2 stroke: Yamaha 15, Tohatsu 15/18 advice please

Max... · 18 July 2011, 08:48

Thinking of moving up from my Tohatsu 2006 9.8 2 stroke. Need a 15 (or possibly 18) Tohatsu or Yamaha.

Familair with the Tohatsu and I believe the 15/18 are the same unit essentially, same weight etc, both pull start, same number of cylinders?

The Yam is the other choice in a 15 - not familiar with these, which model number etc would I be looking at for an engine from the last 10 years? Would like to make sure I get the last generation 2 stroke not 'older'. Weight looks superb at just 36kg for the 15. Is it the models as attached on pics (got this from another forum topic). Anyone got a pic of one?

Any thoughts on choice welcome - and value for a Yam 15?

Fenlander · 18 July 2011, 10:00

You've reached the power limit of the Tohatsu very quickly! Do you mean this model Yamaha?

**YAMAHA 15HP 2 STROKE OUTBOARD ENGINE** | eBay

Anything against the Mariner/Mercury like mine (no I'm not touting it!) from around 2001 on?

MARINER OUTBOARD MOTORS Portable 15 HP

I'm quite impressed with its starting/performance and service simplicity. I thought the Tohatsu 9.8 was quiet for a 2-stroke but this Mariner is even better. Only 35kg too... I say only but actually that extra 9kg over the Tohatsu seems a fair bit for anything other than a short carry over level ground. I think you might have to pop the transom wheels on.

Max... · 18 July 2011, 10:29

No, just thinking ahead, I would keep the 9.8 - seeing the price they are fetching on eBay at present I'd loose too much money!

Been let down by Mercury and Suzuki in the past so kind of (illogically) biased against them, mind you the Tohatsu let me down so that doesn't leave much...(they're probably all Twatsoo's under the hood anyway)

Fenlander · 18 July 2011, 11:29

In truth I don't think there's a lot between any of the 15hp motors of the last 10yrs from the major makers... really down to preference.

I thought that last Tohatsu 9.8 on Ebay was about right at almost £700 given it had just one on its side photo and zero stated history or previous use... not exactly confidence inspiring.

I've recently watched two 15hp's like my Mariner sell since I've had it. One poorly described/photographed at £700 and another with a dozen images plus chapter & verse description made £1250.

With their cult status a well presented Tohatsu 9.8 should make about the same as many 15hp's so you should come out of it about even.

Nick Hearne · 18 July 2011, 11:57

I have a 2006 Yam15hp & it has never let me down in the last 4 years I have had it!
Starts first pull normally if not second & I do like the gear change up at the front.

Max... · 18 July 2011, 12:52

Cheers Nick, sounds like the one I would go for, if possible can you post a couple of pics and maybe the ID plate or full model number/designation (15FMH?) so I can check against any advertised? Many thanks. And I know you're not selling but what do you think it is worth?

Nick Hearne · 18 July 2011, 13:05

It is a SM116953 YAMAHA 15 FMHS
I would have anther any day & would not want to part with this even if I did not have a use for it!

Cracking little outboard.

Nick Hearne · 18 July 2011, 13:07

Photos

Max... · 18 July 2011, 13:07

Cheers Nick, so SM116953 is the serial number and FMHS(s=short?) is the model?

Nick Hearne · 18 July 2011, 13:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

Cheers Nick, so SM116953 is the serial number and FMHS(s=short?) is the model?

Sorry just took it from the original invoice the "SM116953" was just a Product Code from Salterns Marine! It is a YAMAHA 15 FMHS & yes it is short shaft.

hamster · 19 July 2011, 08:18

Go for the yamaha. Superb little engines.

I've run loads of them over the years and have never been let down by them. Supply it with petrol and it'll get you to where you want to go without fail.

I had two relatively new ones until recently on a couple of regiflex's until they were stolen. The boats are so Sluggish now they've got 4 strokes on in their place.

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

willk · 19 July 2011, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I thought that last Tohatsu 9.8 on Ebay was about right at almost £700 given it had just one on its side photo and zero stated history or previous use... not exactly confidence inspiring.

Yes, I saw that one and thought the same thing - bargain if it was clean! The next one up which was at best a 2005 (age not stated) made £870 Linky

Max... · 19 July 2011, 11:54

I'm tempted to hang onto the Tohatsu 9.8 even if I do get a Yam 15 (which I favour) - only issue is finding the £1200 - £1300 nice late ones are making:

**YAMAHA 15HP 2 STROKE OUTBOARD ENGINE** on eBay (end time 18-Jul-11 17:05:24 BST)

Yamaha 15hp Short Shaft Outboard | eBay

Fenlander · 19 July 2011, 13:38

I see this guy is offering an exchange for a smaller outboard that's easier to carry. Looks a bit grubby around the lower end but might be OK??

YAMAHA 15 HP OUTBOARD SHORT SHAFT 2 STROKE | eBay

Max... · 19 July 2011, 14:22

Yep, been watching that one - not the greatest ad and as you say the leg looks un-cared for which doesn't inspire confidence in the rest of the maintainance. It is just down the road though...

Bit old too at '98 but it *looks* the same as the mid 2000 models?? Not sure how long ago the last revision of the Yam' 2 strokes was introduced - anyone?