Thoughts on the Mercury 4 stroke 9.9 hp outboard?

[SayGudday]

Gudday!

Have the opportunity to purchase a mercury 4 stroke 9.9 hp outboard for $1,500 with only 43 miles on it. Comes with lifting gear, jerry cans and a few other things. Does anyone have any experience with this motor they'd like to share?

Thanks in advance.

[SEMIJim]

For what purpose? And why did you post the question in the "Atomic 4" sub-forum?

Jim

[T37Chef]

The Merc 9.9 is made by Tohatsu, same engine as the Tohatsu 9.8 but with more bells & whistles, ones not needed on an engine of that size. When I was looking for the same type engine last year, many of the mechanics I spoke with said the Merc is over engineered (whatever that means). One thing I recall different between the two, is the Merc has the shifter on the tiller, and from what I understand, you cant rev the engine unless its in gear? How many times have you wanted to rev a cold engine a bit when you first start it? That option on the Merc was the deal killer for me, not to mention the addition $$.

BTW, you can get a new Tohatsu for the price you want to pay for a used Merc??? Why the heck would you do that? Thats expensive lift gear and what ever the other things are? And the Tohatsu comes with a 3 Gal tank, mute point IMO.

See below

[T37Chef]

FWIW:

Tohatsu: 9.8 HP 4-Stroke

Mercury: 9.9 HP 4-Stroke

[SayGudday]

SemiJIm - oops! wasn't paying attention, didn't mean to post it in the Atomic4 sub forum.

T37Chef - thanks for he feedback!

[T37Chef]

So far, been very pleased with the T9.8

Use it often or run out the fuel each time/drain the bowl, and it starts up on the first pull. Its also the same weight as the 8 hp so no reason to not get the 9.8/9.9 unless the boats max HP is 8hp?

[sailingdog]

Second what Chef said.

[TohatsuGuru]

Originally Posted by T37Chef

The Merc 9.9 is made by Tohatsu, same engine as the Tohatsu 9.8 but with more bells & whistles, ones not needed on an engine of that size. When I was looking for the same type engine last year, many of the mechanics I spoke with said the Merc is over engineered (whatever that means). One thing I recall different between the two, is the Merc has the shifter on the tiller, and from what I understand, you cant rev the engine unless its in gear? How many times have you wanted to rev a cold engine a bit when you first start it? That option on the Merc was the deal killer for me, not to mention the addition $$.

BTW, you can get a new Tohatsu for the price you want to pay for a used Merc??? Why the heck would you do that? Thats expensive lift gear and what ever the other things are? And the Tohatsu comes with a 3 Gal tank, mute point IMO.

See below

Same engine except for:

1) Paint color
2) Engine cowling cosmetically different
3) Engine tilt mechanism is different. I don't think one is better than the other, Mercury just wanted one that matched their old design.
4) Shift mechanism. The Tohatsu shift handle on the front is more reliable, however, the Mercury shift in the handle is more convenient for some users who are morbidly obese and need to sit further forward in a boat
5) Warranty may vary. Three year standard on both, but Mercury often runs a five year warranty as a promotion.
6) Five times the number of Mercury dealers to Tohatsu dealers.
7) Price

[SayGudday]

Love the feedback, much thanks.

[David Irwin-Bellette]

D'day from Down under
I have a Merc 9.9 4 stroke to power my 22 ft T.S. with no hassles. You can rev the engine without placing it in gear by pushing the button on the left hand side of the motor whilst it is in Neutral gear. Works every time. No worries.
Happy sailing!
Cheers
David B