Tohatsu 5HP Outboard | MFS5DS

The Tohatsu 5 HP MFS5DS is a new, portable four-stroke outboard with a 15-inch short shaft as built, though Tohatsu also offers this model with a 20-inch shaft. At 56 pounds it is light enough to carry by hand, with front and back grips built into the cowl design for that purpose.

Who it suits

This single-cylinder, 123cc motor is sized for small boats, canoes, dinghies, and lightweight inflatables rather than larger hulls. Manual pull starting and tiller steering keep it simple and self-contained, with no battery required to get it running.

What to check before buying

• Shaft length: the version listed here is 15 inches; a 20-inch shaft version also exists, so confirm the length that matches your transom.
• Fuel system: this motor uses a carbureted induction system rather than fuel injection.
• Storage: the cowl design allows storage in three different positions without spilling oil.

What comes with it

Included in the package: a propeller, a 3.1-gallon fuel tank, fuel line hose, a tool kit, a stop-switch lanyard, and the owner's manual.

Is this a tiller motor? Yes, steering is by tiller handle.

What is the full-throttle range? 4500 to 5500 rpm.

Is it under warranty? Yes, for 5 years from Tohatsu.

Buyers outfitting a canoe, dinghy, or small towed tender will find the compact, carbureted design easier to service in the field than a fuel-injected motor, with the trade-off of manual rather than electric starting. Tohatsu outboards