Tohatsu 8HP | MFS8BEFL

Meeting the US EPA and CARB 3-star emission rating is part of the design brief for the MFS8BEFL. Under the cowl is an 8 hp four-stroke with two cylinders displacing 209cc; mounted on a 20-inch shaft with tiller steering, it offers both electric and manual start and weighs 91 lbs.

Compact by design

A two-cylinder, SOHC layout keeps this block lighter and more compact than larger multi-cylinder outboards, without giving up the reliability Tohatsu builds its name on, and the four-stroke design is simpler to haul between a vehicle and the water than heavier alternatives in a similar power range.

Starting and standard equipment

Electric start with a retained manual backup means the motor can be started by key or by cord, useful if a battery ever runs down between trips. The box includes a propeller, an external 3.1 gallon fuel tank, a fuel line hose, a charging system, a service tool kit, a stop switch lanyard and the owner's manual.

Does this emissions rating apply everywhere? It meets the stricter of the US EPA and CARB 3-star standards, covering both. Tohatsu's warranty on this engine is 5 years.

What boats suit an 8 hp motor like this? Jon boats, small skiffs and dinghies are the common fit, along with use as auxiliary or trolling power on a larger boat.

Is a manual-start version available? Yes, the MFS8BL carries the same two-cylinder, 209cc block without the starter and alternator, at a lower weight.