Skippers Trophy 01

We have had our electric 8HP Tohatsu kicker on our 20' for about 3 years. We are 'Mercury guys', and found out that Tohatsu was virtually the same motor, so went with it. We like this motor very much so far, no problems. To answer your questions, I believe that the differences are very slight, if any in the two motors (like the gear shift you mentioned), and for parts, I was thinking about replacing the fuel pump at one point, and my research found that the Merc part was the same, it just had a different part number. I ended up putting a new filter in it, which has worked out fine. I don't know this first hand yet, but assume any reputable shop can fix these motors without an issue. I have not heard or read very many disparaging remarks about the Merc engines as you have. I think that since most the outboards you see are Mercs, one would hear the most complaints about them as well, that's just the numbers.

Got the boat launched early, only to find we had a bad ground someplace, so spent some time checking connections, etc. Later got some lines down, but still no electronics, felt like 1975 all over again! After about an hour of trolling blind inside, I changed out a ground wire and we had our electronics again. Fished out to 400, marking bait around 90, but temps were too high, so set a course back in. Got to 265 and noticed we had 42 degrees at 100 down, so prepared for action. Took a hit on a Spin/Fly, but pulled the hook after peeling about 50 feet. Didn't land any, but got a good vid of a Salmon chasing our other downrigger presentation. http://youtu.be/K1hO6mogaOg

Just got back from Sodus. After a late start due to some electrical problems, found some good 42 degree water just East of the chute, 110 down over 150-200. Had one hooked on a Nuclear spinny and 42nd fly, but pulled the hook. Didn't really have the time to work that water over as much as we would have liked. Got a good video tho, will post later.

Love it when I learn a new word on my fishing forum!

Nice night for you guys. Congrats on setting a new boat record. How deep did you have to go to find the Kings?

Way to go! We managed one Coho, 2 BT, and one LT out of Sodus last week. Seemed like the 100 - 150 range was best for bait and fish. I cant remember ever marking more bait out there than this year. Bellies of all fish were packed with 3 inch Alewives. When the Kings do come to play, there will be a large buffet for them!

Check these two things: Fuel filter - it has a water separator canister type, when the water in it gets to a certain level, it trips the alarm. Easy to just spin on a new one, and should be done with regular maintenance anyway. Oil level alarm - there is a magnet in the small tank (on motor) that comes unglued from the float, causing false alarms. Remove the one screw at the top of the tank and pull the sensor out. Put a strong magnet at the top of this sensor and see if the alarm goes away. If the alarm stops, you need a new tank.

Cant help with any info on the upgrade, but do you know which alarm is ringing, or what is causing it? We have been thru a few of these with our Opti.