Tohatsu 90HP | MFS90AWETL

This new Tohatsu 90 hp outboard, listed as the MFS90AWETL, puts a four-cylinder four-stroke powerhead on a 20-inch shaft, steering through remote mechanical controls with electric start, and Tohatsu lists weight at 392 lbs. It draws on the same core engineering as the rest of Tohatsu's MFS90 range.

Idle, gearing, and cooling

The idle speed is adjustable across a 650-to-850 rpm band rather than fixed at a single point, which can help when trolling speed needs fine adjustment. Gearing is set low, at 2.08:1, favoring low-end torque for pushing a loaded hull onto plane over outright top speed. Flushing the engine after a trip out is simplified by a built-in fresh-water system rather than rigging a hose to the intakes manually.

Exhaust design and electrical system

A 4-2-1 performance-tuned exhaust is engineered into this engine to deliver torque evenly through the rpm range, which Tohatsu says shows up as quicker acceleration onto plane and a faster climb toward top speed. The alternator is rated at 41 amps, charging the 12-volt system that also powers trim and tilt.

Ordering notes

This is the 20-inch shaft version of the MFS90, so confirm transom height before buying rather than assuming any MFS90 variant will bolt straight in. A multi-function tiller handle can finish out this engine's controls, or it can be rigged remotely instead, whichever suits the boat; both options are sold apart from the motor itself.

Where the numbers land: 1995cc of displacement, a 5000-6000 rpm full-throttle band, and 5 years of coverage.