2018 Tohatsu 15 Hp MFS15ES Outboard Motor

The 2018 Tohatsu MFS15ES is the short-shaft counterpart to the MFS15EL, a manual pull-start, EFI-equipped 15 HP four-stroke outboard built on a 15-inch shaft with no onboard alternator.

What this version leaves out

Without an alternator, this motor cannot charge a battery or power onboard electronics; it is meant for boats that start and run on pull-cord power alone. A decompression device eases the pull-start effort, and a digital CD ignition system backs it up along with a low oil pressure warning and an over-rev limiter.

Build and handling

Tohatsu builds the case from high-grade marine alloy with a stainless steel water pump housing and zinc-coated water passages, plus sacrificial zinc anodes for corrosion protection. Controls at the tiller include a shift lever mounted up front, a twist-grip throttle with adjustable tension, and a friction setting for the steering arm, plus a shallow water drive position for running in thinner water than usual.

Engine and fit

The engine runs electronic fuel injection and turns a three-blade aluminum propeller at a 2.15 gear ratio, saltwater rated for coastal use. A 15-inch shaft suits a lower transom than the long-shaft EL version of the same engine.

What's included

Tohatsu rounds out the ES with a 3-gallon separate tank and its quick-connect line, the propeller, an owner's manual and tool kit, plus the five-year factory warranty.

Common questions

Is there any way to charge a battery with this motor? No, this version has no alternator fitted. Does it start electrically? No, start is manual pull-cord only, eased by a decompression device.

Specifications