FAQ – Pisces Marine

Tohatsu Outboards

Is there anything I need to do before using the outboard?
No assembly is required. Even the propeller is pre-installed for your convenience for 2.5-20HP. If you purchase an electric start model, your outboard will include battery leads pre-installed from the factory (battery not included). You simply connect the battery leads to your battery. Read the owner’s manual carefully prior to operation. The owner’s manual contains important information regarding the break-in period, safety and proper use of your outboard engine.
Does Tohatsu make Mercury outboards?
Yes. Tohatsu makes all Mercury outboards 2.5- 30hp. If you are looking for the comparable Tohatsu model please contact us.
What is the break-in procedure for my new outboard?
A break-in chart is included in your owner’s manual. Correct operation during the break-in period will prolong the life of your new outboard and will ensure optimum performance. Break-in consists of maintaining lower RPM levels and varying the RPM’s for the first 10 hours of use. Break-in should be done under a load (on your boat, not at home in a container of water).
Are Tohatsu outboards salt-water rated?
Yes. All Tohatsu outboards are designed for saltwater and freshwater use. These outboards are used by commercial fisherman worldwide and are prized for their long-term durability over years of demanding saltwater use.
Does the outboard come with engine and lower unit pre-filled with oil?
Unless indicated by the Dealer, the outboards engine/crankcase were filled during the PDI. The lower unit was pre-filled by the factory. For additional information, see your owner’s manual on how to check or change the oil in your lower unit.
What type of oil should I use in my outboard?
Four-stroke outboards use 10W-30 or 10W-40 four-stroke motor oil. We recommend a FC-W rated NMMA (marine) certified four-stroke engine oil when available (10W-30 or 10W-40). Use of synthetic oil is not recommended in 4-stroke outboard engines. Outboards use raw water cooling systems and using synthetic oil may prevent the engine from reaching sufficient operating temperature.
What type of gasoline should I use in my outboard?
The minimum octane rating that you should use is 87, however, Tohatsu recommends using gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher when possible. When using fuel that may contain up to 10% Ethanol, you must use a marine grade fuel stabilizer to prevent damage to your outboard. This stabilizer must be used at all times. An automotive stabilizer may not be used as it will contain alcohol. Plugged carburetors are not covered under warranty.
Can the outboard be laid on its side?
Yes. If necessary, the engine can be laid on its side but it must be laid on the proper side. Your outboard includes a picture (decal) on the engine itself indicating which direction the engine can be laid. Please see owner’s manual for additional information on transporting and storage of your outboard.
Do electric start models have a manual start also?
Yes. All tiller operated outboards equipped electric start (30hp and below) also have the standard manual thru-cowling pull cord. You do not have to remove the cowling or do anything special. All electric start models also feature a 12V charging system as standard pre-installed equipment so engines can be manually crank started to recharge a dead or weak battery.
Measuring for Proper Shaft Length

If mounting directly to a boat transom
Measure from the top of the transom down to the bottom of the hull or keel (lowest point). Measure the area of the transom directly where the engine will be mounted.
If using an auxiliary mounting bracket
With the bracket in the down position, measure from the top of the bracket’s mounting surface down to the bottom of the hull or keel (lowest point where engine will be mounted). Tip: For most auxiliary applications, it is possible to use a longer shaft length than what is called for, provided there is sufficient clearance when the engine is in the up position. This can be especially useful in heavy seas.
If measuring an existing outboard
Measure from the inside top of mounting bracket down to anti-cavitation plate above propeller (this is the largest plate/fin directly above the propeller).
Height Measurement Recommended Shaft Length
14″ – 17.25″ Short Shaft (15″)
17.25″ – 19.5″ Varies (Contact Us)
19.5″ – 22.5″ Long Shaft (20″)
22.5″ – 27″ Ultra-Long Shaft (25″)
12 V Charging System

What does it do?
The 12V charging system allows the user to charge a 12V battery. With this option installed, the outboard engine will send charging current to the battery when the outboard engine is running. The output is variable based on engine RPM.
Who needs this option?
Anyone who has a 12V battery in their boat (for lighting or other accessories) and would like an alternative or supplemental charging method. Please note that the 12V Alternator/Charging System is NOT required to operate the outboard. This feature can be added to manual start models from 4hp – 20hp.
How much is a 12V Alternator/Charging kit for my outboard?
We offer genuine Tohatsu 12V charging systems that include a rectifier which provide your outboard with the ability to charge a 12V battery should you have the need or desire to do so. For manual start models, the add-on 12V charging system requires installation (electric start models include the system pre-installed from the factory). We recommend professional installation as the flywheel must be removed to install the charging coils. If you can not or do not wish to complete the installation yourself, any marine tech should be able to complete this service for 2 hours of labor.
What outboard models have the 12V charging system pre-installed?
Electric start model engines automatically come standard with the 12V charging system pre-installed from the factory as well as the 6hp Sail Pro models. You simply connect the 8.2 ft positive/negative electric start battery leads (provided) to your battery.
About Us

The Pisces Marine Advantage
Pisces Marine Ltd. opened in November of 1991 and we are a fully authorized Sales and Service Dealer for Tohatsu Outboards. As we continue to grow, so does our knowledgeable staff that continues their education and product knowledge whenever a new product is launched. We are proud of our comprehensive team of experts that can assist you with any brand of product you may have. We carry many products in our showroom for break and fix as well as a full line of cleaning products and essentials. If we don’t have it we can certainly get it within a week (pending manufacturer backorders).
We also offer many services, some of which include: Engine Repair, Insurance Quotes, Regular Maintenance, Spring Start-ups and Winterizing, Battery Replacement, Trailer Repairs, Trailer Tire Replacement, Prop Repair and Replacement
Why Choose Us?
We have almost 30 years servicing the marine industry and our fully insured. Our staff are factory trained and authorized to sell, service and repair your boat and motor and continually upgrade their skills and knowledge by regularly attending manufacturer and vendor courses.
We have access to information (recalls, service bulletins, etc) as it becomes available from our manufacturers and can notify you immediately. In addition we have computerized testing and diagnostic equipment for today’s engines with Electronic Control Units (ECU) as well as tools designed specifically for your engine by the manufacturer.
Our product lines are selected based on customer service and satisfaction, if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves we wouldn’t sell it to you.

Height Measurement	Recommended Shaft Length
14″ – 17.25″	Short Shaft (15″)
17.25″ – 19.5″	Varies (Contact Us)
19.5″ – 22.5″	Long Shaft (20″)
22.5″ – 27″	Ultra-Long Shaft (25″)