Choosing the right 60hp outboard for your boat can make all the difference in performance, fuel economy, and ease of use. Two standout options are the Mercury 60R FourStroke and the Tohatsu MFS60. Both offer modern engineering, reliability, and plenty of power for skiffs, jon boats, bay boats, and pontoons. But which is the better fit for your needs? Here’s a full comparison of the Mercury 60R vs Tohatsu 60 to help you decide with confidence.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Mercury 60R FourStroke – Specially tuned for shallow water performance with a unique lower gearcase and compact height.
- Best Lightweight: Tohatsu MFS60 – One of the lightest EFI 60hp outboards, easy to handle and ideal for small or weight-sensitive boats.
- Best Value: Tohatsu MFS60 – Delivers impressive performance, reliability, and price for the everyday boater.
Buyer’s Guide
Consider these key factors when picking your 60hp outboard:
- Boat Type: The Mercury 60R is built for shallow water performance—perfect for technical poling skiffs and flats boats. The Tohatsu MFS60 suits a wide range of applications from pontoons to runabouts and utility boats.
- Weight: Tohatsu’s MFS60 is among the lightest 60hp four-strokes on the market—great for small boats or car-topping applications. Mercury’s 60R is a bit heavier due to its robust gearcase and engineering for shallow water abuse.
- Gear Ratio & Lower Unit: The Mercury 60R features a high-thrust Command Thrust lower unit and a 2.33:1 gear ratio, giving better hole shot and lift on flats boats. Tohatsu uses a standard gearcase tuned for broad applications.
- Mounting Height & Shaft Length: The Mercury 60R has a unique 15-inch shaft and lower mounting height, letting technical skiffs keep the engine low for balance and shallow running. Tohatsu offers standard 20-inch and optional 15-inch models.
- Maintenance: Both brands are easy to service, with Tohatsu known for simple, owner-friendly maintenance and Mercury offering widespread dealer support and digital diagnostics.
- Price & Dealer Support: Tohatsu is usually a bit more affordable, but Mercury has a larger dealer network in most areas.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Mercury 60R FourStroke
Who it’s for: Anglers and technical skiff owners who need top shallow-water performance and a compact outboard that sits low on the transom.
- Key Benefits:
- Shorter 15-inch shaft and compact height ideal for technical poling skiffs.
- Command Thrust lower unit for more lift and improved hole shot.
- EFI for easy starts, smooth idle, and great fuel efficiency.
- Widespread Mercury service and parts availability.
- Pros:
- Perfect fit for shallow water boats—less weight at the stern for better balance.
- Rugged gearcase for durability in harsh, shallow environments.
- Proven reliability and strong resale value.
- Cons:
- Heavier than Tohatsu’s 60hp for the same shaft length.
- Priced higher due to its specialized design.
Final Verdict: The Mercury 60R is unmatched for skinny water skiffs and serious flats anglers who demand the best shallow water setup. Check Mercury 60R deals
2. Tohatsu MFS60
Who it’s for: Everyday boaters, anglers, and families wanting lightweight, easy-to-service power for pontoons, skiffs, or utility boats.
- Key Benefits:
- Weighs as little as 213 lbs, making it the lightest EFI 60hp four-stroke available.
- Proven EFI reliability for easy starts and fuel savings.
- Simple controls, low-maintenance, and easy owner service.
- Broad compatibility—fits a wide range of transoms and hulls.
- Pros:
- Affordable compared to most 60hp EFI outboards.
- DIY-friendly maintenance with straightforward design.
- Quiet operation and good fuel economy.
- Cons:
- Standard gearcase—not tuned for shallow water lift like Mercury’s 60R.
- Dealer network is smaller than Mercury’s in some regions.
Final Verdict: The Tohatsu MFS60 is a top pick for anyone seeking reliable, lightweight 60hp power at a fair price. See MFS60 offers
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs / Weight | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury 60R FourStroke | 15-inch shaft, Command Thrust, shallow water | 60hp, EFI, ~267 lbs | Check Mercury 60R deals |
| Tohatsu MFS60 | Lightweight, simple, broad use | 60hp, EFI, ~213 lbs | See MFS60 offers |
FAQ Section
- Q: What’s special about the Mercury 60R?
A: The 60R is made specifically for shallow water technical skiffs, with a unique short shaft, low mounting height, and Command Thrust lower unit for maximum lift and hole shot. - Q: Which is lighter?
A: The Tohatsu MFS60 is the lightest EFI 60hp four-stroke on the market at about 213 lbs. The Mercury 60R is heavier, mainly due to its robust shallow-water gearcase. - Q: Which is better for shallow water?
A: Mercury 60R is designed specifically for shallow water use, making it the best pick for flats boats and technical skiffs. Tohatsu MFS60 is best for general use. - Q: Which is easier to service?
A: Tohatsu MFS60 is simple and DIY-friendly, while Mercury offers more advanced diagnostics and a larger service network. - Q: What about price and resale?
A: Tohatsu is generally less expensive up front, while Mercury often holds slightly higher resale due to brand recognition and dealer network.
Conclusion
If you’re running a technical skiff or need the ultimate shallow-water outboard, the Mercury 60R FourStroke is unmatched. For general boating, fishing, or utility use—especially where weight and price matter most—the Tohatsu MFS60 is hard to beat for value and simplicity. Both engines deliver reliable, efficient power that will keep you on the water and enjoying every trip.