2018 Tohatsu 30hp Tested

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Duramacr

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Hello, just want to say that I’m extremely happy
with my choice of engine . I bought a 2018 tohatsu 30hp
long shaft outboard . I put it on a 2017 tracker topper
1542. This boat has a short transom so I used a budget mini
jacker to raise the engine up since it’s a longshaft. I also want
to get another welded boat in the future with a 21 inch transom.
The motor is full manual . I paid 3800 plus tax and license which
was only 400 bucks more then the full manual short shaft 25hp so
I just had to get the 30hp. The motor was still 1 inch below the keel
so still not at optimum height . Anyway I broke it in the hard way .
I’ve had good luck breaking engines in hard . They tend to run better
and make more horsepower later on down the road . So I went to castaic lake
3 days ago . My boat weighs about 230 because of wood flooring . Prop was
13 inch pitch. 3 guys , ice chest , anchor, fishing equipment , etc.
3 guys totaling 670lbs. I hit 33mph with a full load with the rpms at 5700.
It was obvious It was too much prop for that weight . Then I dropped off a 220lb
guy and the boat hit 35mph . With 2 people Rpms jumped up to almost
6000rpm. Then I went solo and I had to move the ice chest and gas tank
up because the boat went straight up in the air when I would smash the throttle.
I even had to trim the engine all the way up which basically throws the front forward .
I finally got it plane and I hit 38mph but the front was plowing . The boat was scary at that
speed . I had to slow down in the waves because I almost lost control. Rpms jumped to
6200 which is right below the 6250 rev limit which makes it perfect with one person.
Too much engine for this boat . I ordered a solas 11 pitch and 12 pitch amita 3 props
from a retailer called “ Jet” . 60 bucks a piece . It should go faster with a load and have
a way better holeshot. I know the 25hp is a popular option so if any of you guys do that I
would order it with a 10 or 11 pitch prop. Hopes this helps you guys . I will post other
results when I raise the engine up a little more and with the other props.
 
You are a mad man! You get an video of the top speed run :lol:

I just broke in my 20hp Tohatsu last week, still only a little over half done, I'm doing it the slow way. Been very happy with the engine though and it has probably more power than my almost 14' boat can handle.
 
Wouldn't change a thing if I was seeing those numbers. Sounds spot on.

You go down 1 or 2 in pitch and it's going to bounce off the limiter with a light load.
 
Thanks guys , I don’t go fishing ever by myself . I always take the kids or
Some buddies. Always at least 2 people on the boat . I think the 12 pitch
would be perfect . Just raised the motor up another inch with a piece of
Solid aluminum 1 inch square tubing . Now the cavitation plate is level or maybe
A 1/4 inch above the keel. Should pick up some . I’ll post the results when I get back
to the lake .
 
So I went to the lake again fishing with 2 friends and
the new 12 pitch prop . I lost 3 mphs and I couldn’t hit
full throttle cuz I would hit the rev limiter . The little red light
would turn on every time I got to 6250 on my tach. Was only
able to hit 30mph . 1 guy was 300, I’m 250, and another guy
was 165 plus 2 small ice chests . I guess the 13 pitch is the
way to go.
 
Duramacr said:
So I went to the lake again fishing with 2 friends and
the new 12 pitch prop . I lost 3 mphs and I couldn’t hit
full throttle cuz I would hit the rev limiter . The little red light
would turn on every time I got to 6250 on my tach. Was only
able to hit 30mph . 1 guy was 300, I’m 250, and another guy
was 165 plus 2 small ice chests . I guess the 13 pitch is the
way to go.
Yes, you should just about max out at RPM's with your lightest load. Sounds like a great rig, tight lines.
 
Crazyboat said:
Yes, you should just about max out at RPM's with your lightest load. Sounds like a great rig, tight lines.
I advise changing that to you should “just about max out with load of typical gear ALWAYS carried aboard, you & 1/3rd fuel.”
 
It's ok to raise the mini-jacker up more. That's why there are multiple holes. I've seen them mounted with 3 holes sticking above the transom. Pics would help.
 
Duramacr said:
So I went to the lake again fishing with 2 friends and
the new 12 pitch prop . I lost 3 mphs and I couldn’t hit
full throttle cuz I would hit the rev limiter . The little red light
would turn on every time I got to 6250 on my tach. Was only
able to hit 30mph . 1 guy was 300, I’m 250, and another guy
was 165 plus 2 small ice chests . I guess the 13 pitch is the
way to go.

Yep, hate to say I told ya so haha. Been there with a similar Tohatsu.
 

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