Tohatsu Outboard Motors

Choosing a Tohatsu outboard

Tohatsu is Japan's oldest outboard manufacturer and has built outboards since its first mass-produced model in 1956. Its US and Canadian distributor sells a full four-stroke line from 2.5 to 250 hp. Most Tohatsu four-strokes carry MFS model names; the largest models, such as the BFT250, use BFT names.

Portables and the Sail Pro

Tohatsu's small four-strokes are built for light craft. The 6 hp MFS6D can be stored in three positions without oil spilling, and its Sail Pro version, offered in long and ultra-long shafts, adds a high-thrust sail-drive propeller and a 12-volt charging system for the boat's battery. The MFS6D also carries an EPA and CARB 3-Star emissions rating.

The big BFT motors

The BFT250 is Tohatsu's largest four-stroke, a 3.6-liter V6 offered in standard and counter rotation, with a Drive By Wire control option, Lean Burn control for cruise economy and a heavy-duty 5-inch gearcase. As with any big motor, confirm whether a used unit is cable or drive-by-wire before planning the rigging.

Shaft length quirks

Tohatsu measures shaft length from the bottom of the mounting bracket to the cavitation plate, and warns that on some models a "short" shaft is 17 inches and a "long" one 22 inches rather than the usual 15 and 20. Check the measured figure against your transom rather than relying on the S or L letter.

Before the first start

New Tohatsu four-strokes ship without crankcase oil, and running one dry will destroy the powerhead, so fill it to the mark before starting. Tohatsu recommends NMMA FC-W four-cycle oil, regular 87-octane fuel and no more than E10 ethanol. Gearcase oil is filled at the factory, but check it is full. If you are looking at a used Tohatsu TLDI two-stroke, it needs a TC-W3 oil formulated for direct-injection motors, not standard TC-W3.