Parson or Tohatsu outboard?

[Tideline]

Do you have any first hand recommendations for either of these outboards? I am interested in getting a 15 or 20hp engine. Neither is a make that I have seen many of, and certainly not familiar with. Any feedback or suggestions welcomed. Are they ok, or should I really look at bigger names?

 

[Alrob]

parson = dubious Chinese origins (parts ?)
Tohatsu = same stable as mercury & mariner (at least with the smaller outboards)

 

[toad]

I helped a friend fit a new Parson 15HP outboard to his boat and it seems to be a copy of a Yamaha, it might be that it is new and tight but I found it to be harsh running with a very poor tick over. The remotes that came with it were of very poor quality.

 

[BartW]

Parson is a new Chinese brand, I know nothing about quality, but availability of service support and spare parts might be a problem.
IMHO Tohatsu is not a sexy but very reliable japanese brand, available all aver the world.
Mercury buy's some smaller models from Tohatsu OEM, and put their name on them.
Tohatsu probably has the best price quality ratio from all available outboards

 

[No Regrets]

It's a no brainer.

Chinese stuff is suspicious at best.... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[gjgm]

well, you should have heard of Tohatsu !
You ll always be able to sell the T. Not sure if you can sell a second hand Parson.

 

[AdeOlly]

Another vote for Tohatsu. Japanese vs Chinese engineering... easy choice me thinks, plus you'll always be able to easily sell on a Tohatsu.

 

[GeoffHill]

Quality Proven Japanese Enginering vs Chinese Rubbish.

I'd go for Tohatsu everytime

 

[DavidJ]

My little Mariner is a badged up Tohatsu and great. 10 years old and I still havent gotten around to servicing it yet! ...tut tut maybe next year.

 

[goochie]

Indeed. In other parts of the world Tohatsu are sold under the Nissan name - nuff said.

 

[Tideline]

Tohatsu have the vote then. As far as buying chinese is concerned I will go as far as the Golden Dragon in town!
Thanks for the input.

 

[michaelh]

I have a Tohatsu 90Hp. Bought on value basis and it works great. OK, I can accept that some elements don't seem to have as good a finish as a comparable mercury/ Yam but it starts first time and goes well. The engine tilt lock has broken but It only gets used when trailing and a lump of wood is a better solution anyway. Now 4 years old and it looks like its got another 20 odd years to go. Touch wood. don't want to tempt fate.