What Tohatsu HP do I need as emergency motor?

[kwhines12]

I have a 2006 Fisher 18 foot Aluminum bass boat with a "not so trusted" 115 Mer. Opti. This motor has left me stranded to many times on the lake and the dealers cannot find the problem. (Always runs great when they are looking at it). I would like to add a kicker motor to this boat, not to troll with, just to get me off the lake when stranded. I'm not worried about speed, just want to get home! What HP Tohatsu would get the job done. Also is there a big difference between the single cyl. 6 HP and the 8 HP double cyl.? Thanks, Stranded in Kentucky

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What Tohatsu HP do I need as emergency motor?

Power wise the 6 is big enough. However, you would be better of with a twin cylinder engine as your boat is going to magnify the vibration of the 6. So.......Go with the 8.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: What Tohatsu HP do I need as emergency motor?

If you are leanning towards the 4T 8 HP twin cylinder, better go for the 9.8 as both are same size, weight and have 209 cc, will push better. Will need a long shaft motor.

Happy Boating

 

[pvanv]

Re: What Tohatsu HP do I need as emergency motor?

Yes, the 2-cyl is MUCH smoother. I always recommend the 9.8 to customers who are considering the 8. Same motor, bigger carb, 22-1/2% more power.

 

[kwhines12]

Re: What Tohatsu HP do I need as emergency motor?

Thanks to you'all for the info & your insight. Now I'll start looking for a Tohatsu 9.8 at a great price.

 

[kwhines12]

Re: What Tohatsu HP do I need as emergency motor?

One other question. If I install a 9.8 4 stroke as a kicker next to my Mercury Opt. can I "T" my gas line coming from the boat and add a bulb to the 9.8 side also. I now have straight gas going to the Mercury. Didn't know if this would work or screw up either motors performance. Thanks again. Kurt

 

[pvanv]

Re: What Tohatsu HP do I need as emergency motor?

Yep, works fine, and is done all the time. The primer bulb is important as a check valve, so either motor doesn't suck the other dry, and then suck air through that other motor and into the fuel line. Or, if reasonable, you can run a completely separate fuel line for the kicker all the way back to the main tank.