Small motor guys, value question...

Charlie S and Titan

Charlie S and Titan

Well-known member
I have a line on a early 90's tohatsu 3.5 horse (unfortunately only one gear - forward). Original owner is selling it, has original manuals and an external tank.

Am I right to assume one gear generally means "start in gear" or is that a bad assumption?

I realize that F-N-R is more desirable, but this is what is available at the moment.

What is a reasonable price to pay for such an item?

Thanks,
Charlie

(PS. This is the same vintage and manufacturer as my "big" boat motor. This would be emergency power/kicker, plus be available for ever so slowly propelling a sneakbox once/if it gets built.)
 
Those have a centrifical clutch Charlie. I don't know what the market will bare up there but if it is in excellent condition it's probably "worth" 250 bucks. I'd start by offering 150 while testing it out.....you think it will move your boat?
 
Lee,

On moving the boat, I think it will work great in a pinch. I have a Nissan 3.5 kicker on the snowgoose and it gets to hull speed by 1/4-1/2 throttle.

T
 
Those motors are cheaply built. I bought one new for my sculler in the 90's and it just didnt hold up to any kind of abuse. A lot of the parts are plastic, and break easily. Mine eventually ended up breaking the drive shaft clean in half. I dont know what caused it but the shaft had a heat score in the center of the shaft. At $100.00 it might be worth it.
 
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Thanks guys.

She's asking $300, so maybe it's worth passing on.

Centrifigul clutch, is that like a snowmobile where you just rev it and it sort of catches when the flywheel spins enough?

On pushing my boat, hopefully it would. It sounds like it works for Tod.

Today I motor around with a 50 or 55lb thrust trolling motor and it works fine. Not fast, but without current or tides, it is enough to get me around and back to the launch. Hopefully this would have as much as that. I definitely wouldn't win any races, but as a spare it might do the trick.

I'll have to see if the price is negotiable.

Thanks again.

Charlie
 
You can buy some pretty good motors for 300 samoleuns. Wait till mid February and post a "wanted" ad in your local shopper.
 
Harker is right on as usual. That Nissan/Tohatsu has a centifigal clutch kinda sorta like a chainsaw. Although I believe we should buy American when possible I recently boughta 15hp Yamadog and I love it. I have heard some "iffy" stuff about nissan/tohatsu's from a boat dealer bud of mine who used to sell them. Seems parts availability was a problem as was general durability. Another bud has a 3 hp Seahorse that he has been using over 30 years and has only replaced spark plugs. If you can find one of those in good shape for a coupla hunnert you might have what you need.
 
I have a 3.5 nissan with a forward and neutral and it works well for me. It zips my 15 foot sportspal right along and moved my MLB widgeon at 5mph with a full load up. My main hunting partner has the same motor and It moves his 17ft flat back canoe as fast as I'd care to go and we've used these hard for 4 years. my understanding is that this is the same motor? That being said, If You are in the vicinity of MI anytime soon I can get you a good deal on a Briggs and stratton 5hp pm me if you want. I know some don't care for these motors and they have their flaws but they have some virtues as well.
 
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