Read some great reviews of the tldi in general - looking at the 2 engines there is quite a difference in weight - one is a 3 cylinder - the other is a 4. Normally I would say go for the lightest engine but there is quite a power difference. If you's asked about a 70 or a 90 it would have been easy!!!
It is quite interesting to see that the technology used is licenced from Orbital in Australia - the same people who developed Optimax for Mercury. i wonder if it's a pact between them that makes Mercury use them on big engines and Tohatsu on smaller ones???
thats interesting as the Tohatsu use a compressor as do the Opti range,(very similar weight) and e tec dont,, tell you what,, its a minefield out there!! im looking at the Tohatsu one design 6.1 with one of those tohatsu 115 TLDI's on it,, any ideas what that would go like !!! or any write ups in the mags etc??
Matt, I have a 6.1 Tohatsu but with a 150 opti on it. I goes very well (53mph on gps) but can be a bit of a handfull on empty tanks as it does tend to fly a lot and as its not particularly beamy, the landings can be quite interesting. It is built well, but I would definitely go for 115 instead of a 90. With full tanks (160 ltr) and 4 people, you will be happy you went for the extra power, even at the expense of a little more engine weight.
It is quite interesting to see that the technology used is licenced from Orbital in Australia - the same people who developed Optimax for Mercury. i wonder if it's a pact between them that makes Mercury use them on big engines and Tohatsu on smaller ones???
From what I've heard that is true. Originally Tohatsu / Nissan had the license to manufacture up to 90hp, while Mercury / Mariner could produce 90hp upwards. Although this has obviously changed with the new Tohatsu 115.
Matt, I have a 6.1 Tohatsu with a 115 E-tec. I get 50 mph with 4 up and it handles well, probably because the engine is not too heavy. I was told by one of the Tohatsu dealers to keep the engine weight under 170Kg which the 115 E-tec is, just!
Just noticed that you're in Portishead. Walton Marine (Harbour Road Industrial Estate) currently have a couple of 115hp Optimax's on offer (mid-£5k). Would think this is probably cheaper than the Tohatsu, better resale and easier for you to get serviced?
