Tohatsu / Mercury 20HP Top Speed Test on Lowe 1448M

My Amazon Affiliate links help the channel, but ZERO extra charge to you. Thanks for purchasing using my links and for your support:
SE Sport 200 Hydrofoil Instant performance and handling upgrade for smaller engines amzn.to/3aRhDjX
2020 Lowe 1448M with a 2020 20HP TOHATSU long shaft. This test was with a 12 pitch prop and load as described in the video.
Note that I’ve never ran this setup with just myself in the boat, if I did, I’m sure I’d get another 4-5 mph. This engine has a ton of torque.

[@claytoncampbell3777]

I just bought a 1652. Have the 20 on it. Can’t wait to get out and see what mine can do. Thanks for posting!

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Sweet!! I’ve been thinking about getting a 16 or 18. Please let me know what your top speed is, which prop, and how loaded your boat is during the test. Thanks!! 👍🏻

[@glennr9913]

26 mph seems like a respectable top speed for the weight you're carrying. My 12' inflatable runs about the same speed carrying 2 adults, but it's 100+ lbs lighter and isn't hauling the batteries. The rigid hull is much more efficient than the inflatable, but it doesn't pack up and fit under the bed of our Sprinter. Thanks for a good video.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Thanks!

[@ia6980]

What kind of inflatable do you have?

[@yoncheramie7271]

That's a good speed for that boat with all the gear

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Thanks! Yes, this motor has much more torque than what I expected 👍🏻

[@Bixnoodle]

Great video, exactly what i was looking for. 20hp will be more than i need

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Awesome! Hope it works out for you. Great motor!

[@applebees3729]

great rig mate, about to get a 2019 model 30 tohatsu on the back of an old savage gannet ive been doing up for the past few months, (14foot Aluminium v hull) just out here trying to predict my speed and all that. again sweet rig and gets up to speed super well

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Thanks for watching! Man, a 30 on a 14’ aluminum is going to FLY!! Let me know how you make out. Remember prop pitch tuned to your total weight will make all the difference. Check my video on the Tachometer setup (everyone should have one). There are also links in the description to get the one I used. Knowing your WOT RPM is very telling. Enjoy 👍🏻

[@applebees3729]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 thanks, and ill make sure to check that video out. the 14 foot at the moment has an old 60hp two stroke and id love to take it out but it seems like a death trap with take thing on it, all my mates reckon itd sit on the prop ahaha

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

@@applebees3729 a 60! Wow! Did someone just stick it on there to sell it or did they run the 14 with that 60 on there? That would be a scary ride (but probably fun if it didn’t go airborne 😂)

[@KitsFishing]

Hi i love Tohatsu Outboards. Iv never had a problem with one. i have 6hp and 30hp versions. Fuel consumption is low compared to my old 75hp 2stroke so im very happy. I always have spare fuel onboard as i use my boat at sea but i cycle through the spare so it is not sat in the can too long also i only use premium fuel, no e10 as e10 is not good for fuel lines or the carb/injectors

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

That’s a great strategy 👍🏻

[@Carnivorefitness2024]

Why the long shaft motor and jack plate? Why not just get the short shaft and mount directly to the transom? I am looking for a new motor and looking for tips, thanks!

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

When I bought the motor, there was not a short shaft to be found in the US unless I wanted to wait for a few months which I did not. I always like setback and have always used Jack plates in the past I just had to do this in a different way to get it up higher to accommodate the long shaft.

[@silviuflorescu6838]

I want to buy my first outboard, the same Tohatsu model as yours, for using in my camper trips. I will create a box between my chassis bars to store it perpendicular on the driving direction. Do you think it is wise to do that? Would the lateral movements of the car affect anything? Also, what side should I lean on during transport? Left or right? And what angle shoud it be up from the engine head so I don't get oil leaks? Is the tiller easy detachable? I might need to do it every time because of limited space in the transport box. Thanks!

[@John_D2]

I used a 1/4" piece of plywood to make a floor in mine. The weight of those batteries bouncing on the rivets is probably not a good thing. If you google "New Aluminum Floor in 1648" that's how I made it level. Sealed the wood with fiberglass resin.

[@Just4funTravel]

awesome review. I am looking to get one soon.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

They are really good motors! Took it out overnight camping recently and in freezing conditions it started right up and ran smooth thanks to the EFI. Get the electric start option, well worth it!

[@eddygoldman8811]

Thanks for the tack installation Video

[@ia6980]

Trolling battery in front, where is the terminals on that one? I like how its hidden, is there some kind of adapter that connects to it?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi, no I just have it direct wired to the battery with wing nuts so it’s easy to remove for charging. I do plan to run power from the motor at some point so it can recharge on the boat between fishing spots.

[@ia6980]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 i see, thanks

[@yoncheramie7271]

Good speed with all that weight

[@ia6980]

What you think of hydrofoil? Do you feel difference?

[@dcobbs9494]

Great video and information, is that shaft 15 ' or 20"? Why did you add the jack plate? I'm getting ready to purchase the same motor with power tilt.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Thanks! It’s the long shaft model. At the time a new short shaft was unavailable for months so I opted for the long shaft, therefore I had to use a jack plate to get the motor up high enough. I was good though because I was already planning to use a jack plate to obtain some setback which helps the motor perform better anyway and it made it easy to get the cav plate even with the bottom of the boat for best performance. You will really enjoy the motor. They are high quality. Be sure to check out my impeller video. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@a.johnson9400]

Good video.....how well has your transom setup been holding up as far as the aluminum angles.im thinkn of tryn sumthn like tht to jack my long shaft motor up

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi! Thanks! I’ve had a few requests for more info on my jack plate setup. I’ve been working on a quick review video that I plan to put out next weekend. If you are sub you’ll get the notice. Otherwise check again in about a week or so. Bottom line, the design worked out better than I expected. I’ll include all details, measurements, and sources.

[@shridharreddy1320]

Hi, thanks for the speed test. I have the same motor on an inflatable boat and love it. However i have the short shaft. It looks like your motor is a long shaft,? I am guessing a short shaft would not work on any jonboat?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi! Thanks for watching! When I bought my jon boat Tohatsu happened to sell out of all their short shaft 20’s and I didn’t want to wait 4 months. I had already bought the boat and done some mods otherwise I could have bought the same boat with a tall transom. This has actually worked out really well for me, it was meant to be! 👍🏻

[@shannonyork5300]

Thank you for another video on the Tohatsu 20 hp. I'm probably getting one later this year, so all the info you are providing is helpful, indeed. In this video you mention that you are carrying an extra gas can. Is that just for emergencies, or are you finding that on your typical day on the water the engine is consuming more gas than the standard tank holds? Have you had to use the extra gas much? Cheers,

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

It’s just for emergencies. These engines really do sip the gas. I always top off the main tank (3 gallons) before heading out. Even on the days that I go all day and travel many miles I’ve never ran out when I was sure I would. I’ll probably stop bringing the extra can at some point.

[@shannonyork5300]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 Thank you. That's really good to know. Like you, I may carry some backup fuel until I get comfortable with my usage, particularly when I know I'll be out for most of the day or covering alot of water. Once I'm comfortable with my fuel usage on days like that, I sure hope I can avoid carrying the extra fuel. Again, thanks for your videos. Cheers,

[@michaelholmes4183]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 With my 6 hp Yamaha and my 2020 30HP Suzuki I carry one of those quart size non alcohol gas sold in Lowes or Home Depot. People use it for small 2/4 stroke engines (chainsaws, augers etc). I prefer not to keep gas in the internal tank for the 6 HP Yamaha. Just old habits.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

@@michaelholmes4183 that’s a great idea 👍🏻

[@br23goose]

If I’m getting 5400rpms (same motor you have) on my boat at top end do that mean I need to go down in pitch or up? Great videos Thank you

[@wacpickleball]

what pitch is your prop now? I have the same motor and it came with 11.5p and I got 5400-5500 at WOT too.

[@br23goose]

@@wacpickleball my pitch is 11

[@wacpickleball]

@@br23goose I’m thinking of getting a 10p to increase rpm and hope to stay at the same top end speed due to higher rpm but better holeshot

[@br23goose]

@@wacpickleball that’s probably what I’m going to do

[@wacpickleball]

@@br23goose I just ordered a Solas 9.25x10p from Amazon, will see how it goes.

[@brianlee8384]

Did you ever test the speed with out the hydro foil on it’s probably a little faster I have a similar boat but mines a 1648 20 inch transom I get 24 mph with a 18 hp with a 10 p prop. With about 200 lbs of gear and myself.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

No, but I think you are right. I’m sure it adds some drag.

[@simonwang2104]

what model you choose it and why ? Do you know 2021 Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20EEFTL = EFTL and 2021 Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20EEFL = EFL what's mean ?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi Simon, mine is the MFS20EFL (Electric start, Long shaft). I wanted electric start to make life easier and also so I’d have the battery charger. Long shaft because it was all I could find so I had to modify my transom accordingly, it worked out well. I’ve always believed in setback, even with short shafts, so all I had to do was raise the Jack plate a little. Looking back I would have spent the extra and got the electric tilt option. My advice: get the shaft length to match your transom and spend a little more to get the tilt and electric start options. You won’t regret it. 👍🏻

[@Mwwright79]

Quick question for youI have been looking at this model boat pretty hard. I have an old loweline 14’ semi V that I had a 9.9 2 stroke on. Outboard got stolen and I replaced with a 15 4 stroke mercury. I am pleased with the performance, but the boat sits what I consider to be dangerously low in the transom. The boat is 48” at bottom but beam is about 10” more narrow than the Lowe 1448. Since your motor and mine are very close in weight, how well does it sit in water at transom? Do you have to work to keep transom from swamping when coming off plane?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi! Honestly I’ve never noticed this as being a problem on this boat. Usually when I get back in from a day on the water and pull the plug there is zero water inside. Can’t say that I’ve noticed the transom seeming low after a sudden deceleration. I will look closer next time out.

[@reddawng43x91]

Get a 9.9 efi Suzuki, change the ecu to a 20hp problem solved ! 9.9 weight with 20hp

[@richarddegen6184]

@@reddawng43x91 same weight for all Suzuki 9.9, 15, 20hp same powerhead

[@reddawng43x91]

@@richarddegen6184 wow

[@shannonyork5300]

What support device are you using to secure the motor to the trailer to prevent it from jarring and bouncing during transport?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

It’s an Atwood SP-400-RB. It’s reassuring to know that the bumps in the road don’t directly transfer to the transom from the engine’s weight hanging off the back. The transom bracing is solid on this boat, but with the added setback and elevation of my setup, it can’t hurt. It was $29 USD.

[@kysonjohnson4932]

I just bought a new 2021 20hp Tohatsu . It’s on my 14 foot boat and it only pushes it 16 mph. Boat is fully loaded with fishing equipment and 2 kids but it should go faster than that right? It seems to over rev but not go much faster . What do I need to do

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi! “Seems to over rev”? Does the red warning light come on? You need to install a Tach so you know what your max rpm is at that load so you can determine what pitch prop would be ideal for that loading. I did a video that shows how to install one. They are low cost but a necessity 👍🏻

[@a.johnson9400]

11.5 prop

[@a.johnson9400]

11.5 prop.....i got a 15ft aluminum craft pretty heavy boat plus me at 250lb an equipment i get 23mph.

[@andreclay4429]

Do you have your depth finder attached to the storage box

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi, yes I Do. I attached Velcro to the bottom of it and the top of the bench seat. This way it’s easy to reposition and also easy to unplug and remove from the boat. I plan to do a quick video soon about my setup and electrical box. Hopefully it will be helpful and give some ideas.

[@charlescastle4332]

Did you try 9.25x11p ...solas amita 3? Solas amita and tohatsu props are the same

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi Charles, yes, I tried the 11 but was still over revving with light loads, the 12 turned out to work best for my ‘light load’ days. I keep it for a spare. So far, the 10 for heavy load and the 12 for light load seems to be working perfectly. I’d like to try pulling the kids on a tube this summer and am curious if the 10 will work for this or if I’ll have to go lower or even 4 blade for the low end torque I’ll need. We will find out this summer. I also only use aluminum prop versions since there are so many rocks and oyster beds where I fish. I like the ‘give’ of aluminum for these little motors plus props are cheap compared to prop shafts and I can file down and clean up the aluminum prop edges easily with a file. My props are all a mix of OEM and Solas, thanks for bringing this up. They are identical except for the stampings it seems and perform identical. I tried a different brand and didn’t like the prop at all (vibration at certain RPM’s) so for these Tohatsu’s going OEM or Solas is the ticket!

[@busaron_garage]

Greetings from Croatia, I'm buying the same motor tomorrow and I'm very happy, I have a 380 rubber boat, I hope I didn't make a mistake. Did you have any problems?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Greetings!! I’ve been very happy with this engine and would buy it again without any reservations! Only issue was the minor fuel leak out of the box that I explained in one of the other videos. Enjoy!! Excellent choice!!

[@busaron_garage]

Thank you very much, cheers.

[@ia6980]

​@commonsensesolutions6662 what video? What exactly happened?

[@ironix1]

How much does this Lowe 1448M boat weigh please?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

I forget but the specs are posted on the Lowe web site.

[@shannonyork5300]

Any update on your experimenting with props? In this video you mention a "12" pitch and a "10" pitch. For reference, any estimate of your total weight (boat, motor, people, cargo, etc.) when you have the full family aboard? I note from the Tohatsu Owner's manual for the 20 hp (downloaded from the Tohatsu North America website), below is what they list as the available propellers. When you refer to a "12 pitch" are you referring to the 11.5? Which prop did your engine come with? I'm planning to get a new Tohatsu 20hp with tiller, electric start, power tilt and long shaft (weighs about 118 lbs). I'll be putting it on a 15'2" v-hull (74" beam, with 20" transom) with a dry weight of approximately 330 lbs. Mostly it will be my wife and I, occasionally one other person. Fly fishing gear, etc. No trolling motor. Lithium battery for the Tohatsu + the 7" fish finder. I've considered going to a 25hp, but I"m hoping the 20hp will meet our needs, giving us good speed and being able to consistently get on plane. We will be operating this boat at a wide range of altitudes, from sea level to 7,700 feet. So, I'm assuming I'll need to have an extra prop for the higher altitudes. Not sure yet which one. Thanks for your videos. Cheers,

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

I’m sure yours will come with a 10. What you will really need is a tach and run some load tests like I did. I uploaded a video on the tach that works with these motors and how I installed it. The 12 I use is a Solas. I also have the Tohatsu 11.5 and use it as a spare. Sorry I don’t have an idea about weight but you could look up the specs on my boat. Lowe 1448M. Same motor as you are getting minus the power tilt. I have a feeling the 10 or 11 will work for you, just need to test and verify with your tach that you are in range and not over or under revving the motor (after break in).

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Also wanted to mention that this motor has a lot of torque. Even fully loaded it pops right on plane with the correct prop. However, if you have any doubts get the 25 just to be on the safe side. I went out fishing yesterday with my Dad, two kids, loaded boat, and with the 10p prop going against the wind (10-15 mph wind) the best I could do was 21mph. Jumping on plane was not a problem. Honestly, if I were to get a larger jon boat I’d upgrade to the 25 or 30 as I like to have plenty of reserve power.

[@shannonyork5300]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 Doing some research, I note that at both the Tohatsu origional parts website and the Tohatsu product website the both list a 9 pitch prop as being standard on a 20 hp Long Shaft. They both also say that you should drop down to a 7.8 (8) or a 7 for "Moderate" or "Heavy" loads, respectively. Are you certain your 20 hp Long Shaft came with a 10 pitch. Tohatsu says a 10 pitch comes standard with the Short Shaft engine.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

@@shannonyork5300 it’s a 10 for sure. Stamped right on the side. Honestly, if this motor came with a nine it would not have worked very well at all with my set up. When I first tried the 10, the over rev light was constantly coming on which is what prompted me to put a tach on so I knew what was actually happening. I could see possibly running the nine with my set up if I was trying to pull a tube or maybe even the eight. I plan to try pulling the kids on a tube this summer so I’ll find out. Again it all depends on your set up and how heavy everything is. Mine might have a slight advantage because I have it on a jack plate and also some setback which effectively adds more leverage. So I think you have quite a bit of testing in your future 👍🏻 I am also of the opinion that some of the Tohatsu online resources are a bit outdated on their websites as it is totally different from the owners manual that came with my engine. The good thing is you’ll end up with lots of spare props like I have and since I do a lot of fishing around rocks and oyster beds this is a good thing.

[@shannonyork5300]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 Interesting. Another guy recently purchased a 2021 20hp Long Shaft and it came with a 9 pitch. With your setup, particularly with your full family load, I would assume you'd need to go down in pitch (less than 10), not up to an 11 or 12. Presumably, your jack plate is making the dynamics different. Yep, I can see multiple props in my future, particularly as I experiment with higher altitudes (a couple lakes in the 8,500' range). Currently, Tohatsu does not have any of these props in stock! I suppose I could consider after-market props. Cheers,

[@shannonyork5300]

Would you please do me a BIG favor and look in your Manual and see what it specifies for the Battery. Does it say: "Minimum recommended battery: 12V, 70AH (800 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) or 650 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)"? Or does it have a different spec? Thank you.

[@shannonyork5300]

Or does your Manual say: 12V 40Ah/5HR, 350 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

My manual states: “Minimum battery requirement: 12v 40Ah/20HR, 330CCA” I use a Group Size U1 lawn and garden battery 340CCA. It’s small and way lighter than a standard size marine cranking battery. I also have my system wired to charge my large deep cycle trolling battery (on an isolation switch).

[@shannonyork5300]

@@commonsensesolutions6662Thank you. Do you use that U1 battery to power a fish finder also. Does your Tohatsu's alternator seem to do a good job keeping that battery charged?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

@@shannonyork5300 yes, the U1 also runs my Helix. I’ve fished for hours with the Helix running and the engine still starts right up. The alternator seems beefy as it charges the U1 and the deep cycle back up quickly. I made a nice power center with a master switch, fuse box, power outlets and controls that houses the U1. I need to do a vid on it. I’m an electronics engineer so it’s something up my alley 👍🏻

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

I should also mention that the pull start must have a pressure release or similar because one easy pull is all it takes to manually start the engine, even when cold.

[@nigelaskin6571]

I’m looking to get a tachometer for mine. What brand is that one you have?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

This one www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FYXX3C4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 So far so good with this one, what motor do you have?

[@gregsheehan5457]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 Thanks for posting, watched video last week and just purchase 20hp with short shage manual start. How did you route the tach cable into the engine. Again thanks really appreciate your insights.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

@@gregsheehan5457 Hi Greg, I did a video recently showing the install: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWOqkJSQnayMbck

[@KungPowEnterFist]

Dont waste your time and money on the one shown here. Get the TinyTach. It does cost more, but you get what you pay for.

[@gregsheehan5457]

@@KungPowEnterFist Purchased the one shown here to uses seems to be working well, time will tell

[@Cutlass_Rudd]

I have this motor ordered for my 12' inflatable - how fast do you think it'll go?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Hi! Probably faster than it pushes my Jon boat. Be sure to tune the prop and trim to optimize your performance. Be sure to install a tach, it will help!

[@Cutlass_Rudd]

@@commonsensesolutions6662 Yes I saw this video before and ordered the tach/hour meter to help with break in and make sure I don't over rev it, which it may very well do seeing as how light it'll be. Boat is only 120lbs

[@Carnivorefitness2024]

Where did you order it? Online or your local shop?

[@Cutlass_Rudd]

@@Carnivorefitness2024 Online outboards and its finally on the way, should be here in a couple weeks. Ordered it 3 months ago! If you need to be on the water this summer do not order lol

[@Carnivorefitness2024]

@@Cutlass_Rudd damn was it on backorder like most are now, or are they just slow as shit!

[@eddygoldman8811]

Where did you buy your props please

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

I just google until I find who has the best price with shipping on the one I’m looking for

[@renekruger4597]

Cool video! 😎

[@eddygoldman8811]

My short shaft came with a 11.5

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

Interesting! Guess they put on whatever they have the most stock of in the 10 to 11.5 range it seems....

[@joeyjoe8892]

Why bring extra weight when you're going on a speed test

[@shannonyork5300]

I'm planning to get both the electric start and the power tilt. So, I don't know if the power tilt changes the power demand profile much, if any, from a practical standpoint.

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

I don’t think so since the tilt used intermittently

[@thomasto9653]

20hp Tohatsu or 20hp Suzuki?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

I would go with the Tohatsu for sure!

[@musicgems1726]

remove dorsal fin, and you will gain 2mph, i did with mine, there not necessary.

[@robertsteele8838]

Does your motor have tilt and trim ?

[@commonsensesolutions6662]

No, I didn’t want the added weight. But it sure would be nice to have!