You might have noticed many similarities between Tohatsu and Nissan outboards. That is because Tohatsu is the maker of all Nissan outboards. They are identical with the exception of cowling decals. You pay a slightly higher premium for the Nissan branding. There is no difference in features, warranty, etc... Literally, the only difference is the decals on the cover.

Yes. Tohatsu makes ALL Nissan outboards and many smaller HP Mercury outboards. We do not sell Mercury outboards as Tohatsu and Nissan are considerably less expensive than the Mercury label.

Measure from the top of your transom to the bottom of your keel. If it is from 15" to 17" long you'll need to get an outboard with a "short" shaft. If it is from 20" to 22" long you'll need our "long" shaft outboard. Tohatsu/Nissan outboard shafts are measured from the bottom of the engine mounting bracket to the cavitation plate on the lower unit. Generally most boats need either a short or long shaft although some boats require a 25" shaft (ultra-long shaft) outboard.

The break-in period is the most critical time in the life of your new Tohatsu or Nissan outboard. Correct operation during the break-in period will prolong the life of your new outboard and will ensure optimum performance. Properly breaking-in your new outboard will ensure the initial smooth operation and lubrication of all moving parts (pistons, gears, bearings, etc). For a complete list of break-in procedures for your outboard consult your owner's manual.

Will my outboard come with lower unit oil already pre-filled?

Yes. The lower unit gear oil has already been added at the factory, however, you should check to ensure it is completely full before starting your outboard for the first time. To replace/add lower unit oil we recommend any SAE 80 or 90 weight oil. You may also want to read our step-by-step instructions on how to change and check the oil in your lower unit.

NO! Four-stroke outboards are not filled with oil from the factory. Before operating your four-stroke outboard for the first time you must add oil to the crankcase to avoid severe engine damage. Any SAE 10W-40 motor oil will work just fine. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on filling your engine with oil.

The minimum octane rating that you should use is 87, however, we recommend using gas with an octane rating of 89 or higher.

For 2-stroke outboards, be sure to use only 2-cycle outboard oil, with an NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) certified rating of TCW3. Never use automotive or 4-cycle oil in your 2-stroke outboard as severe damage can occur.

TLDI = Two-Stroke, Low-Pressure, Direct Injection. This new technology is currently offered on 40HP, 50HP, 70HP, and 90HP models both in Tohatsu and Nissan. This outboard provides exceptionally smooth operation and outstanding performance all the while providing superior fuel and oil efficiency. We cannot ship any TLDI outboards due to the complex nature of these outboards. Tohatsu/Nissan requires the selling dealer to service the engine prior to customer taking delivery. Sorry, no exceptions.

A "remote control" outboard is one that is equipped with remote steering, throttle, and shift controls. Due to manufacturer restrictions we are not able to ship any HP remote control model outboard. This is due to the complex initial servicing required prior to customer taking possession. SORRY, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Yes. We have factory conversion kits available for 4hp engines and above. To convert a tiller model to remote, you will need an S.R.C. kit (all the parts and pieces required to create linkage under the cover) and a control box for throttle and shift. In addition, if you wish to have remote steering you may require a steering link arm or hook plate. We recommend professional installation by a qualified marine professional. Below is the cost of converting your tiller model outboard to remote control with the required items mentioned above:
4, 5, 6hp = $395 (for use manual start only; electric not available)
8, 9.8hp = $395 or 450 (for use with manual or electric start)
15, 18hp = $395 or 450 (for use with manual or electric start)
25, 30hp = $395 or 450 (for use with manual or electric start)
40hp = $395 or 450 (for use with manual or electric start)

NOTE: Kits do not include the (2) 33C universal control cables for throttle and shift (these can be purchased locally based on your boat's specifc length requirement). The kit does not include a steering system. Again we recommend that you purchase this universal item locally based on the length required by your application. (the cost these items will vary locally, but generally will cost about $225.00 for both of these items)

Yes. All tiller operated outboards that feature electric start also include the standard manual pull cord through the cowling (just as found on a manual start model, you do not have to remove the cowling). No more missed boating trips due to a dead battery. 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. The positive and negative battery leads provided with the engine are 8.2 feet long.

NO. You must provide the 12V battery for electric start models. Most batteries will work just fine, including smaller motorcycle and lawn/garden batteries. Because all electric start models feature the manual crank rope through the cowling also, a battery is not required to operate your outboard. If a battery is not present, be sure to separate the battery leads to avoid causing damage to your outboard's electrical system. The positive and negative battery leads provided with the engine are 8.2 feet long. Our outboards are not designed to hold batteries onboard the unit, therefore the battery must be placed in your boat.

Smallest Long Shaft Outboard with Electric Start:: 8hp
Smallest Short Shaft Outboard with Electric Start: 9.8hp

The smallest outboard we offer with an electric start option is our 8hp Tohatsu or Nissan (smallest long shaft engine with electric start begins at 8hp, smallest short shaft engine with electric start begins at 9.8hp). All electric start model outboards feature a 12V charging system pre-installed and a back-up manual rope start through the cowling (just like on manual start models) as standard equipment.

We offer genuine Tohatsu/Nissan 12V charging systems complete with a voltage regulator (rectifer) to prevent overcharging of your battery:

ELECTRIC START MODELS: SYSTEM IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT
If you are purchasing an electric start model engine, your engine will automatically come standard with the 12V charging system pre-installed from the factory. No assembly is required, you simply connect the 8.2 ft positive/negative battery leads (provided) to your battery.
MANUAL START MODELS Optional 12V Charging System Cost:
4, 5, 6hp = $169.99 w/Free Shipping (Service Manual: $29.99)
8, 9.8hp = $159.99 w/Free Shipping (Service Manual: $29.99)
15, 18hp = $99.99 w/Free Shipping (Service Manual: $29.99)

EXCEPTION: NEW 6hp Ultra-Long (25" shaft) models include the 12V charging system pre-installed from the factory.

This factory charging system requires installation on manual start models only (electric start models include the system pre-installed). Self-installation is recommended for the mechanically inclined. For 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.8 hp models the flywheel must be removed to install the alternator charging coils. For 15 or 18hp engines, the alternator coil is pre-installed under the flywheel and only a rectifier is required to achieve 12V charging. If you could not or did not wish to complete the installation yourself, any marine tech should be able to complete this service for 1 hour of labor. We can also install the system for you at a discounted fee of $45.00. When you purchase this item, you will be e-mailed instructions. Additionally, you may wish to purchase a service manual which covers the entire engine including the optional 12V charging system and wiring diagram (service manuals are available for $29.99).

We offer genuine Tohatsu/Nissan 12V charging systems complete with a voltage regulator (rectifer) to prevent overcharging of your battery:

ELECTRIC START MODELS: SYSTEM IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT
If you are purchasing an electric start model engine, your engine will automatically come standard with the 12V charging system pre-installed from the factory. No assembly is required, you simply connect the 8.2 ft positive/negative battery leads (provided) to your battery.

MANUAL START MODELS Optional 12V Charging System Cost:
4, 5, 6hp = $169.99 w/Free Shipping (Service Manual: $29.99)
8, 9.8hp = $159.99 w/Free Shipping (Service Manual: $29.99)
15, 18hp = $99.99 w/Free Shipping (Service Manual: $29.99)

EXCEPTION: NEW 6hp Ultra-Long (25" shaft) models include the 12V charging system pre-installed from the factory.

This factory charging system requires installation on manual start models only (electric start models include the system pre-installed). Self-installation is recommended for the mechanically inclined. For 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.8 hp models the flywheel must be removed to install the alternator charging coils. For 15 or 18hp engines, the alternator coil is pre-installed under the flywheel and only a rectifier is required to achieve 12V charging. If you could not or did not wish to complete the installation yourself, any marine tech should be able to complete this service for 1 hour of labor. We can also install the system for you at a discounted fee of $45.00. When you purchase this item, you will be e-mailed instructions. Additionally, you may wish to purchase a service manual which covers the entire engine including the optional 12V charging system and wiring diagram (service manuals are available for $29.99).

Yes. If necessary, the engine can be laid on it's side but it must be laid on the side indicated by the picture located on the side of the engine (decal) or in your owner's manual. It is recommended that you store the engine vertically whenever possible. Your owner's manual provides additional information or carrying and storing your outboard.

Yes! All Tohatsu and Nissan outboards feature a stainless steel water pump housing, sacrificial zinc anodes, and high grade marine aluminum alloy construction to provide ultimate protection against corrosion.

It is recommended that you flush your engine when possible after use in salt-water. While the engine is salt-water rated any outboard can develop salt deposits that could lead to poor cooling over time. Below is the manufacturer's recommended flushing technique:

Caution: To avoid injury in the event of accidental starting, be sure and remove the prop and the stop switch lanyard cord from your outboard before proceeding.

Important: All Tohatsu and Nissan outboards are water cooled; running your outboard without an adequate source of cooling water will result in severe damage to your outboard!

Smaller Horsepower Outboards (2, 3.5, 4, 5, & 6hp)
For smaller outboards, the simplest way to flush your outboard is by using a large bucket of water. Be sure the bucket is large enough to completely cover the water intake ports on the lower unit of the outboard. Also be sure that the bucket is wide enough so that no part of the motor will touch the sides/bottom of the bucket. Securely mount your outboard on a sawhorse or some other sturdy device that will allow safe operation of your outboard.

4hp and up:
With 4hp-140hp outboards you can either use the optional “flushing plug” which can be attached to a hose for flushing the engine with fresh water or purchase a set of “ear muffs” (highly recommended, inexpensive, and available at virtually every marine dealer). This equipment attaches to your garden hose and clamps on to your outboard's lower unit, covering the water intake ports. Turn the garden hose on full before starting your engine. Make sure the "ear muff" motor flusher is firmly in place and correctly positions over water intakes on your lower unit. (Note: the "ear muff" motor flusher will not work on the Tohatsu 4, 5, or 6hp. With the 4, 5, or 6hp you will need to either use the flushing plug or use the “bucket technique” as described above).

Run your outboard at normal idle speed for 5-10 minutes to allow the engine to warm up and to ensure your outboard is thoroughly flushed with clean water.

Yes. It is $9.99 + shipping in our parts dept. However, we recommend using the "ear muff" style motor flusher or pale method as described in previous section over the flushing attachment when possible. The manufacturer also recommends the use of the "ear muff" style motor flusher and as of 2001 has stopped including it as standard equipment in the tool kit. The flushing plug attachment can become cumbersome as you have to take several steps each time you wish to flush your engine. For more information, consult your owner's manual.

Visit our fuel consumption chart to see how your outboard measures up:

Tohatsu Outboard Fuel Consumption Chart

Nissan Outboard Fuel Consumption Chart

No. Tohatsu/Nissan currently do not offer any jet drive models.

If you purchase a 2-stroke, your engine is covered by a 2 year warranty. If you purchase a 4-stroke your engine is covered by a 3 year warranty. Warranty service can be obtained through any authorized Tohatsu or Nissan service center anywhere in the U.S. If you need help locating a service center, please email us and include your zip code. We'll be glad to help you find participating service centers. These service centers can also provide service after the warranty period.

Yes. Our secure on-line ordering form utilizes industry standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to provide secure sessions for our users. Through the secure session, information that you input into our order form will be sent and will arrive privately and unaltered. This security prohibits other companies and Web users from being able to access your information. In addition, we do not store your financially sensitive information after your sale has been completed.

Ordering online speeds up order processing and ensures order accuracy. Our online ordering system is a simple one-step form that takes less than 2 minutes to complete. You can order anytime, 24 hours a day, and best of all, you receive an instant confirmation as well as an email to confirm your order. This ensures that you're receiving the correct model outboard and we have your correct name and address. Ordering online with us is secure, safe, and simple!

Depending on where we're shipping your outboard to shipping time generally runs between 3-10 business days on tiller model engines. .

Our outboards are very well packaged from the factory. All outboards are shipped in the factory crate and very rarely receive damage during transit. Less than 1 in 100 outboards receive damage during transit. All outboards are insured for full purchase value regardless of the carrier used. If your outboard has received severe damage (engine is visibly exposed from packaging) refuse the package and contact us immediately. If your engine has received minor damage (crack(s) in engine cowling/cover) you may accept shipment (if you wish) and contact us immediately to receive a replacement cover and/or file a claim with the carrier.

For warranty registration, our dealer code is:
If you ordered a TOHATSU: 116TN
If you ordered a NISSAN: 114TN

DEALER NAME AND ADDRESS:
CWS/OUTBOARDSALES
1225 SHAG RAG ROAD, STE. 3
COOKEVILLE, TN 38506

No. We sell only BRAND NEW current model year outboards. On rare occasion we may have a non-current during a model year change, if this was the case, a sale would be clearly posted on our home page.

No. Sorry, we do not accept trade-ins. Due to the nature of internet business, it is nearly impossible to run a successful trade-in operation. We recommend selling your engine outright as you will generally receive considerably more vs. trading it in on another model.

You generally won't save any money picking up an engine in Washington at our location. In fact, you're likely to pay more. Unfortunately, if picking up in WA the sale would be subject to WA sales tax of 8.7%. Ouch!

18hp and below:
Unfortunately, there are no swap out programs offered by Tohatsu/Nissan (or most any manufacturer for that matter). Engines come with a standard size propeller pre-installed in the factory sealed crates. We do not break the crates to swap propellers. Instead, we offer a discounted price to customers who are purchasing or have purchased an engine with us. We recommend trying the propeller that comes with the engine prior to purchasing an additional prop as most customers find the original equipment works well. Generally, Short Shafts come standard with higher pitched props while Long Shaft engines come standard with lower pitched props for heavier loads.

No. Sorry, we are only able to ship inside the United States per manufacturer guidelines. Sorry, no exceptions.