Outboard engine "hours" question

[Evan B]

The one I bought new was a 40hp Merc from Stevens marine for my little sled in 2007, the service manager explained to me it was Tohatsu built. I see a lot on their various motors online, was told by the Prop Shop no one has a bigger array of models out there than Tohatsu due to all their licensing agreements. And still find this:

Tohatsu has been manufacturing 40hp motors for Mercury throughout much of its partnership with Brunswick Corporation (the parent company of Mercury Marine), which began in 1988, meaning that many Mercury 40hp motors in recent years are essentially rebadged Tohatsu engines; most notably, smaller Mercury outboards, including the 40hp, are rebranded Tohatsu models.

Hmm, I still can't find anything online about that. All I can find is that the deal is for all motors 30hp and below. That era though was a bit weird as it was Mercury's transition from mainly 2 stroke to 4 stroke.

A 2007 Mercury 40hp four-stroke outboard is also designed and manufactured by Mercury Marine.

• Tohatsu's Role: The Tohatsu manufacturing agreement was, and still is, focused on the smaller Mercury outboards (30hp and below).
• Mercury's 40-60hp Line: The 40hp (and its 50 and 60hp counterparts) remained a Mercury design and manufacturing effort throughout the 2000s. The assembly shift to China occurred later, around 2010-2011.

Either way, Tohatsu makes great engines. I'd prefer a Tohatsu 40hp to a Merc myself.

 

[Buzzy]

Thanks everyone for all the input, very much appreciated.

 

[jasmillo]

If you buy it, definitely add the Vessel View Unit @Chucker recommended. Super easy to install. Without it, I would have way over estimated the number of hours I put on my motor the last year (a little more than 100). Thinking about it though it makes sense. Lots of short runs in Puget Sound for SRC and coho where I then switch to the bow mount. Some trips a 7-8 hour day on the water is only 1-2 hours on the main. No issues with my 115 Merc but it still has very low hours.