9.8 2S Mercury Vs 9.8 2S Tohatsu

[Steve509926]

Today I got talking to my daughters widowed neighbour. She was telling me that she had her son clear out all of her husbands belongings last month, which just so happened to include an Avon "boat" and a "small" Mercury "engine", 9hp she thinks! all in a skip yes the skip company will be getting a phone call on Tuesday!
Well that got me thinking and looking at specs on Google.
Would I be right in thinking that the 9.9hp 2S Mercury and the 9.9hp 2S Tohatsu are out of the same stable? If they are the "same" why is the Tohatsu so revered and the Mercury is very rarely mentioned? If they are not, what's the difference?

[Fenlander]

The Tohatsu we all want is the 26kg 9.8 2-stroke. The Tohatsu 9.9 2-stroke is a totally different beast being based on the 18hp "chassis" and weighing a stonking 41kg.

The Mercury/Mariner 9.9 2-strokes are based on their 15hp models and weigh 36kg... these can be upgraded to a 15 with a carb change. But they still weigh 10kg more than the Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke which is pretty unique in the lightweight stakes.

[Steve509926]

Who would have thought 0.1hp would be so crucial
So if I'm understanding all the info that I've been given or gathered through the internet, there isn't anything out there that is comparable to a 9.8 Tohatsu for power to weight ratio?
The reason I am asking is probably the same reason why you (Fenlander) have bought a KB350 and a 9.8 Tohatsu. I am hopefully pre-empting this by a good few years and for now I'm happy and can still manage my 15hp EFI, but a time will come when it's to heavy.
Thankfully I have time to look for one.
But I'll still be phoning that skip company on Tuesday!

[Fenlander]

The popular portable OB sweet spots are the Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke at 26kg. The 15hp Mercury, Mariner, Yamaha 2-strokes at 36kg. The Tohatsu 18hp 2-stroke at 41kg. The Suzuki 20hp efi at 44kg. All the smaller hp engines under 26kg are manageable to most folks so can be chosen on factors other than weight.

It’s only recently come to my attention there is a Selva 15hp model at 30.5kg but this is a bit of a niche brand.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

The popular portable OB sweet spots are the Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke at 26kg. The 15hp Mercury, Mariner, Yamaha 2-strokes at 36kg. The Tohatsu 18hp 2-stroke at 41kg. The Suzuki 20hp efi at 44kg. All the smaller hp engines under 26kg are manageable to most folks so can be chosen on factors other than weight.

It’s only recently come to my attention there is a Selva 15hp model at 30.5kg but this is a bit of a niche brand.

Thanks for the info David.

I think the Selva at 30.5kg is the 9.9hp piranha single pot, not a 15hp, but It still may be something to think about in the future.

[Fenlander]

I would have thought so too until my attention was drawn to the 15hp 2-stroke Naxos model the other day. That is super light for a 260cc motor.

https://www.selvamarine.com/en/produ...ails/naxos-15/

[Steve509926]

I would think trying to find a legal used one to buy in the UK would be more difficult than finding a 9.8 Tohatsu.

[Fenlander]

Oh yes I've never seen one on the used market. Think they are an old design though so perhaps more kicking about in Europe??

Under the cowl they look like something fromWW2...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLZTM1ov4Ns

[Fenlander]

Must admit one small positive from lockdown has been the time and opportunity to roam round Google on subjects that interest and pick up extra info.

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Must admit one small positive from lockdown has been the time and opportunity to roam round Google on subjects that interest and pick up extra info.

I cant wait till my Stand arrives so that I can start up and get tinkering with my new to me Yam 15 2T

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Oh yes I've never seen one on the used market. Think they are an old design though so perhaps more kicking about in Europe??

Under the cowl they look like something fromWW2...

It does look like very old technology, even agricultural looking.