Honda 50 EFI vs. Tohatsu 50 TLDI

[seicam]

Hi,
I do not own a Mac, but I have a question that I think some people on this forum can help with. When picking an engine for a boat like Mac, how would you compare the Honda 50 EFI vs Tohatsu 50 TLDI? The comparison factors I am looking for are:
- performance (ability to get the boat moving)
- fuel economy
- noise
- quality of operation (In general, how "well behaving" the engine is?)

The DI technology being new - is it worth getting into?

Regards,
Maciek

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

if those are the only two choices for your Mac???
i'd go with the 4-stroke 205# Honda. it's the lightest 4-stroke available.
not knowing what the condition is (new or used, maintained or not), it's a motor that many '99-'01 Mac-X's had on their rear end as standard fare. very trouble free.
the Tohatsu 50 TLDI doesn't have near the torque and pushing power that it's 2-stroke predecessor had (previous one w/out the direct injection). although it's practically bullet proof, as all Tohatsu products are, one Mac that i traveled with on occasion had the 50 TLDI installed and was very unhappy that my Suzi50 could easily out run him.
he later changed to the 90 TLDI, as did i...

however, knowing what i (and many Mac owners) know now...minimally go with the ETEC 60, Suzuki 70, ETEC 75-90, Tohatsu 70-90, Merc 75-115, Honda 90-VTEC. you'll be much happier with the larger motor.
just try to stay under 375# (these suggested upgrades range from 265# to 375#).

Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

[seicam]

Thank you!

[SkiDeep2001]

seicam, Howdy neighbor, I am in Redmond,WA also. Just bought a 98 . It says you are looking for Mac? on your profile? There is a nice 2000 for $18,900 in Covington on craigslist. It has many mods and upgrades and looks great for that price. I paid 12K for mine and it has some add ons but looking at what this other rig has it looks like a real bargain if you have the scratch

[capt. black]

I do remember reading a post on this site about cooling problems some were expereincing with the Honda 50 pee hole. I will do a search to se if I can find that post. I have an Tohatsu 50 D. It has carbs. I've ran this motor at 4200 rpm for hours yeilding a speed of about 17mph.
I am mostly a power boater with my Mac 26M located on Lake Michigan. I slip at the Riverdale Marina on the Calumet river. My daily trip to downtown Chicago is about 30+ miles.
The Tohatsu motor is a dependable motor. When I do get the chance to upgrade it will be the Tohatsu 70 TLDI. These motors are pretty good on fuel, very dependable, and the only upkeep I have done is change my plugs, and after two years of use the water pump/impeller

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

I have an Tohatsu 50 D. It has carbs. I've ran this motor at 4200 rpm for hours yeilding a speed of about 17mph.
The Tohatsu motor is a dependable motor. When I do get the chance to upgrade it will be the Tohatsu 70 TLDI. These motors are pretty good on fuel, very dependable, and the only upkeep I have done is change my plugs, and after two years of use the water pump/impeller

the 50D is an animal. virtually ZERO maintenance and they run forever.
many being used today by MAC owners on this sight, as well as boaters in Mexico and the Far East (where dirty 2-strokes are still legal to sell).
that said, it's "old technology", fuel in-efficient, and a true 2-stroke "smoker".
the TLDI is a dramatic improvement for Tohatsu in clean technology & fuel effeciency, while maintaining the high torque and dependability.

Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

[kmclemore]

I have a 1997 Tohatsu 50D as well, and although not the most fuel thrifty engine on earth, it's not too bad on the whole. As for reliability, I treat the motor quite shabbily, frankly - little to no maintenance apart from lower unit oil changes and cleaning the plugs every few years - and it still starts and runs every dang time. (Shamefully, I have *yet* to change out the impeller, though I do have one in a box, waiting).

[capt. black]

The water pressure coming from the pee hole was degraded to a trickle. I visually checked what I thought was all water inlets and outlets. I am just a shad tree machanic. I preying that this will resolve my water pressure from the pee hole/ overheat alarm activation problem...

[capt. black]

I nearly forgot what it was that I wanted to say about the 4 stroke outboards. These engines were man's 1st attempt at resolving an issue with poluting our air, and water. The NEW and improve method of accomplishing this is the fuel injection technology incorperated by two stroke outboards. Due to the many moving parts that four strokers have in comparison to the two stroke outboards they have a reputation of needing more shop time than the two stroke. I cylindar adjustments, oil changes, the list can go on. I like spending my time on the water and not at some repair shop. My upgrade WILL be a two stroke outboard with fuel injection.

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

The NEW and improve method of accomplishing this is the fuel injection technology incorperated by two stroke outboards. Due to the many moving parts that four strokers have in comparison to the two stroke outboards they have a reputation of needing more shop time than the two stroke. I cylindar adjustments, oil changes, the list can go on. I like spending my time on the water and not at some repair shop. My upgrade WILL be a two stroke outboard with fuel injection.

that's an excellent point!
the cost to service a 4-stroke (valve adjustment? timing chain tension/replacement? other...) is much greater than a 2-stroke.
also, more things can go wrong.
additionally, the overall weight of a 4 vs a 2.
finally, the torque comparison. a 2 blows a 4 away.

that said, there's nothing like the quiet "purr" of a 4-stroke around the docks or when "motor sailing" 5 miles from port. it is truly a more desirable experience using a 4-stroke in some situations.

Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki