The BEST Tiller Outboards! (MOST RELIABLE)

The BEST Tiller Outboards! (MOST RELIABLE)
Last week ya'll commented that you wanted a Team Talk video discussing the best small HP tiller outboards. Today we deliver and some of y'all might be surprised at our list. Lastly, we want you to comment below on 2 more tiller outboards that you think are the most reliable. Any Tohatsu fans out there?
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[@trevorstewart2402]

The 90's Nissan/Tohatsu 18hp 2 stroke tiller had the best power to weight ratio of any two stroke of that era, super simple and reliable motors as well. Buy one if you can find one!

[@ikrunic23]

Those 9.9/15hp johnson/evinrude are indestructible! I'm running a 9.9 that sat for 3 years. Fired right up. Plus so many interchangeable parts between all the years. I have an 03 lower unit on my 87. Such good motors!

[@davehaddad3229]

Yamaha 2 stroke 40/28, 40/30 & 50/35 jet drive tiller OEM setup. Wicked engines - precision blend that hasn’t given a hiccup on 3 engines. Owned all above, 1, 40/30 I ran hard for 10 seasons with heavy loads, zero issues, never touched carbs. Needed to clean thermostats regularly which is common on outboard jets. Bullet proof. Highly sought after engines in B.C. Especially for inflatable jet tunnel hulls.

[@tim4269]

I found the carbed Evinrude/Johnson all hp started great. Smaller older Mercs all were a bitch to start.

[@govtfunded]

The Johnson "SPL" 28/48/88 were awesome. Many still running around up here. My little 6hp Evinrude Fisherman from 1969 is still going strong and does good for anti-mosquito work.

[@fishingismydrug1]

First off, I love your videos! No BS. 80’s and 90’s two stroke Suzuki 25hp. Will outrun any other 25hp. Central Illinois has a couple 25hp limit lakes, those engines hold their value better than you could ever imagine! I currently have a 2015 9.8hp four stroke Tohatsu. Starts easy , runs smooth and quiet, sips fuel. Doesn’t have near the hole shot of a two stroke though. It’s all a trade off.

[@Da93teg87]

Suggested this vid last week and now im shopping for a tiller setup for my 1648 seaark! Thanks Andy!

[@craiglafosse8086]

Tohatsu 20hp-60hp 2 smoke and four stroke. They are tanks, fast and reliable. Also the 2 smoke 25hp and 40hp mercs.

[@davidrankin3117]

Have a 2004 Nissan two stroke 25hp and a 2007 Tahatsu two stroke for fishing restricted HP lakes .A lot of guys run them up this way .These motors are dependable and fast. I'm running the 25 Nissan on a J16 Carolina Skiff and getting 27-28 mph GPS .

[@FlippinOkie]

Had zero issues outta my 99' johnson 30hp. But i also have a 150 ficht thats been running good lmao so my data should probably be null and void.

[@dantwaites7097]

Glad i found this video, im looking to repower my boat with a 50 from a 25. Currently have a 25hp etec and not sure what to go with.

[@blackdogproductions2044]

I had a 2004 25hp Mercury 2 stroke. That was the best engine I ever had or used. It never once had anything go wrong with it. It ran perfect all the time. Idle all day. Great power. Not super heavy. It was just so good. Had it on my duck boat. Loved that set up. Sold the motor after the boat rotted to pieces. (I made the boat) Didn't have anything to put it on. Wish I just gotten a little skiff or something to put the motor on.

[@parkercockrell978]

@TeamMarineService My 2002 Mercury 15 runs Great and is a Good little outboard on the lake. I also have a 1997 Johnson 9.9 and also runs great. Love small tiller Outboards and like your videos. Keep up the great work and thank you

[@patpollack1109]

Love the video how about a video on new 75 thru 90 tiller models. Thanks

[@pryan05p71]

25 mariner “grey mercury”. Loved it.

[@blackdogproductions2044]

Also had one of those 80's models 15hp evinrudes. That was a great little motor. Had it on a 14' Grumman aluminum skiff. Sweet little bass fishing rig. Always worked. Sold it running great.

[@timburton9514]

I have a 25 hp Suzuki 4 stroke fuel injected. 2017 model. I love it!!

[@johngeiwitz8168]

I live in Western Pennsylvania and we have a lot of limited horsepower lakes. I currently have three tiller boats. One is a Carolina Skiff J16 with a 18 hp Tohatsu it has over 500 hours on it and still runs great. I also have to 50 hp tillers one is a 1985 Mariner still runs great had it on a 17 ft. Pro Angler Lund but just changed it out and now have a Mercury 50 hp four stroke. They run very similar in speed but I never have to get gas now. It's amazing the fuel milage I get now with the four stroke. I fish a lot of local tournaments and I do very well with my tiller boats up against everybody with there big bass boats. I used to have a couple of big bass boats but it just got to be to much to change from big boat to limited horse power boat and back to the big boat. All in one weekend. I forgot to say the 18 hp has 9.9 stickers on it for limited horse power lakes. Love this you tube channel.

[@thomashardwick673]

Only had two and one you talked about the 15hp evienrude and the 90s 25hp Johnson was amazing never had any issues and had it for over 20yrs and was rock solid.

[@sha6mm]

I am running a 2004 Johnson 30hp has been awesome pull start. Starts easy from 17F going duck hunting to 100F fishing in summer. First start of day two pulls most times after that one pull.

[@robgun1895]

My 1987 spl 48 never will die . Still has 117 on both cylinders! Ran as a teenager . Have a 90 zuk jet that is like a farrari and quiet. All good stuff . Keep it coming👍

[@Outdoors-pb2sc]

Merc. 25 and Yam yam 25 2-strokes are the two best outboards ever made... period! You can sink them, seize them up or run them on water and gas mix. Hit anything with them and they still run like a scalded dog.

[@c.shoefish]

Absolutely I've brought several of each back from hell and they're all still running, one of them is on my own boat (yammy 25)

[@dirtrider383]

Omc is pretty much the same just slower lol

[@kennyb7883]

Off topic question..... what's the difference between the Mariner and the Mariner Magnum?

[@cam270wsm]

The smaller mercury 2strokes were made by tohatsu in Japan that is why they last so long and are reliable

[@Sixseven_Kevin]

2023 Suzuki DF75A tiller is awesome! Powerful and smooth running. Only have about 40 hours on it so far. I have it on an Excel 1860 F86. Boat is used for catfishing and waterfowl hunting on the Mississippi river in Missouri.

[@chilinemec992]

I'd love to see a least reliable tiller video. My first boat had a 1996 Evinrude 25. I ran mud through it, ran it out of the water, ran it into rocks and stumps; It never broke down. I did have some starter solenoid issues, but that was because my battery cables were loose and burning up the solenoid. I like to see some more shop life videos at some point.

[@dons9812]

Love my 2021 Suzuki 20 hp it just goes no matter what, and had a 1999 Yamaha 9.9 hp 2 stroke I loved and couldn’t kill

[@Coproductiongarage]

Early 2000s, mariner 15 horse power outboard brake motor never broke on me. Never had a bent prop shaft. And I hit 3 logs with it. The prop is taken like chips, the size of a quarter out of it, but still great running moder

[@Coproductiongarage]

And I recommend that mid-eighties Johnson, 9.9 and 15. The reason why is those are really fast really liable. I did blow ahead gasket, but other than that. Absolutely awesome motors that 9.9 horse was Faster than most Mercury 15. So great first outboard it was my first outboard as a kid

[@duckme590]

Early Yamaha / Mariner 15-30hp. We have had a 15 in the family since new in 82/84?? It’s pushed everything from a 16 old town sponson to a kicker motor on 21’ glass boat, thousands of hours, total lack of maintenance, mix gas and go!

[@alanhore1834]

Had a short shaft Nissan 25 two stroke on a 14 foot flat. They are only a timing adjustment and a carb restrictor removal from making almost 35 hp. That thing really ran strong. Had it hot more than once from weeds or sand, could not kill that damb thing. Sold it to a buddy that is still running it.

[@larrylefebvre2237]

My favorite was a 2005 Yamaha 15 hp, mixed the fuel 75:1 instead of 100:1 as recommended. Never had an issue with it.

[@bassmaster3659]

Mercury 8-15 hp 2 stroke. Excellent outboard!

[@shanedeters5571]

First Comment woot, Can't wait for this one! My Dads first outboard an old Mariner 9.9 souped up to 25hp. Great boat and memories

[@redslkpd]

2 stroke evinrude was a beast 9.9 upped to 15 for PA--circa 1990. Replaced with a 20 hp merc 4 stroke efi. No smoke, push button start, power trim. I am a happy old man.

[@alanwinge8775]

I have two Evinrude 6's and had a Mercury 9.9 and Johnson 30. All were two stroke and worked well. The Johnson 30 was a '93, my first outboard and the newest of the bunch. All of these motors has worked well. The 9.9 Mercury would rip on a 1236 tin jon boat.

[@nickforest]

I’m running a 1976 Johnson 9.9 and it’s bulletproof!

[@blairgodwin]

My dad bought brand new 81' johnson seahorse 15 2 stroke. The first time using it he threw it over the transom and dropped in the lake, removed spark plugs to clear cylinders out. From that day on its still running flawlessly. I would add to the list my 1988 yamaha 90 2 stroke. Bought it used with unknown hours, compression was good. Hook up gas and runs unreal. 4 years of just regular servicing. I would also add 2015 yamaha 25 4 stroke. Another smooth runner, easy dial in idle rpm and good top end speed with 3 ppl

[@mjt1214]

2021 Mercury EFI Prokicker 9.9hp: I bought it used for my jonboat with 10 hours on it. Since then, I had to have the impeller and fuel pump replaced. Mercury took care of both repairs under warranty at no cost to me, but still what a pain! Motor runs great now (very quiet) but I’m worried what’s gonna break on it next. I only have a few months left on the warranty.

[@pdp83]

Have have a 9.8 hp carbureted Tahatsu which is a great little motor and I also have a Suzuki DF 15 hp The only issue with the 15 is the Suzuki seems to spray water everywhere and added quite a bit of resistance below the water line, but it starts on the first pull and idles so smooth. No suggestions for 9.9 hp models?

[@drum12oo]

2019 4 stroke 50hp SLAMMAHA! I love mine down here in louisiana

[@ghost13829]

Really great video i often wondered how durable the smaller ones were

[@deanferries7766]

The smaller ones are way more durable simpler and powerheaeds are under way less stress

[@sc4808]

I’ve had a lot of tiller handle motors over the years, here are some quick comments on them. 1989 Merc 25 2 stroke-great Motor, still own it. 1990s Evinrude 40 2 stroke, lots of issues, sold it. 1993 Yamaha 40 (3cyl) 2 stroke, amazing motor, sold it for more than I paid for it. 2008 Yamaha 25 2 stroke, great motor, sold to get a 4 stroke. 2008 Merc 25 4 stroke EFI, great motor, still running strong. 2020 Yamaha 25 4 stroke, so far I love it. 2019 Yamaha 20 4 stroke, been great so far.

[@hdb7537]

I had 9.9 to 30 hp tiller Mercury,Johnson and my favorite❤ is the 30 Yamaha 3 cylinder and still running strong

[@jacquirogers5091]

Tohatsu 50 m50d2 same as mercury 50 Xr lightening (maybe only export). Used in the thunder cat racing also

[@dougbaldauf5977]

I have a Nissan 40hp TLDI 2 stroke that has been a reliable and fast engine. Came with tilt/trim.

[@billewald7611]

I Had a 50 3 cylinder Johnson a1995 and it ran great !

[@BMWQC]

I would be interested in your thoughts on a six or eight horsepower motor used as a kicker for trolling.

[@XnnorDaveB]

Loved and miss my old 74 Evinrude 15 fast twin

[@LaneY5220]

Happy Friday everyone

[@RHJ3]

Man I love your engine choices, I've had experience with most of them you mentioned and I agree whole heartedly. I run a 1996 Evinrude Tracker 20HP Longshaft 2-stroke (its black and I swear its a 25 it RIPS) on a 1998 Alumacraft 14ft split-back in northern New York State every year at my summer cottage. I got both brand new and the dang thing wont die! I've only had to replace a fuel pump and am internal fuel line in the last 26 years. This summer had the lower unit rebuilt, that's it. And for winter storage; replace the lower unit oil, run the gas out of the carbs, put it on the trailer and cover it, that's it, BULLET PROOF! Another outboard that's hard to kill is the Evinrude/Johnson late 70s early 80s 70HP 3 cylinder, not sure if they made a tiller but them dang things won't die either! And for the little OMC 15HP shorties, they haul ass for their size fer suuuure!

[@Brittany-xw5ub]

All the 3 cylinder OMC are great! That 70 was an absolute monster! IMO they are the absolute best 2 stroke motors ever made!

[@dutersupy]

From the 90's until they quit making them for the US, the Yamaha 25 2-stroke is hard to beat. Towed in a few Mercury 25's and Johnson 25/35's with it.

[@justinparker8344]

I have a 97 mariner magnum 40 hp tiller two stroke, what's your opinion on it .

[@asphalt_mafia573]

May be a wild card……. But I have a ‘78 3.5hp Eska that was my dad’s. To this day, it will still fire up and great for a 12-14’ jon.

[@SystemFreak17]

Yamaha 50TLR owner, 100% have a crank bearing going out. I get a loud squealing noise here and there but apparently no performance issue

[@kentlee7494]

I had a 78 7.5 johnson tiller it two pulls on rope you were gone like donkey Kong!! My first and favorite motor. I had a tin head 20hp merc,not sure what year that the drive shaft rusted in the lower unit. I bought it on used boat an was junk.

[@zegoflorida]

The late model Yamaha 25 2 stroke weighs 112 lbs… the last 40 hp 2 stroke (2 cylinder - single carb) tohatsu weighs 122 lbs… - the power to weight ratio KING. I have 2… (most were bought up and modified for racing applications on the little hydroplane boats)

[@petecook1611]

What about hopping up a Merc 2 stroke 9.9??

[@billewald7611]

I have driven from Pine Island Minnesota ! To have you guys work on my 50 pro Yamaha.

[@Aggieland79]

Can you talk about the newer 4 stroke tillers by Mercury, Suzuki, Tahatsu and Yamaha?

[@shawncordeiro5078]

hows the 60hp 2stroke 59ci merc outboard ?

[@evanvogel3351]

Have a 07 115 Opti. Runs great most of time. Randomly will lose power and bog down when I go to take off. Shut it down sit for 5 mines runs like a rapped ape rest of day. Happens 25% of time other than that no complaints

[@kirkreusch5704]

2004 Mercury 15hp big foot 4 stoke.

[@ethanboggiss3471]

I love the 40/50hp tohatsu 2stroke I have a 40hp I just can’t get over reliable only things they are little hard to start from cold. Once they are going they just run hard. My second would be Honda 40/50/60 all efi My number 3 would be Suzuki 40/50/60 then 75 right up to 300hp. Same with Honda 115 right up to 250hp Mercury efi 2 strokes v6 2.5 litre sound like Bad ass My other mercury outboards is the 75hp up 150hp. Four stroke efi grate engines Last of not less evinrude oil injection 115hp 2stroke that was made in BRP just before the etacs came out I don’t think evinrude made a lot of them but I think it’s still the best outboard. Soiled motor. Just one more 75hp 90hp 2stroke grate outboards. That’s my list.

[@Lreid432]

Still have a 40 GP 85 tiller Evinrude 40 manual that starts on the second pull. Recently replaced the fuel pump and on the 16 foot Jon gets 26 mph.

[@Lreid432]

40 horsepower

[@coldspring624]

Early 9.9 mariner hands down the best I have in that size. I still run a Johnson 25 and 40

[@blaineschwarzel2440]

Tohatsu 9.9 EFI one hell of a outboard

[@2quack]

I have 2022 Suzuki 40 and am forced to use that BS Solas aluminum prop that needs to be replaced every time it hits a blade of eelgrass. The only stainless i found that fits chatters so much and so loud (at idle) it's embarrassing. Didn't even try to run it because it sounded like it would shread my lower unit. Does anyone make a stainless for the 40 that stays quiet?

[@GUNSLINGEROUTDOORS]

Early 80s 15-35hp johnson/evinrude are like the iron duke of the outboard world.. I know a few with the newer 20hp Suzuki that just keep taking whatever that's thrown at them..

[@spencergarretson5834]

I would like like to know about the worst tillers, or ways to hot rod a tiller. I also don't hear alot about Tohatsu from you but myself and 5 others around me have ran the same tillers for almost 35 years now with out issue.

[@SHEFLAND]

suzuki 90., have had 3 bulletproof, run around 200 hrs a season here in Mn

[@streamin2605]

For anyone who's a little younger. They will have a father or grandfather that swore by a 20 mercury! 40 mercury also because people are turning them up and making things for them and there's a huge following with them

[@jcfish6702]

1999 Suzuki 25, Merc 60hp 60-80

[@c.shoefish]

Yamaha 15 and 25 2 stroke, you can't kill em! ThatBoatGuy here on YT proved it 😂 than you have the Yamaha Enduro engines .. they're on another level. Johnson/Evinrude definitely deserve their place too, my dad has a 78 Johnson 35 seahorse that's still running with zero issues, we guess that engine has a minimum of 4k hours on it. We have a family friend that's a commercial crabber and he's running around on a late 80s/early 90s tohatsu 2 stroke (not sure HP...maybe 40) and he beats the absolute shit out of it and it starts up and runs flawlessly.

[@jasonpranger8485]

Grey and gold Suzuki 25hp 3cyl 2 stroke. Was a super fast.

[@bigdadys98x]

25 hp tohatsu 4 stroke . Awesome reliable tough as hell , replace the plugs once a year and runs like a dream . Can troll them down slow enough for walleye.

[@maverickmisenko7234]

Would love to see least reliable tillers to see what you think! Late 90's evinrude 9.9 2 stroke and early 90's evinrude 30 have been super reliable to me. Also just got a 1999 Evinrude 50 4 stroke this year (They were made by suzuki) And I am loving it.

[@blackdogproductions2044]

2006ish 4 stroke 25hp Yamaha. That was a piece of poop

[@rylancarmichael8030]

Tohatsu 18hp loved it and probably the 6hp Johnson . Worst motor I ever had was a Yamaha 25hp two stroke brought brand new and always ran crap dealer could never get it to run right and they were a great dealership. Ended up trading it for a 30hp e tec that’s another story!!

[@ShaneWilliams-fj7xe]

I bought a new 35 hp 2 stroke 3 cylinder (Mirage) in 1997. It’s had some work done to it. That thing has been bullet proof. I’m an Arkansas duck hunter, so it’s seen some time. Parts are getting a little hard to find now. It runs like a raped ape for what it is, the torque is unbelievable. I’m thinking about going over to a 4 stroke, maybe a 40 hp Suzuki or Tohatsu and do an ECU reflash. We’ll see. That 25 hp mercury 2 stroke 2 cylinder is bullet proof also. Couple buddies running those down here. They won’t quite.

[@Kenny-km8rc]

Still have a 68 Johnson 6 horse that has never let me down.

[@jasonhills3726]

2007 Johnson 15hp

[@foghole9449]

Suzuki dt40, sunk in the salt for a week...ran for 2 more years, did seize though Currently running an old 87 Mariner 30hp, cant kill it. Lower unit off it three times, who knows how many props. Son ran for a day fishing once wihout oil, still starts cold on the thrid pull...its a Yamaha clone though. Im looking at one of the new Tohatsu 30s or a Suzuki 30...there close to the same weight in long shaft with pt/t. Getting older always wanted Pt/t, the Tohatsu has that skinny little lower unit, kinda scares me. Forgot to add, the 80s era evinrude johnson 9.9 / 15hp...there everywhere still running strong.

[@jean-sebastiennadeau5232]

About the merc 25 are you talking the American made or the Japanese made by tohatsu? The image suggest the tohatsu made

[@TeamMarineService]

U.S one 25 carb. 2 stroke

[@pennysgarage]

My homie had an older Tohatsu 25 4 stroke that was a RIPPER. Hauled ass, always started and ran great on pump gas.

[@patg2544]

Had a 1972 25 hp Johnson. Max speed 22 mph on my Jon boat. Sold it and now I have a 85 hydra sport Kevlar with a 150 black max mercury.

[@paulheinonen9249]

'97 Evinrude 60hp tiller. Hasn't failed me yet!

[@bugtussle7475]

What year model was the 25hp Mercury on your list? Had one in the mid seventies that was the biggest piece of junk ever! It was in the shop more than it was on the water. Knew a guy that worked at Mercury in Fond du Lac who agreed that it was a terrible motor and said he would get rid of it ASAP. Replaced it with a 35hp Evinrude. Awesome bulletproof trouble free motor.

[@catlifeoutdoors6369]

Was that the one that shifted on the throttle? Yes they were total garbage

[@bugtussle7475]

@@catlifeoutdoors6369 Now that you mention it, I think that it might have. The motor was used so little because it was never running that it’s hard to remember for sure.

[@jakefarber4090]

2 stroke Montgomery wards ran amazing no issues other than. Someone stole it off back of boat. I bet it's still running today.

[@willgivens]

Merc 59 cuz built. Stupid fast .yamaha 25hp 3cyl . Zuik dt25. Nissan tohatsu 50 all good motors

[@danielperdikis5598]

Yamaha 40hp 2cyl and 60hp 3 cyl enduro. Have seen them do thousands of hours in remote areas of the globe

[@timhenry3066]

How about a top 10 trolling motor video

[@bcbrando7678]

Mercury sea pro 25 (Tohatsu 25/30) convert to a 30hp with just a carb gasket they run fast and strong and fairly light

[@charlesfbasta3780]

Check out havoc boats with wreackin havoc subtitle they run a lot of Mercs and Yamahas and hop them up a lot it’s crazy to watch!

[@toddw.9845]

Mercury 40 , 50 , 60 4 stroke efi !

[@Jerry-sy8rd]

Are those the ones made by Tohatsu?

[@toddw.9845]

@@Jerry-sy8rd My understanding is Tohatsu made the 30 hp and smaller outboards for mercury and the early 40,50 and 60 hp were made with a joint venture with yamaha .

[@michaelduffee6402]

I had a 1987 Suzuki 2-stroke 25hp tiller with an electric starter. It was a fantastic engine. Wish I still had it.

[@donaldjdickinson]

I had a 94 40hp merc 4 cylinder 2 stroke - it was the most reliable ever ... until my 90 Yamaha SHO tiller. You need at least one 70-90hp tiller. I vote the 90 SHO

[@MrBumbles2]

well i have a merq 1969 9,9 wizard twin, still runs today , 1974 johnson 25hp 2st still running till this day owned both from new. 2012 yamaha 25 4 st pos didn't last a yr nothing but problems even after dealer had it 3 x it found its way to the scrap yard. back to the johnson 25 starts always.

[@jwboilermaker]

25 Mariner. About ‘92 model. Same as the merc…bulletproof. Runs like a cheetah

[@foghole9449]

I have a 87 mariner 30hp but its a Yamaha....cant kill it

[@docriordan7787]

87 Johnson 25 hp had the 100 to1 ratio I could not run it that small amount. This was around the first thru hub exhaust. On a 14' Lowe 27 mph with a SS prop was normal. Run it from new in 87 to 94 no repairs just yearly plugs and foot oil.

[@FarmerPierce]

FORCE!

[@Brittany-xw5ub]

The 18hp evinrude! Older but super super fast and very reliable! Had an 18hp Evinrude on a 14 foot waco jon boat as a kid. That fucker would absolutely FLY! I do think that any 25hp or less 2 stroke tillers are all great outboards for the most part!

[@seohoutdoors2796]

2000 30hp Suzuki 👍🏻