Introduction

You’re deciding to invest in a good outboard. Now a wrong investment can be an expensive mistake. So you’re now confused about this decision.

So, which outboard should you choose between Tohatsu vs Mercury?

It comes down to your preference. Now Tohatsu models are more high-tech and durable compared to the Mercury ones. On the other hand, Tohatsu is already a well-established brand. But at the same time, they have a high price point compared to the affordable Mercury ones. Moreover, the Mercury models are easily available.

Still not sure which one is right for you? Well, we have a whole in-depth article for you. There we have compared both Tohatsu and Mercury in a head-to-head battle.

So without further ado, let’s jump into the comparison!

Tohatsu vs Mercury: Quick Comparison

Now, there are some models of Mercury that are made by Tohatsu. However, there are some key differences between them. For your ease, we’ve provided a quick review of them down below. So, let’s take a look:

Features	Tohatsu	Mercury
Durability	More high-tech and durable.	Not as high-tech and less durable
Brand Value	Well-known	Not That well-known
Availability	Not easily available	Can be easily found
Price	Expensive	Comparatively less pricey

Now that we’ve got an idea of the two products let’s check them out in a broader scope.

Tohatsu vs Mercury: Detailed Comparison

To better understand the differences between Tohatsu and Mercury you need to dive deeper. This will help you to choose the right outboard for you.

However, don’t worry! Here the differences are not as complicated as the jb weld and marine tex ones.

Durability

If you’re planning on buying an outboard you want it to last a long time. So the durability aspect is quite important for your decision-making.

Tohatsu

Tohatsu outboards are famous for their durable nature. They can easily last a good 15-20 years.

So if you’re looking for an outboard that’ll last, then Tohatsu is the answer:

However, Tohatsu is quite difficult to repair as the support dealers are harder to locate. So, you’ll have to consider that.

Mercury

Tohatsu manufactures some of the outboards of Mercury. So the lower-level outboards of Tohatsu and Mercury are the same. As a result, you’ll see some common problems like your mercury outboard cranking but not starting.

Comparatively, Mercury is a little behind durability-wise. They’ll last around 5 to 10 years well off. However, they might need quite a bit of repair.

Brand Value

In the case of purchasing an outboard, people tend to go for brands that are renowned. They find a sense of trust and loyalty toward them.

Tohatsu

Tohatsu is a household name and brand value-wise it’s at the top of the list. This is Japan’s oldest outboard manufacturing company. So you can imagine how much prestige this name holds.

Mercury

Mercury on the other hand is famous but not as much as Tohatsu. Mercury Marine is a relatively new brand compared to Tohatsu.

Moreover, most of the Mercury outboards are rebranded Tohatsu engines. So, at the end of the day, the brand Mercury doesn’t hold up much against Tohatsu.

Availability

If you’re thinking of buying an outboard, you must be looking for dealers. Now the easier availability of them can increase your interest in buying that specific brand. So, let’s check out these brands’ availability.

Tohatsu

Tohatsu is a Japanese manufacturer. So you might find it difficult to get Tohatsu outboard outside of Japan or fixed resellers. Now, if you purchase it online then it’ll take a long time to reach your destination.

Tohatsu repair mechanics are very rare. So if a problem occurs in your outboard you might need to fix it by yourself. Issues like an outboard motor not starting after sitting idle for a long are quite common. So, if you can fix such issues yourself, you might be able to handle this model.

Mercury

Mercury outboards are sold all across the United States and its neighboring countries. So if you live close by you can easily get your hands on these outboards. Moreover,  you also don’t need to wait a long time for shipping. So as you can this is fairly easy to get your hands on.

Price

When it comes to choosing between two products, price takes a lot of ground. Among other things people need to think about whether the product that they want is within their budget.

Tohatsu

Tohatsu comparatively is a higher-end product. Their price ranges between $1000 to $30,000. Although their price range is quite up there, their technology and features make up for it.

Mercury

Now, the price of the Mercury outboard is a little bit less than the Tohatsu. As a result, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option then Mercury is perfect for you. Here you can get the motors starting from only $800. They have higher range ones as well will cost about $26000.

However, keep in mind that the warranty scheme of Mercury isn’t as great as the Tohatsu one.

Final Verdict – Which One to Choose?

So the ultimate decision comes down to your preferences. If you have a little extra cash to spare and want a durable motor go with Tohatsu. On the other hand, if you want something affordable and easier to find then go for Mercury.

Moreover, repairing work on the Tohatsu is intricate than Mercury. So you need to consider workshops near you before making the decision.

Here we have two of the best models of Tohatsu and Mercury. Have a look at them.

These are all the head-to-head comparisons of Tohatsu vs Mercury outboard motors.

FAQs

Are Mercury outboard motors made by Tohatsu?

Answer: Generally Tohatsu outboards are rebranded as Mercury outboards. All the Mercury outboards below 30 hp are manufactured by Tohatsu.

Are Mercury and Tohatsu parts interchangeable?

Answer: Yes, some of the parts of the lower-level outboards of Tohatsu should be interchangeable with Mercury. However, it’s strictly prohibited to do so.

Are Tohatsu outboards reliable?

Answer: Tohatsu is the oldest outboard manufacturing brand. It is famous for being reliable and durable. Most people who use Tohatsu outboards also claim that you can easily rely on them for years.

Are Mercury outboards made in China?

Yes, Mercury outboards are made in China. However, not all Mercury outboards are made in China. Some models are still made in the United States.

Which outboard motors last longest?

Tohatsu motors are known for their durability and reliability. They are often used in harsh conditions and still provide optimal performance. Mercury motors are also known for their durability, but they may not be as reliable as Tohatsu motors.

So, which outboard motor should you choose? If you want a motor that will last a long time and provide optimal performance, then Tohatsu is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more reliable motor, then Mercury is the better choice.

Is a 2-stroke outboard faster than a 4-stroke?

Yes, a 2 stroke outboard is typically faster than a 4 stroke outboard. This is because 2-stroke engines are typically lighter and have fewer moving parts than 4-stroke engines. Additionally, 2-stroke engines tend to have more power per cubic inch than 4-stroke engines.

Conclusion

With that, we’ve come to the end of our in-depth head-to-head battle of Tohatsu vs Mercury. We hope you make the right decision based on your preference.

Until then stay happy and safe. Catch you next time!