Tohatsu 25HP | MFS25CETS

Same power trim and tilt, same 526cc three-cylinder four-stroke: the MFS25CETS runs a 15-inch shaft and weighs 179 lbs, Tohatsu's shorter-shaft alternative to the long-shaft CETL. Starting is electric with a manual backup, and steering can be set up as a tiller or a remote mechanical head.

Why shaft length matters here

A 15-inch shaft is meant for lower transom heights; get this wrong and either the propeller runs too shallow, losing bite, or the engine drags through the water, costing you speed and fuel economy. The trim and tilt system draws on the boat's battery, so check your electrical setup can run it alongside starting and charging loads.

Parts you'll still need to source

What's missing from the crate is the remote hardware itself: a control box, a cable run, instrument gauges, the fittings that keep water out of the fuel, a propeller, and a matching tank and line, all sold apart to suit how you plan to steer.

What's bundled with the powerhead

Power trim and tilt comes standard, alongside a way to keep the battery charged, a modest tool-and-parts kit for minor repairs, a tether-style kill switch, and the owner's manual.

This EFI four-stroke tops out at 5000 to 6000 rpm, and carries Tohatsu's 5-year warranty like the rest of the 25hp line.

Common question

How does this compare to the long-shaft version? It runs the same engine and features on a shorter shaft, and is a few pounds lighter on the scale.