Nissan Outboard Motors

Buying a Nissan outboard

Nissan Marine no longer makes outboards. In December 2014, Tohatsu America, the North American distributor of Tohatsu outboards, announced that Nissan Marine would end production of its boats and outboards worldwide, with sales of new units ending once existing inventory ran out. Any Nissan you find today is old stock or used, and Tohatsu said it would continue to provide service and support for the remaining Nissan Marine engines.

Choosing a Nissan portable

If you are shopping for a small Nissan portable for a tender, jon boat or small sailboat, pick shaft length first: measure the transom where the motor will clamp, and aim for an anti-ventilation plate sitting no more than about an inch below the hull. Then decide between manual and electric start, and between tiller and remote steering, and check the motor's weight if you will lift it on and off the boat. Stay within the maximum horsepower on your boat's capacity plate.

Parts and service

Write down the full model code and serial number from the motor before you ask about parts, since the suffix letters change the parts list. A Tohatsu dealer is the natural first call, given Tohatsu's commitment to supporting the remaining Nissan engines, but confirm availability of anything model-specific, such as a cowl or tiller assembly, before you rely on it.

Checks on a motor that has sat

Any Nissan was built before production ended, and many have spent years in storage. Plan on a new water pump impeller: the rubber deteriorates even when the motor is not used. Drain and inspect the gear oil for water or a milky color, use fresh fuel and look at the fuel lines and primer bulb. Units here get a compression check where the design allows. On first start, confirm a steady stream from the tell-tale; if there is none, stop the engine at once to avoid overheating it.