Tohatsu 50HP | MFS50AETS

Measure the transom first: this new Tohatsu MFS50AETS is built on a 15-inch shaft, the shorter of two lengths Tohatsu offers for its 50-hp, three-cylinder, 866cc EFI four-stroke. Electric start and tiller-or-remote-mechanical steering come standard, and the motor weighs 214 lbs, or 225 lbs once the tiller handle goes on.

Fitting it to your transom

Get the shaft length wrong in either direction and the propeller sits too deep or too shallow, hurting both performance and cooling; the 15-inch option here is meant for lower transoms, common on smaller bay boats and jon boats built for this horsepower range. Once correctly matched, the mechanical specification underneath is identical regardless of shaft length, so the decision really comes down to your transom alone.

Why this gear case stands out

A lower-ratio gear case gives this motor stronger pull off idle for getting a loaded boat moving, and idle speed adjusts across a 650-950 rpm window for dialing in trolling or holding steady. The water pump housing uses a stainless steel liner for durability, and full throttle runs a 5000-6000 rpm band wide enough for cruising or pushing harder when you need to.

• Fitted shaft: 15 in.
• Cylinders: 3, EFI induction
• Idle window: 650-950 rpm

Is idle speed adjustable? Yes, across a 650 to 950 rpm range. What steering does it support? Tiller or remote-mechanical.