New Noisey Thing!

Well, I finally broke down and did it. I bought a new motor for Jep!

My old motor is (still own it) a 1988 Johnson 4 HP. The Johnson is a 2 stroke, short shaft with only forward and neutral gears. That little motor did well for Jep but it was time for an upgrade.

Jep's new "power plant" is a 2011 Tohatsu 5 HP, 4 stroke long shaft. The motor includes a 3.1 gallon fuel tank and a 3 year warranty. Here are a few advantages of the Tohatsu:

-1 more horse (cinco dragones!)
-No gas / oil mixing
-Quiet operation
-Improved fuel economy (burns .5 gal/hour at WOT)
-REVERSE (no rotating 180 degrees and shifting to forward)
-Aluminum prop vs. plastic prop
-Long vs. short shaft (prop won't come out of the water in rough seas)
-Optional alternator (didn't buy that option as I have shore power and a solar panel)

For the naysayers who scoff at the Tohatsu name, it might interest you to know that Mercury outboards 40 HP and below and ALL Nissan outboards are made by Tohatsu. The Mercury and Nissan's are simply re-branded as "premium" brands. I guess different stickers and a 30% mark up make the motor function WAY better!

On a related note, anyone looking for a deal on a 4 HP Johnson in good running condition?! Make an offer!