Tohatsu 20HP | MFS20EEFTS

The Tohatsu MFS20EEFTS trims the shaft to 15 inches on the same tiller-steered, power-tilt, EFI platform as its longer-shaft sibling, weighing 116 lbs. The shorter shaft targets lower transoms specifically, rather than acting as a lighter alternative to the long-shaft version for buyers who just want less weight on the back of the boat.

Matching the short shaft

Measure your transom before choosing the 15-inch shaft; it's sized for boats built around a shorter shaft, not offered as a general lightweight option, and a tall-transom boat runs the propeller too shallow with it fitted. Electric start with a manual backup and power tilt carry over from the family, and the 333cc EFI engine's rated band sits between 5,400 and 6,100 rpm.

Standard equipment

Power tilt hardware and the propeller travel with a 3.1-gallon tank and hose in the same box, charging system included. Separately bagged are a tool and parts kit, a cutoff cord, and the manual booklet.

Q: Does the short shaft cost any power? No; displacement, EFI delivery, and controls are identical across shaft lengths, with the choice coming down purely to your transom measurement.

Tohatsu covers the MFS20EEFTS with a 5-year warranty. With both power tilt and electric start drawing on the battery, keep terminals clean and the connections tight so neither system struggles to perform on a cold start some morning.