Tohatsu M60C

First released on the Australian market back in 1998 featuring a deeper gear ratio than the M60B it replaced, the current model is a very good alternative to other 60hp two-stroke outboards. The three-cylinder, three-carburettor M60C is de-rated from the M70C and has the same gearcase size as Tohatsu's carburetted and TLDI 90hp models, but has a deeper gear ratio for handling the heavier loads that 60hp outboards are normally expected to push.

The M60C also has Tohatsu's "dual swirl" combustion-chamber design to comply with current US EPA exhaust emission regulations for carburetted two-strokes. Of course the M60C (like every other carburetted two-stroke outboard) won't meet US EPA 2006 regulations - but as long as the demand in the Pacific Islands region and parts of Asia and South America for carbie two-strokes remains strong, it's likely the motor will be available in Australia until at least 2010.

The M60C features Tohatsu's automixing oil injection system, where oil is injected at the fuel pump. This ensures the carburettor throttle butterflies receive lubrication, and eliminates the need for separate small-diameter oil delivery lines for each cylinder, which can clog from gelling should different types and/or brands of oil be mixed together.

The M60C also scores over its direct Yamaha competition with an 11amp, 130W alternator, whereas the 60F has only an 80W alternator that, in my view, is inadequate for the plethora of electronics fitted to most serious amateur fishing boats these days.

However, the M60C is more of a first-generation outboard compared to the 60F, and has mechanical timing advance and an electric choke system instead of a cold-start fuel primer. Simply turning the ignition key on the Yammie ensures instant starting hot or cold, but Tohatsu's system requires careful coordination of the fast-idle lever and choke control to easily start the motor. On the flipside, Tohatsu's choke system is reliable and easier to service.

Mounted on a Webster Twinfisher 4.6 aluminium centre-console catamaran and spinning a 15in pitch Tohatsu alloy prop, the demo M60C had power in spades for our two-person crew, which brought the total displacement to 650kg. Cold starting was a bit hit-or-miss, but once running, the M60C warmed quickly. Running on a 50:1 break-in mix of ULP and TC-W3 Quicksilver oil in addition to the oil injection, oil smoke appeared only below 2000rpm.

The motor was a bit "chuggy" when cold, but once warm had similar noise and vibration levels to the 60F. Providing the anti-ventilation plate was kept immersed, power astern was good and no cooling-water starvation occurred.

At Dead Slow Troll (650rpm) the M60C averaged 5.5kmh; at 1000 revs 6.6kmh, and at 1500 revs 9.2kmh. The averages at 2000 and 2500 revs were 11.2 and 13.8kmh, but another 500 revs returned a clean plane at only 22.8kmh. Cruising quietly at 3500rpm the average was 29.7kmh and into a blustery southerly on Lake Macquarie, the Tohatsu and Webster cat still maintained a clean plane.

At 4000rpm the Twinfisher averaged 32.6kmh and consumed 11lt/h, and through tight figure-eight turns at these revs, no prop ventilation occurred - even with the motor trimmed out slightly. An average of 37.5kmh was returned at 4500 revs, while at Wide Open Throttle (5250rpm) we achieved 45.4kmh consuming 25lt/h.

Servicing the M60C appears straightforward, with very good powerhead access and separate bowl-type fuel and oil filters fitted. The recommended servicing intervals are every 50 hours or six months after the first 10 hours, and the waterpump impeller should be replaced every 100 hours or yearly.

The M60C appears well engineered, and if regularly serviced should reward the owner with reliability and longevity. It's the heavier of all the current carburetted two-stroke 60s, but this is reflected in the size and strength of the gearcase and powerhead components, where nothing appears to be flimsy. The warranty coverage is two years for recreational applications.