Tohatsu 40 TLDI opinions?

[jpwalt1987]

In my search for a new 40 horsepower O/B it had come down to the E-TEC and the Tohatsu TLDI. After finding out that the E-TEC is only available in a long shaft, it looks like my only choice is the Tohatsu 40 TLDI. The only thing that bothers me about it is the fact that a starting battery is required to run the ECM, and if it dies then I am stuck. I like the option of a pull start backup. THis is going on a 1648 Alweld aluminum semi-V boat. THe boat is already fairly heavy for an aluminum boat and adding a third battery kinda stinks.

As this is my only choice for a new 40 horse I would like some feedback as far as performance, problems encountered, and overall satisfaction on this motor. I am upgrading from a 1986 mercury 25 2stroke that pushes the boat about 26 mph. I would like the boat to run in the 35-40mph range. It is used for inshore saltwater fishing and pulling kids on a tube(they want a hydraslide)

Thanks in advance, Jeremy

 

[kensi]

Re: Tohatsu 40 TLDI opinions?

my son has had the tohatsu motor for 3 years, absolutely no problems, great motor, very good fuel milage, get one, buy the battery, endure the weight. ken.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 40 TLDI opinions?

"The only thing that bothers me about it is the fact that a starting battery is required to run the ECM, and if it dies then I am stuck"

Just like a Mercury Optimax or a Yamaha HPDI.

It would be nice to have a DFI ignition system like the Etec in that you wouldn't need a battery, but out in the field it would take a series of consumer oversights to run down a battery to the point where the engine will not start. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[MercGuy]

Re: Tohatsu 40 TLDI opinions?

... but out in the field it would take a series of consumer oversights to run down a battery to the point where the engine will not start. I wouldn't worry about it.

I don't intend to be argumentative, but just last summer I was floating on the Ohio river. Hit the starter key and ZAP - everything went dead as a door nail. The battery suffered an internal short of some sort and was toast.

The only way I got home was by rope starting my trusty 1998 carbed 2 stroke.

During the 12 years I've owned my boat/motor, that was the 3rd time I've had to rope start. Once because I left the FM radio on overnight, once because the battery got old and just couldn't hold a charge for the duration of the tow before launching, and because of the internal short. Each time I was spared inconvinience at the least, and avoided danger at the worst.

I think the ability to rope start w/o a functioning battery is a very important purchase consideration.

Just my $0.02

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 40 TLDI opinions?

Individual experience aside...You never hear anyone complaining about a dead battery out in the field other than by someone running one down. IE: There own fault. However, your case is the obvious exception to that reality...At least on the third one. Remind me never to go boating with you My point is that the likelihood of a battery failure, while boating, without prior symptoms, is remote and shouldn't be something to normally worry about. Otherwise all those Optimax, HPDI and TLDI users would be complaining about not being able to start their engines when they are ready to head back in. As I said originally, it would be nice if every system was capable of a battery-less start, but I don't believe its something to lose sleep over.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Tohatsu 40 TLDI opinions?

Nothing wrong with the Tohatsu my only qualification would be a good nearby servicing dealer. But if I could possibly afford it I would go for a 1654 w a 20" transom.and get the etec.No battery required , no break in, no service for 3 years or
300 hours.Fewer less complicated service intervals.The boat will handle more weight and be higher loaded,plane easier and feel like an ocean liner for room.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 40 TLDI opinions?

Nothing wrong with the Etec, but they now have less dealers than Tohatsu And lets face it...Other than a Billy Bob, no one is going to be starting that Etec, by rope start, by choice, so....We are back to the likelihood of having a battery failure, in the field, with no prior warning. Frankly, I really like the Etec and if it was the same price as the Tohatsu (and offered in the shaft length) I would probably toss a coin as to which one to get. Longer warranty(sometimes) with the Etec is a plus too. But, this thread isn't about a comparison between the two. Specifically, it is supposed to be about:

"some feedback as far as performance, problems encountered, and overall satisfaction on this motor"

This motor being the Tohatsu.

There just aren't any problems with the Tohatsu other than those caused by lack of maintenance or abuse...And there just aren't any problems with the Evinrude other than those caused by lack of maintenance or abuse too.