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So after continual problems with my 1976 25 hp johnson.. We rebuilt the carb, new plugs, new tank and lines... It will run good, but once it warms up the plugs foul and it will not start.. I decided to upgrade.. I found a nice 2010 model short shaft 15hp for sale for $1400. Hmm.. Tohatsu?? I had never heard of them.. So I did a little research,, turns out they make the Nissan and the mercury in the smaller 4 stroke models and are the biggest outboard manufacturers in the world. Not to mention I could hardly find a bad review, so I bought it. This motor actually weighs 30 lbs more than my old 25 horse! So we beefed up my transom, using some 1/2" threaded rod and steel plates, set up a Transom Saver attached to my trailer for stable travel and let me tell you this motor is a thing of beauty. My boat plains out so nice and fast..It runs so quiet and smooth, the top speed is up to 21 mph, 1 mph more than my 25, but where it really shines is torque and fuel efficiency. Fully Loaded with 3 anglers and gear I still did 13 mph and I think I gets twice to 3 times the fuel mileage as my old 2 stroke and no mixing oil every fill up either! Other great features of this motor are an easily visible water fountain so you know the lower unit is working, and an oil light and a steering tension control and a shallow water run mode.
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Sounds like a sweet motor, does it have electric start? I looked at Tohatsu and Nissan when I upgraded to a bigger kicker motor with electric start. They are pretty heavy motors but the only reason I did not buy one was because the one I was looking at was a short shaft and I needed at least a long shaft. Anyway, I'm sure you will have many years of use out of it.
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Yeah this one is a pull start. I think the electric start adds another 8 lbs or so with the starter motor. Yeah it sure fits my 14' smokerkraft good.
Now for new fishfinder mounts since that broke and possibly even a new sonar.. those screens get cloudy and are hard for me to see in the sun... especially with polarized lenses on..
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Does it have a charger?
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After scanning the owners manual, I don't think it has a charger. That would be a nice feature, I'm guessing maybe some engines have a charger for the power tilt and electric start options? We moved my battery to mid boat and I would like to find and install a Vexilar Quick Charge plug in to my battery so I can use my Vexilar handy 2 amp charger on my marine battery and not have to pull the cover every time. The video that came with my Vexilar said that their small 2 amp single plug chargers are great for all 12 volt batteries.
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My 15 HP Honda has a charger but it also electric start. I think maybe they come as a set.
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Have you been using ethanol free gas?
I had some trouble with one of my outboards and it was ethanol related. I found a local outlet for real gas and now enjoy the results.
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yes for the most part I have been using ethanol free gas I have no excuse not to as the new Maverick and Nampa gusher both carry the ethanol free variety and are close by