Tohatsu 30HP | MFS30DL

Where the DEFL emphasizes starting a 30hp engine without a battery, the MFS30DL is Tohatsu's parallel manual-start, tiller-steered four-stroke on the same 20-inch shaft at 129 lbs, carrying none of the electrical hardware found on remote-capable models.

Who it suits

Buyers who want a straightforward 30hp motor for a boat with no onboard battery, or who simply prefer pull-start reliability over push-button convenience, are the fit here. A pull-start engine like this also means one less wiring run to troubleshoot if something goes wrong out on the water.

Before you order

Match this engine's 20-inch shaft to your transom height before ordering, since that measurement cannot be adjusted afterward. You'll need to source a propeller on your own for this one, whether that means a phone order or a visit to the parts counter.

What's in the box

Standard equipment on this engine covers the tiller handle, a plumbed fuel tank and line, a modest kit of tools and spares, and a tether-style kill switch, along with the owner's manual.

Full throttle on this engine sits at 5250 to 6250 rpm, with EFI induction and Tohatsu's 5-year warranty.

Common question

Is this the same as a model with electric start? No, this configuration is manual pull-start only, with no battery or charging components involved anywhere in the rigging.

Does it cost less to maintain than an electric-start model? There is simply less on it to maintain: no starter motor, no charging circuit, and no battery to replace down the road.