90 hp Tohatsu wins sept trailerboats engine comparison

[Rolf]

For anybody thinking of going big, another board member here and I are attempting to negotiate a better price for a 90 TLDI with a multiple purchase. The dealer we are using is here in LA area, and has agreed in principal to trade in our motors. I will learn specifics next week when the business owner returns.

Meanwhile, The TLDI 90 recieved 14 points along with the new Evinrude 90 in a head to head comparison with the suzuki, honda, and mercury versions of the 90. Tohatsu was best in cruising efficiency, reliability, and maximum range, and right up there for low noise level, acceleration. Honda got 12 points, Suzuki 11, and merc 10.

An interesting note was that weight and physical displacement were not considerations. The tohatsu is 315 pnd, evinrude 305, rest well over 400. That and the fact the TLDI is by far the narrowest and smallest make a good argument for it being the "ultimate" Mac motor. Imagine being able to cruise at 4000 RPMs at 20 knots with a FULL ballast tank! Not to mention actually waterski legitimately. I will post my own personal experiences once I get the motor. Anyone interested in upgrading with us send me an e-mail, strength and bargaining power in numbers!
Rolf

[Frank C]

.... for it being the "ultimate" Mac motor. Imagine being able to cruise at 4000 RPMs at 20 knots with a FULL ballast tank! Not to mention actually waterski legitimately. I will post my own personal experiences once I get the motor. ...

Rolf,
Just to avoid any confusion, I have a distinct bias toward the 4-strokes, especially the Suzukis for their quiet cruise. Regardless of preferences, I'll be surprised if your new setup can simultaneously accomplish all three of those criteria .... 20kn @ 4000, full ballast. I doubt that Billy's 140 can quite manage that with its additional 50 hp. I guess I can say that I'd be very, very surprised.

Nonetheless, I hope you achieve your goals ... watching to see your results.

[Rolf]

Frank, the TLDI actually beat the suzuki in noise level comparisons at WOT and idle. The 4-strokes all have a "different, tighter" sound, but not quieter. I have never been on a boat with a 4 stroke except for one time so I'm a poor judge. The magazine results I imagine are accurate. The 4-strokes all have 3 star Ultra low emissions, the tohat 2 star very low emission(Calif legal).

Bob Taylor sent me a post from a macX user in Texas with a TLDI 90 who cruises easily at 3500 RPM, 17-19 mph, and Full ballast. I understand the bias toward Suzuki, they are great-looking motors, technologically advanced, and fuel efficient. I just think for the money(we have found a dealer back east with TLDI 90's for $6100!) it makes much more sense to put a lighter, thinner, more powerful, time-tested(that is key for me) and just as economical engine on a boat like the mac. Powering to Catalina loaded down a few times has convinced me the Mac can do better bigger. If the 4s were lighter and thinner, I'd want one too. Regards,
Rolf

[Frank C]

$6,100 ... That's a great price!

[HERNDON]

What are trade ins going for?

[Roy B. Highland]

Rolf, Put me down for one. You've answered my question about the motor being Calif legal.
I can drive to the LA area to have your dealer trade off my 50 hp Merc and put that new fast sucker on.
Let me know when.
Roy "Salty Dog" Highland

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

Rolf,

This is wild...
These guys are nuts about the Tohatsu 90 TLDI!
Let's shoot for a half dozen orders all at once.
That'll really get the price down.
Play "hard-ball" with the dealer.
However, we should all be prepared for a trade-in value may not be as kind as we're hoping for.
http://www.tohatsu.com/outboards/90tldi.html

[Rolf]

Roy, Bob,
I'll post here and e-mail you as soon as he comes back with a price. Be prepared to make a couple of trips to LA. They'll want a deposit and info on the trade in.
Rolf