18hp tohatsu VS 20hp yamaha 2 strokes. Opinions?

[backhoe]

G'day
Looking for a new motor for my 12foot tinne and have come down to the above options. Always had Yamahas and never a problem but have only heard good stuff about the tohatsu. Does anybody have any perosnal experiences with either of these two motors? Good or bad? The tohatsu is about $700 cheaper. Both are 2 strokes as I need to think about weight also (and cost).
Regards

[finga]

Much for much in regards to the motors.
I prefer the Tohy but that's me.
What's the after sales service like near you for each?
What's the warantee on each??

At a $700 saving, the Tohy has to be in front if you can get it serviced/fixed easily.

[The_Tub]

Gday backhoe

I had a tohatsu it was a great motor,never let me down,i'd go the tohatsu

cheers mal

[catfishkid]

I cant comment on the yamaha because I havent owned one.But I have had the 18hp tohatsu and it was a great motor,I would own another one in a heart beat.
The only problem I had was a small bit of paint came away,nothing major.

Cheers Craig

[Richard]

I've had a 20hp Yamaha now for going on 12 years and it hasn't missed a beat. Still starts second or third pull too. It's one of the dual carby ones, not sure what models are available now though. I know What my next motor will be though!

One advantage with the Yamaha was they used to just restrict the exhaust port on the 25hp model to make it a 20hp. After mine ran out of wararanty I had the exhaust baffle drilled out and got an extra 5hp for virtually nothing. Not sure if this is still the case though. Anyone able to update ?

[Steeler]

G'day Backhoe

Agree with the others,only ever heard good reports on the Tohatsu's.Don't know you location but Bill's O/boards Kurri Kurri is a tohy dealer and is a good guy.

Cheers

Steve

[finga]

I cant comment on the yamaha because I havent owned one.But I have had the 18hp tohatsu and it was a great motor,I would own another one in a heart beat.
The only problem I had was a small bit of paint came away,nothing major.

Cheers Craig
Gidday craig mate,
Was yours an early 2000's model as they had some problems around that vintage but it's all good now :)
How have you been anyways?? :)

[Blusta]

Mulled over the same issue last year. having used the Tohatsu 18 and my mates 25 Yamaha (same engine really). I went for the Yamaha even though it's 6 - 7 kg heavier. I've heard both are very reliable but I thought the Yamaha would be a little smoother trolling which it proved to be. I think both are good motors.

[Blackened]

G'day

Do you realize the merc 15 super is also the tohy 18?

Just another option

Dave

[joey_1987]

Given it's only a 12ft boat, the lighter weight of the 15/18hp class models compared to the 20/25 hp class may be of interest. 10kg is a bit of extra weight, also unless you are carrying huge loads, the 18hp will have heaps of power and is as reliable as they come. Cost saving is also something to consider, as well as the yamaha 20-25hp having two carbies which ideally need to be kept in tune with each other. It will be smoother though, ultimately, get the best info you can (www.boatpoint.com.au has good engine reviews) and go with what will make you happy. Worth also noting that the 18hp tohatsu is a merc/mariner 15hp but repainted and with a longer merc warranty. Price should be about the same. Goodluck :).

[upstart]

I have the Yammie 20 and it's been great for me so far. I got it in Townsville at RSM and cost me $3100 about 18 months ago.

[catfishkid]

Gidday craig mate,
Was yours an early 2000's model as they had some problems around that vintage but it's all good now :)
How have you been anyways?? :)


It was the first of the new livery dark navy blue with red wavy bits on the cowling.I think it was 06 model.It lost a little bit of paint on the leg,only a small patch though.I had it on a small brooker 12 ft tinnie and to be honest it was a bit over powered with one person in it but great with two or three.
I replaced the tinnie with a bigger one with a 40HP 07 tohatsu and that was also a fantastic motor.It is true that the japanese model mercs are a rebaged tohatsu.
Been pretty good thanks scott,will have to get you out on another 4wd or fishing trip,I hear you are a padantic navigator;D.

Cheers Craig

[backhoe]

G'day

Do you realize the merc 15 super is also the tohy 18?

Just another option

Dave

Is the Merc a detuned 18 tohatsu? Can get it for about the same price + a 5yr warranty.

[Malcolm W]

See if you can take the toey for a spin, you might be suprised at the difference in the noise level compared to the yammie. Good motors though, most of the commercial guys use them in my area. I assess clients for skippers tickets and ride in many different boats each week and find them to be a lot louder than the yammie.