys can fix a tohatsu as easily as a tohatsu with a mercury label.<br /><br />My colleague has honda and loves it but you tell me that that's bad advice.<br /><br />I can get a 5 or a 6 hp tohatsu, is the 6 worth it? My boat is a very light trimaran and can easily do 8 knots with 5 hp. <br /><br />I am thinking tohatsu over nissan and mercury based on cost. Same outboard; cheaper price.<br /><br />Please advise me where my thinking is wrong.

 

[JB]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

Howdy, M21S.<br /><br />Welcome aboard. <br /><br />Nothing wrong with your thinking. Both are good engines.<br /><br />My personal choice would be the Tohatsu, but there is nothing wrong with the Honda.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

Hello M21S<br /><br />I have owned a 5 HP Honda it was an excellent<br />motor. I replaced it with a 6 hp Nissan long <br />shaft to accommodate a new boat I Had purchased.<br />Both the Honda and Nissan power heads were almost<br />completely identical in their design. I have had <br />no problem to date with the Tohatsu engine and<br />am now mounting a offshore bracket on my newest<br />boat to use the Nissan for trolling.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

The Tohatsu/Nissan/Mercury engine was designed 6 years ago by the same engineer that designed the Honda 13 years ago. When he was hired by Tohatsu he was able to improve on his original design. As JB said above, they are both of equal quality. However, the T/N/M design has some design improvments.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

tohatsu

 

[johnsk2004]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

Well, so far I am feeling good.<br /><br />any thoughts about the 5 vs 6 hp tohatsu.<br />will the extra HP be noticible, good or bad.<br /><br />i wait a few more replies, if any, and get a tohatsu, probably the 6 HP<br /><br />thanks for the advice

 

[ziemann]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

6 hp Tohatsu

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

Same engine, different carb. There isn't much difference, but...If a five barely does what you would want, then a six might be the edge you need.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

6, every horsepower is noticable in this size class.

 

[steelespike]

Re: should I get a 5 hp Honda 4s or a tohatsu 6 hp 4s?

I think properly rigged on the right boat 5 or 6 hp could plane and produce 12 or 15 mph.