2024 Tohatsu outboard engine buyer’s guide

This engine features what Tohatsu claims is an industry-first 4-2-1 tuned exhaust system that makes the length of all the exhaust ports the same, reducing the amount of interference as the cylinders cycle through the stroke.

This in turn produces more low-down torque than conventional exhaust systems.

The new 140hp outboard engine capped off the arrival of other new models in the brand’s mid-performance range including MFS75, MFS90, MFS100 and MFS115A.

Tohatsu also announced last year that it would add 25hp and 30hp forward and tiller-steer engines and a 150hp four-cylinder model that uses a unique 2.3-litre displacement.

Tohatsu’s Australian line-up ranges from the 2.5hp to 20hp portables to the 25hp to 140hp mid-range outboard engines and the 150hp to 250hp high-power units.

Tohatsu’s 3.5hp MFS3.5C portable engine also introduced a number of firsts for the powertrains normally fitted to big-boat tenders, including an oil breather system that allows the engine to be laid down rather than stored upright without leaking fuel or oil, and carry handles on both ends of the unit.

You’ll notice the higher-power Tohatsu models bear a striking resemblance to Honda’s outboard engines. This is because Honda supplies its engines to Tohatsu, which then adds its own fingerprint to the units.

Tohatsu promotes its ‘Simpliq Technology’ which aims to make its outboard engine range as simple as possible.

That includes factors such as simple engine design and ease of use.

The 25hp and 40hp outboard engines also use electronically controlled fuel injection to improve fuel economy and emissions but uniquely don’t rely on a separate battery to operate them.

Tohatsu offers a three-year warranty for recreational use, increasing that with another two years if the engine has been maintained at an authorised service centre.