Looking for a portable outboard with plenty of punch, but want to keep weight low for easy handling? The classic Yamaha 25hp 2-stroke and the Tohatsu 18hp are two of the lightest, most reliable engines you’ll find in the used market. But how do they compare for weight, performance, and real-world use? Here’s a clear side-by-side to help you choose the right outboard for your fishing boat, skiff, or tender.
Quick Picks
- Best Power-to-Weight: Yamaha 25hp 2-Stroke – Legendary for strong acceleration and the lightest weight in its class.
- Best for Portability: Tohatsu 18hp 2-Stroke – Easy to carry, reliable, and perfect for car-topping or solo launching.
- Best for Budget & Simplicity: Tohatsu 18hp – Affordable to buy and own, with easy maintenance.
Buyer’s Guide
Key considerations when choosing between these two outboards:
- Weight:
- Yamaha 25hp 2-Stroke: Weighs about 105 lbs (short shaft), making it one of the lightest 25hp engines ever made. This makes it popular for jon boats, lightweight skiffs, and situations where frequent removal is needed.
- Tohatsu 18hp 2-Stroke: Weighs about 69–72 lbs (short shaft) depending on year and model. This is significantly lighter, and among the easiest mid-sized outboards to handle solo.
- Power:
- Yamaha 25hp offers much more top-end speed and acceleration—ideal for larger jon boats, getting on plane, or hauling loads.
- Tohatsu 18hp is best for smaller boats or where ultra-low weight is a priority. Still provides strong push for most 12–14’ boats, especially light rigs.
- Starting: Both are reliable manual-start, carbureted engines. Electric start options are rare in this size range and era.
- Fuel System: Both use external fuel tanks, making for easy refueling and longer range.
- Maintenance: Both engines are simple, robust, and DIY-friendly—just regular fuel, spark plug, and gear oil care.
- Availability: Yamaha 25hp 2-strokes are no longer made but are sought after for their blend of lightness and power. Tohatsu 18hp is similarly prized by those seeking the lightest possible mid-size outboard.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Yamaha 25hp 2-Stroke
Who it’s for: Boaters wanting maximum speed and power-to-weight for mid-sized fishing boats, skiffs, or utility hulls.
- Key Benefits:
- At just 105 lbs, it’s the lightest 25hp two-stroke you’ll find.
- Strong acceleration and fast planing, even with two or more aboard.
- Reliable, rugged, and time-tested design.
- Pros:
- Excellent resale value and easy parts support.
- Simple carbureted maintenance.
- Well balanced for mounting/removal by two people.
- Cons:
- Heavier than the Tohatsu 18hp by about 30+ lbs.
- No longer produced, so used market only.
Final Verdict: If you want the most horsepower in a truly portable package, the Yamaha 25hp 2-stroke is a top pick. See Yamaha 25hp listings
2. Tohatsu 18hp 2-Stroke
Who it’s for: Anyone needing maximum portability, lightest weight, and solid thrust for small to medium boats.
- Key Benefits:
- Weighs just 69–72 lbs—easy for solo loading, mounting, or storage.
- Very reliable, simple carbureted design.
- Pushes most 12–14’ boats with ease, especially lightly loaded.
- Pros:
- Best-in-class weight for any 18hp.
- Low maintenance and great for remote or off-grid use.
- Usually more affordable than larger engines.
- Cons:
- Lower top-end speed and power than the Yamaha 25hp.
- Limited if you regularly carry heavy loads or want to plane quickly with 2–3 adults.
Final Verdict: The Tohatsu 18hp is unbeatable for those who need real power at the lightest possible weight—perfect for solo boaters, cartoppers, and weight-sensitive hulls. See Tohatsu 18hp listings
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs / Weight | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha 25hp 2-Stroke | Super light, fast, proven reliability | 25hp, 2-stroke, ~105 lbs | See Yamaha 25hp listings |
| Tohatsu 18hp 2-Stroke | Ultra-light, portable, affordable | 18hp, 2-stroke, ~69–72 lbs | See Tohatsu 18hp listings |
FAQ Section
- Q: Which is lighter?
A: The Tohatsu 18hp is much lighter (69–72 lbs) than the Yamaha 25hp 2-stroke (105 lbs). Both are light for their power class, but the Tohatsu is among the lightest outboards above 15hp ever made. - Q: Which is faster?
A: Yamaha 25hp is much faster and will plane larger boats or loaded hulls, while the Tohatsu 18hp is best for lighter loads and smaller boats. - Q: Which is easier to handle solo?
A: The Tohatsu 18hp is easier to carry and mount by yourself due to its super-low weight. - Q: Are both reliable?
A: Yes, both are classic, reliable two-strokes with decades of proven performance. Parts are still widely available. - Q: What about fuel use?
A: Both are efficient for carbureted two-strokes. The Tohatsu 18hp will use less fuel at cruising speeds; Yamaha 25hp uses more at full throttle but gets you there faster.
Conclusion
If you want pure speed and the most horsepower you can lift, the Yamaha 25hp 2-stroke is hard to beat. If you need the absolute lightest engine for easy handling or solo use, the Tohatsu 18hp is in a class of its own. Either one will deliver years of reliable service—just match your choice to your boat size, typical load, and how much weight you want to manage off the water.