40 hp Outboards

B

B Rogers

Member
All, I'm hoping to get some opinions on outboards. I'm planning to buy a 40 hp 4 stroke. I've about narrowed my choices to a Yamaha or Tohatsu. I'm open to others as well, but based on talking with a few others and having owned a Yamaha, that's how I had narrowed my choices to those two. Any advice will be appreciated.
--Bryson
 
Suzuki, hands down have a very reliable track record and the EFI technology is incredible. Also has a DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder that no one else offers in that size engine. Has the largest oil sump than anyone eles engine.
 
I have to say you better look at Suzuki, I have been using them since 1986 and the 40 HP from 1986 is still running like a top, I have no idea how many hours are on it but in 30 years I use it almost everyday in the summer. I did use it for duck hunting a couple times also.
The only things done to it was oil changes,spark plugs and last year I replaced the fuel pump.
 
Being In the marine trade most of the commercial guys around here run Yamahas. Personally I like Yamahas and you can not beat their service, which for me is a very important factor when considering a purchase such as a new outboard. Just my 2 cents......
 
How are the Yamahas about starting in the cold? I have read some folks having trouble with that but I have a friend that will only run Yamaha.
 
Friends of mine had a Yamaha 40 HP pull start. Even in the cold, it started pretty easily, but as they approached 50 and 45, they decided electric start was a better idea.

They did seem to have a lot of fuel issues, and replaced their fuel/water separator multiple times over the 5 or so years they owned it. This boat was stored outside, uncovered, and only used occasionally, so they were probably at pretty high risk.
 
Anyone have any experience with tohatsu. Had a friend speak highly of them but I know nothing about them. I called around some today inquiring about various motors and was told Suzuki doesn't make a tiller 40 hp. They spoke very highly of the Suzuki as some of you did. Bummer they don't make a tiller 40. By the way, I really appreciate everyone's input. I've been a lurker for sometime and have learned a good deal just reading everyone's posts on this forum.
 
I have a 3 year old tiller 40hp 4 stroke Tohatsu that was on the boat when I bought it. It was a year old at the time. I was very skeptical at first because I have owned Yamahas from 30 to 150hp and and never had an issue, so when this rig came up with the Tohatsu it was take it or leave it.

I can't give you a comprehensive recommendation one way or the other because unfortunately I have not been able to put a lot of hours on it due to not being able to get out and use it much but I know the previous owner used it for fishing and hunting. The few time I did use it was for hunting in the cold weather and I never had a problem.

That being said I do like the motor and have confidence in it, however dealers and parts are scarce locally on Long Island, and on the internet. Tohatsu's technical customer service is excellent. I have called them a few times for info and they were always willing to give me the correct answer. one time the tech had to call me back because he wanted to call the engineers in Japan to get the correct info.

Again, the only issue I have is dealers and parts being scarce in my area ..................... Joe
 
I compared Yamaha, Honda, Tohatsu The Yamaha 30/40 has the smallest displacement. Then Honda 40/50 Then Tohatsu 40/50 has the largest displacement. Yamaha, Honda 214 lbs Tohatsu 208 lbs All have EFI

Tom
 
I donlt know about the the 40 yammies but I have a 60 that is cold cold blooded, been in the shop, nothing cures it. I have a 40 hp evinrude etec that was on a duck wrangler I boat, so far I have zero complaints, 8 degrees if it turns over it runs, with that being said I worked on Suzuki;s years ago in college and they were good back then I think they have just suffered from lack of a dealer networks the other manufacturers have, and the boat/motor monopolies.
 
I fish commercially year round, I've had them all.
The last 15 years its been Hondas, 40 hp, Most of the guys here have switched to them, or the higher HP models.
You can get them with a tiller, they are the lightest 4 strokes in weight, and we have almost zero problems with them.
They are a little more expensive, but they don't breakdown.
I also ran Tohatsus for years, back then, they were very good basic machines, not real smooth or quiet, but they were like a Timex watch, just keep chugging away.

Suzukis are good, but a complete PITA to change the oil, you have to drop the lower cowling to get to the filter. Maybe the new ones are better, but keep it in mind. Yamaha? ehh, the sporties seem to like them.

Watch any shows from Alaska or look at photos of their commercial skiffs, just about 100% Hondas, Coast Guard rubber duckies, the same. And those boys are hard on them. IF you have a close by Honda dealer, give them a look.
 
B Rogers said:
Anyone have any experience with tohatsu. Had a friend speak highly of them but I know nothing about them. I called around some today inquiring about various motors and was told Suzuki doesn't make a tiller 40 hp. They spoke very highly of the Suzuki as some of you did. Bummer they don't make a tiller 40. By the way, I really appreciate everyone's input. I've been a lurker for sometime and have learned a good deal just reading everyone's posts on this forum.
Click to expand...

The make a tiller conversion kit that you need to buy


Model Name: DF40AHonda 40Mercury 40Yamaha 40Manufacturer: SuzukiHondaMercuryYamahaHorsepower: 4040(1) 40, (2) 40 EFI, (3) 40 Bigfoot EFI40Shaft Length (Inches): L (20)L (20)(1, 2) S15, L20, (3) L20, X25L 20Weight (Lbs): 229L (214)(1) 204, (2) 216, (3) 260216Cylinders: In-line 3In-Line 3(1, 2) In-Line 3 SOHC, (3) In-Line 4In-line 3Valves Per Cylinder: DOHC 4 Valves Per Cyl.SOHC 2 Valves Per Cyl.SOHC 2 Valves Per Cyl.SOHC 2 Valves Per Cyl.Valve Train Drive: Self adjusting oil bathed timing chainSingle overhead beltSingle overhead beltSingle overhead beltDisplacement: 57.4 cu. in. (941 cc)49.3 cu. in. (808 cc)(1, 2) 45.6 cu. in. (747 cc), (3) 61 cu. in. (995 cc)45.6 cu. in. (747 cc.)Bore and Stroke (Inches/mm): 2.85 x 2.99 in. (72.5 x 76 mm)2.80 x 2.80 in. (70 x 70 mm)(1,2,3) 2.56 x 2.95 in. (65 x 75 mm)2.56 x 2.95 in. (65 x 75 mm)Operating Range (RPM): 5000-60005000 - 60005500 - 60005000 - 6000Induction System: Sequential EFI with Lean Burn ControlProgrammed EFI with Lean Burn Control(1) 3 carbs, (2,3) EFIEFIStarting System: Suzuki Easy Start SystemElectric(1) Manual w/ Decompression, (2, 3) ElectricElectric or ManualLubrication: Wet sumpWet sumpWet sumpWet sumpOil Tank Capacity: 2.9 qt. (2.7 lit.)2.5 qt. (2.4 lit.)2.3 qt. (2.2 lit.)2.1 qt. (2.0 lit.)Ignition: Direct IgnitionCDI*(1) CDI, (2, 3) Digital InductiveCDI Micro ComputerAlternator: 12V 19A22 A(1) 6 A, (2,3) 18 A16 ATrim Type: Power Trim and TiltPower TiltPower Trim and Tilt, Gas AssistPower Trim and TiltGear Ratio: 2.27:12.08:1(1, 2) 2.00:1, (3) 2.33:12.00:1/13:26CARB Emissions Rating: 3-Star Ultra-Low3-Star Ultra-Low3-Star Ultra-Low3-Star Ultra-LowStandard Propeller (Blades x Dia. x Pitches (Ins.)): Optional - See DealerN/AN/AN/ARange of Avail. Optional Propeller Pitches: 9 - 17Unknown8 - 19UnknownSteering: Remote (Tiller Kit optional)
  • Larger Displacement 941cc (57.4 c.i.) vs. 808cc (49.2 c.i.) No replacement for displacement
  • Zero Maintenance Self Adjusting Timing Chain vs. Inspect and Replace Timing Belt
  • 2.27:1 vs. 2.00:1 Lower gear ratio to swing a larger prop for improved acceleration
  • Suzuki Easy Start System for customer convenience
Over Mercury
  • Suzuki Lean Burn Control System - Improved fuel economy
  • Zero Maintenance Self Adjusting Timing Chain vs. Inspect and Replace Timing Belt
  • DOHC 4 valves per cylinder vs. SOHC 2 valves per cylinder
  • Larger Displacement 941cc (57.4 c.i.) vs. 747cc (45.6 c.i.) No replacement for displacement
  • 2.27:1 vs. 2.00:1 Lower gear ratio to swing a larger prop for improved acceleration
  • Direct Ignition vs. standard coil for reduce electrical interference
  • Suzuki Easy Start System for customer convenience
Over Yamaha
  • Suzuki Lean Burn Control System - Improved fuel economy
  • Zero Maintenance Self Adjusting Timing Chain vs. Inspect and Replace Timing Belt
  • DOHC 4 valves per cylinder vs. SOHC 2 valves per cylinder
  • Larger Displacement 941cc (57.4 c.i.) vs. 747cc (45.6 c.i.) No replacement for displacement
  • 2.27:1 vs. 2.00:1 Lower gear ratio to swing a larger prop for improved acceleration
  • Direct Ignition vs. standard coil for reduce electrical interference
  • Suzuki Easy Start System for customer convenience


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Great information. I'm going to keep my eye open for a good used 40 now that our duck season is ending this weekend. Hopefully a good deal will turn up. If not I've got a decision to make. I really appreciate all the input and information.
 
i have owned a few tohatsu outboards from 15 to 40 hp tiller handle and they work flawless and never a problem in the cold .
 
the last motor's were 25 and 40 hp tiller 4 stroke great motors i ran the 25 hp on one of my duck boats and i was always the first boat to leave boat ramp in the cold. .my son works at a fishing station and all they run are tohatsu on their boats . tohatsu's are usually less expensive as well .
 
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