Tohatsu 8HP MFS8BEFL Outboard Motor

Pull cord or key, either one starts this Tohatsu four-stroke: the MFS8BEFL puts 8 hp through two cylinders at 209cc, running a 20-inch shaft under tiller control, weighing 91 lbs and compliant with the US EPA and CARB 3-star emission rating.

Two ways to get it running

Electric start covers routine use, and the retained manual pull-start is there if a battery ever runs low, a useful backup on a boat without reliable shore power to recharge between outings.

Why it stays compact

The two-cylinder, SOHC layout keeps this motor's size and weight down relative to its output, carrying forward the light, dependable design Tohatsu built its 8 hp line around, and making it easy to move between a vehicle and a boat without help.

Does this run on standard pump fuel? Yes, it is a carburetor-fed engine built to the cleaner-burning 3-star emission standard for this class.

What's the warranty term? 5 years from Tohatsu.

Is tiller steering the only option? Yes, for this model code; the shaft and steering are set at manufacture and cannot be changed afterward.

What size boat suits this engine? Small jon boats and skiffs built around a 20-inch transom are the usual match for this weight and output.

Does the retained pull-start add much bulk? No, it is a lightweight mechanical backup rather than a separate system, so it adds little beyond the electric-start hardware already on board.