Tohatsu 30HP | MFS30DETS

Shorter-shaft version of the MFS30DETL, the MFS30DETS runs a 15-inch shaft and weighs 156 lbs, with the same power trim and tilt, electric-with-manual-backup starting, and choice of tiller or remote mechanical steering.

Why the short shaft matters

A 15-inch shaft suits a lower transom than the long-shaft version; get the length wrong and the propeller sits either too deep or too shallow in the water, which costs you speed and fuel economy either way.

Power draw

Trim and tilt and the starter both draw on the boat's electrical system, so a battery and wiring in good condition matter more on this configuration than on a simple manual tiller engine.

What's included

Trim and tilt comes with a built-in way to charge the battery, a small kit of spares and basic tools, a tether kill switch, and the printed manual.

At full throttle this engine reaches 5250 to 6250 rpm, runs EFI, and carries Tohatsu's 5-year warranty.

Picking this over the long-shaft version

Owners with a lower transom who still want the convenience of adjusting trim from the helm, rather than giving that up for a longer shaft, land on this configuration.

Common question

What's the main difference from the long-shaft MFS30DETL? Shaft length and a pound of weight; starter, trim and steering options are identical between the two.

Does the trim pump need its own battery? No, it shares the same starting battery as the electric starter.