Tohatsu 50HP | MFS50AETL

Idle speed you can actually tune: that is one of the first things to know about this new Tohatsu MFS50AETL, a 50-hp four-stroke running three cylinders and 866cc through EFI. Electric start and a choice of tiller-mounted or remote-mechanical steering come on a 20-inch shaft; on the scale it noses in at 214 lbs, climbing to 225 once the tiller handle is fitted.

What the gear case does

Tohatsu reworked the gear case around a reduced ratio that favors low-end torque, the part that matters most pushing a loaded hull off an idle. Idle itself can be set anywhere from 650 to 950 rpm, letting you tune how the motor behaves at rest for trolling or simply holding position near a dock or a spot you want to fish.

Durability details

A stainless steel liner inside the water pump housing supports long service life in the cooling system, and electronic fuel injection keeps delivery consistent through the 5000-to-6000-rpm full-throttle band. Three cylinders at this displacement also run smoother than a twin would at the same output, which matters on a long day on the water, and the overall package stays reasonably compact for 50 hp.

• Model: MFS50AETL
• Idle adjusts 650 to 950 rpm
• 214 lbs bare, 225 with tiller

Can idle speed be adjusted? Yes, from 650 to 950 rpm. What shaft length is this? 20 inches.