I Tested Tohatsu Outboard Motors: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first delved into the world of boating, one name kept coming up time and again: Tohatsu Outboard Motors. There’s something truly captivating about a brand that has built a reputation for reliability, innovation, and performance on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler, a weekend adventurer, or simply someone who loves the freedom of exploring lakes and rivers, understanding what makes Tohatsu stand out can transform your boating experience. Join me as I explore the essence of these engines and why they continue to be a trusted choice for so many water enthusiasts around the globe.
I Tested The Tohatsu Outboard Motors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
COFECO Hangkai 18HP Outboard Motor, 2 Stroke 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Water Cooling with CDI Ignition System, 4500-5500RPM (Short Shaft)
Cbhfmljd 2 Stroke 40 HP Outboard Motor, Long Shaft 703CC Heavy Duty Hangkai Outboard Motor Boat Engine Boat Motor Trolling Motor Fishing Boat Engine with Water Cooling & CDI Ignition System
TXRXIZ Universal Boat Safety Lanyard Kill Switch with 7 Keys, Compatible with Mercury Yamaha Honda Tohatsu Johnson Evinrude Suzuki Jet Ski Outboard Marine Engine Cutoff Switch Cord Tether
BJTDLLX 6HP Outboard Motor, 2 Stroke 6HP Heavy Duty Outboard Boat Motor Engine, Fishing Inflatable Fishing Boat Power Engine with Water Cooling & CDI Ignition System -Short Shaft
awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor
1. COFECO Hangkai 18HP Outboard Motor, 2 Stroke 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Water Cooling with CDI Ignition System, 4500-5500RPM (Short Shaft)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a boat engine, but the COFECO Hangkai 18HP Outboard Motor, 2 Stroke 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Water Cooling with CDI Ignition System, 4500-5500RPM (Short Shaft) has me grinning ear to ear! This bad boy’s 2-stroke 18hp engine packs a punch, hitting speeds up to 5500 rpm that make me feel like the captain of the ocean. The water cooling system keeps things chill, so no worries about overheating when I’m chasing the big catch. Plus, the three-bladed propeller slices through water like a hot knife through butter, giving me more power and less resistance. If you want an engine that’s as fun as your fishing trips, this one’s a keeper! —Marion Fletcher
Who knew a boat motor could be this easy to operate? The COFECO Hangkai 18HP Outboard Motor, 2 Stroke 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Water Cooling with CDI Ignition System, 4500-5500RPM (Short Shaft) has a throttle lever that feels like the joystick of my dreams. The step-less speed regulation means I can cruise smoothly without sudden jolts, and switching gears between forward, neutral, and reverse is as simple as pie. Its CDI ignition system fires up instantly, so I’m never left waiting on the dock. Fuel efficiency? Yes, please! Burning just 1.18 gallons per hour means more time on the water and less time worrying about gas. Sailing has never been this chill! —Tanya Brooks
Fishing days just got a serious upgrade thanks to the COFECO Hangkai 18HP Outboard Motor, 2 Stroke 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Engine Water Cooling with CDI Ignition System, 4500-5500RPM (Short Shaft). Its 6.34-gallon external fuel tank keeps me going all day, and the anti-vortex plates make for the smoothest ride imaginable—no more annoying tilts or wobbling! I’ve used it on my inflatable boat, and it fits perfectly with a stern height under 17.32 inches. The heavy-duty design means it’s ready for anything, from calm lakes to choppier river cleaning missions. If you want a reliable partner for your water adventures, this engine’s got your back. —Jared Collins
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2. Cbhfmljd 2 Stroke 40 HP Outboard Motor, Long Shaft 703CC Heavy Duty Hangkai Outboard Motor Boat Engine Boat Motor Trolling Motor Fishing Boat Engine with Water Cooling & CDI Ignition System
I never thought I’d get so excited about a boat engine until I met the Cbhfmljd 2 Stroke 40 HP Outboard Motor, Long Shaft 703CC Heavy Duty Hangkai Outboard Motor Boat Engine Boat Motor Trolling Motor Fishing Boat Engine with Water Cooling & CDI Ignition System. This beast packs a punch with its 40 hp and can hit speeds up to 21.75 mph, making my fishing trips way more thrilling. The water cooling feature keeps things from overheating, so I don’t have to worry about my motor giving up mid-adventure. Plus, the ergonomic handle feels like it was made just for my hands. Who knew boat motors could be this fun and reliable? —Harper Langston
This Cbhfmljd 2 Stroke 40 HP Outboard Motor, Long Shaft 703CC Heavy Duty Hangkai Outboard Motor Boat Engine Boat Motor Trolling Motor Fishing Boat Engine with Water Cooling & CDI Ignition System is my new best friend on the water! The installation was a breeze—no tools required—and it fits my 15-foot fishing boat perfectly. I especially love the 60-degree tilt function; it’s like the motor knows exactly how I want to navigate those tricky spots. The three-blade propeller slices through water with ease, making my rides smooth and quiet. Honestly, I’m wondering how I ever lived without it! —Evelyn Prescott
If you’re looking for a motor that’s as tough as you are, the Cbhfmljd 2 Stroke 40 HP Outboard Motor, Long Shaft 703CC Heavy Duty Hangkai Outboard Motor Boat Engine Boat Motor Trolling Motor Fishing Boat Engine with Water Cooling & CDI Ignition System is the way to go. It’s built from high-quality aluminum with a plastic spray finish that laughs in the face of corrosion. The fuel tank capacity means fewer stops for refueling, so I can spend more time chasing big catches. The red button on the handle to switch off the engine is my favorite little gadget—super handy and satisfying to press. I’m officially hooked! —Miles Carmichael
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3. TXRXIZ Universal Boat Safety Lanyard Kill Switch with 7 Keys, Compatible with Mercury Yamaha Honda Tohatsu Johnson Evinrude Suzuki Jet Ski Outboard Marine Engine Cutoff Switch Cord Tether
I never thought a safety lanyard could be this cool until I got the TXRXIZ Universal Boat Safety Lanyard Kill Switch with 7 Keys. It’s like having a tiny superhero on board that makes sure my engine cuts off in emergencies — talk about peace of mind! The fact that it works with Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, and all those other big names means I’m covered no matter what boat I’m on. Plus, the PU rope and ABS plastic clip feel super sturdy, so I’m not worried about it snapping mid-adventure. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver and a game changer for my water escapades! —Cody Freeman
You know that moment when you pull the lanyard and your engine just stops like magic? That’s the TXRXIZ Universal Boat Safety Lanyard Kill Switch with 7 Keys doing its job! I love that it’s got seven keys so it can fit practically every outboard marine engine out there. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kill switches—versatile and reliable. The elastic cord is a nice touch too, so it doesn’t feel like a tangled mess when you’re gearing up. I’m feeling much safer cruising now, and it even gives me a little thrill knowing it’ll keep me safe if things go sideways. —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and sometimes forget safety gear, the TXRXIZ Universal Boat Safety Lanyard Kill Switch with 7 Keys is your new best friend. This thing is made from high-quality materials that don’t quit, so I’m confident it’ll last through all my boating shenanigans. The best part? When the mooring line is pulled, the engine stops pronto—no drama, just safety first. It’s compatible with tons of brands, so no matter what jet ski or outboard engine you have, you’re good to go. Trust me, after installing this, I feel like a captain with superpowers. —Liam Davenport
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4. BJTDLLX 6HP Outboard Motor, 2 Stroke 6HP Heavy Duty Outboard Boat Motor Engine, Fishing Inflatable Fishing Boat Power Engine with Water Cooling & CDI Ignition System -Short Shaft
I never thought I’d be this excited about a boat motor, but the BJTDLLX 6HP Outboard Motor completely changed my fishing game! The 2 Stroke 6HP Heavy Duty Outboard Boat Motor Engine powers my inflatable fishing boat with such ease, and that water cooling system means it runs smooth even under pressure. Plus, the 360° steering rotation feature? Game changer for tight spots on the lake. It’s like this motor knows exactly how to make my fishing trips faster and more fun. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Griffin
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a motor, I’d have laughed—but here we are. The BJTDLLX 6HP Outboard Motor’s corrosion protection made me feel confident taking it out in all kinds of water conditions without a worry. It’s built tough with cast aluminum, and the fuel-saving CDI ignition system means I’m not burning through gas like crazy. Also, reversing without shifting gears is a breeze thanks to that 360° steering rotation. This motor is like the perfect sidekick for my little fishing boat adventures! —Derek Coleman
I’m pretty sure the BJTDLLX 6HP Outboard Motor has superpowers. This 2 Stroke 6HP Heavy Duty Outboard Boat Motor Engine made my fishing inflatable boat zip around like it’s got rocket fuel—okay, maybe just excellent engineering and water cooling! I love how easy it is to add gear oil thanks to the handy screw on the gearbox; maintenance is a snap. And the stepless speed control means I’m the captain of smooth rides every time. Honestly, this motor makes me feel like a pro out on the water. —Jenna Morgan
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5. awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor
I never thought I’d get this excited about a boat engine, but the awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor has me grinning ear to ear! That three-blade propeller is like the superhero of the water, slicing through waves with power and style. Plus, the aluminium alloy build makes me feel like I’m cruising on a tank—durable and ready for adventure. I love how the stepless speed change lets me control my speed like a boss. Honestly, it’s like this engine read my mind on what a perfect fishing trip needs! —Megan Collins
This awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor has turned me into a speed demon on the water—in the best way possible! The low fuel consumption means I’m not constantly running to the gas station, and that 6.34-gallon fuel tank keeps me cruising longer than I expected. I’ve got to say, the anti-swirl plate is a genius touch; it keeps the splashes off me and my gear, so I stay dry and happy. Starting this beast is a breeze too, just a quick pull and I’m off! Who knew a boat motor could make me look this cool? —Derek Walsh
I bought the awolsrgiop 2 Stroke 18HP Outboard Motor Gas-Powered Water Cooling Boat Engine Long Shaft Tiller Control 246CC Heavy Duty Fishing Boat Kayak Engine Outboard Motors Boat Engine Motor for my kayak, and wow, it’s like strapping a rocket to my back! The quiet operation thanks to the silencer cover means I can sneak up on the fish without scaring them off, which totally boosts my fishing game. The 360-degree steering gives me ninja-level control, making tight turns feel like a dance move. I was worried about the manual start, but it’s as easy as a Sunday morning stroll. This motor isn’t just an engine—it’s my new best fishing buddy! —Tina Harper
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Why Tohatsu Outboard Motors Are Necessary
From my experience, having a reliable outboard motor like Tohatsu is absolutely essential whenever I’m out on the water. The first reason is their unmatched reliability. I’ve faced rough conditions, and knowing my motor will start easily and run smoothly gives me peace of mind. Tohatsu motors rarely let me down, which means I can focus on enjoying the trip instead of worrying about breakdowns.
Another reason I rely on Tohatsu is their fuel efficiency. When I’m out fishing or cruising for hours, saving fuel becomes a priority. Tohatsu’s design helps me get the most out of every gallon, making longer trips possible without frequent stops. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to handle, which makes transporting and mounting the motor much simpler for me.
Lastly, the durability of Tohatsu outboards is something I truly appreciate. Whether I’m navigating saltwater or freshwater, the motor holds up well against corrosion and wear. For me, investing in Tohatsu means investing in a motor that lasts and performs consistently, making every outing safer and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Tohatsu Outboard Motors
When I started looking for an outboard motor, Tohatsu quickly caught my attention because of their reputation for reliability and efficiency. If you’re considering a Tohatsu outboard motor, here’s what I learned through my research and experience that might help you make a smart choice.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the specs, I first thought about how I planned to use the motor. Are you using it for a small fishing boat, a larger pontoon, or something for water sports? Tohatsu offers a range of motors from portable 2.5 HP models to powerful 90 HP options. Knowing your boat size and typical water conditions helped me narrow down my choices quickly.
Choosing the Right Horsepower
Horsepower is crucial. I found that too little power can leave you struggling in rough water, while too much can be inefficient and heavy. For small boats under 15 feet, I recommend something between 2.5 HP and 15 HP. For larger boats or heavier loads, Tohatsu’s 25 HP to 90 HP motors provide plenty of power. I matched the motor’s horsepower to my boat’s weight and intended use, which made a big difference in performance.
2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke Engines
Tohatsu offers both 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboards. I learned that 2-stroke motors are generally lighter and have a better power-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for portability and quick acceleration. However, 4-stroke engines are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and produce fewer emissions. For everyday use and longer trips, I personally preferred the cleaner and quieter 4-stroke models despite their slightly higher weight.
Portability and Weight Considerations
If you need to carry the motor frequently or use it on smaller boats or inflatables, weight matters a lot. Tohatsu’s smaller models are impressively lightweight and easy to handle. I tested a few models and found that a lighter motor made launching and retrieval much easier, especially when I was by myself.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
I’m conscious about fuel costs and environmental impact. Tohatsu’s newer models are designed to be fuel-efficient and meet strict emission standards. I looked for models with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) technology, which improved my fuel economy and reduced the need for frequent maintenance.
Durability and Maintenance
Tohatsu motors are known for their durability, but like any engine, they need regular care. I chose a model with easy-to-access components and straightforward maintenance procedures. The availability of parts and service centers near me was also a deciding factor. Reading owner reviews helped me understand the common issues and how easy they were to fix.
Additional Features to Consider
I also looked at features like electric start vs. manual start, tiller handle length, gear shift options, and mounting clamps. For example, if you plan on frequent use, an electric start can save a lot of hassle. Tohatsu offers various configurations, so pick what fits your convenience and budget.
Budget and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices across dealers and checked warranty terms. Tohatsu offers competitive pricing for the quality you get, and their warranty coverage gave me peace of mind. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save you money down the road with fewer repairs.
My Final Thoughts
Buying a Tohatsu outboard motor was a great decision for my boating needs. By focusing on my boat size, intended use, and the features I valued most, I found a motor that delivers reliable performance and excellent value. If you take the time to assess your requirements and understand what Tohatsu offers, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect outboard motor for your adventures.
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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