Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES Outboard Motor for sale

Description

The Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES is a 20 HP Tohatsu four-stroke outboard with a 15-inch shaft, manual (recoil) start, tiller steering and manual tilt. It uses a 333 cc two-cylinder four-stroke with battery-less EFI and suits aluminium boats, inflatables, skiffs and small runabouts.

What the MFS20ES Model Code Means

• MFS: four-stroke outboard
• Shaft: S = 15-inch short shaft
• Starting: manual (recoil) start
• Steering: tiller

Key Features of the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

Tohatsu’s MFS9.9E, MFS15E and MFS20E share a 333 cc twin with battery-less electronic fuel injection, so even manual-start versions get the easy starting and smooth running of EFI without needing a battery. Tohatsu describes them as among the lightest EFI four-strokes in their class.

Tiller control

Steering, throttle and shift sit within reach at the stern, which suits small boats without a console and keeps rigging simple.

Who the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES Suits

A 20 HP Tohatsu like this is a good match for a 12 to 16 ft aluminium boat, an inflatable or a skiff. Its four-stroke design runs on unmixed fuel, is quiet at low speed and produces far less smoke than an old two-stroke. Our guide to electric start vs manual start outboards explains the trade-offs, and long shaft vs short shaft helps you match the shaft to your transom.

Why Choose a Tohatsu 20 HP Four-Stroke

Tohatsu has built outboards for decades and also supplies engines that are sold under other brand names, so its designs are widely used around the world. Engines of this size are prized for being light, simple and economical. Routine care is straightforward: change the engine oil and gear oil on schedule, check the anodes, flush with fresh water after use in salt water and inspect the propeller.

Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES Specifications

• Output: 20 HP
• Engine: 333 cc two-cylinder four-stroke with battery-less EFI
• Shaft length: 15 in
• Starting: manual (recoil) start
• Steering: tiller
• Trim and tilt: manual tilt

Rigging and Running the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

For a tiller model you need little more than a fuel tank and, for electric start, a battery. Remote models need controls, steering and gauges. Follow our outboard maintenance checklist, change the lower unit oil on schedule and winterize the engine before long storage. Official information is on Tohatsu’s marine website.

Before You Buy the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

• Measure your transom to confirm the shaft length.
• Check your boat’s capacity plate allows 20 HP and the engine weight.
• Choose a propeller with our propeller buying guide, and follow the break-in steps for a new outboard.

How the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES Performs on the Water

With 20 HP the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES has enough power to put a light aluminium boat, a jon boat or an inflatable with two or three people on the plane. Throttle response is crisp, and the engine settles to a quiet, economical cruise once the hull is planing. At the other end of the range it idles and trolls smoothly, so it suits fishermen who spend long periods at low speed. Load and hull shape make a big difference at this size: a lightly loaded flat-bottom boat will feel lively, while a heavy, deep-V hull will need a well-chosen propeller to plane easily.

Expect performance to vary with the hull, how heavily you load it, how you trim it and which propeller you fit. Getting those details right often matters as much as the engine itself.

Is 20 HP the Right Size for Your Boat?

Start with the capacity plate fixed near the helm or transom of your boat. It states the maximum horsepower and the maximum engine weight the hull is rated for, and you should never exceed either. Within that limit, it pays to think about how you really use the boat: an engine near the top of the rating handles heavy loads and rough water better, while a smaller one is lighter and cheaper to run. Think about your typical load too: the number of people, fuel, water, fishing or diving gear can easily add several hundred pounds.

If you are repowering, compare the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES with the engine you are replacing. Changing the weight on the transom alters trim and how the boat sits in the water, so a large step up or down in weight may need a different propeller or a change in mounting height. Our repower cost guide helps you plan the whole job.

Choosing a Propeller for the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

The propeller is the single biggest factor in how the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES performs on your boat. The goal is for the engine to reach the top of its rated full-throttle rpm range with a normal load. If it over-revs, fit a propeller with more pitch; if it cannot reach the range, reduce the pitch. As a rule of thumb, each inch of pitch changes full-throttle engine speed by roughly 150 to 200 rpm.

• Aluminium propellers are affordable and a good choice for shallow or debris-filled water, where a strike is likely.
• Stainless steel propellers cost more but flex less, keep their shape and often improve hole shot and top speed.
• Rotation: Standard-rotation engines use a right-hand propeller; check the rotation marking before you buy a spare.

Keep a spare propeller and the fitting kit on board. For a fuller explanation of pitch, diameter and blade count, read our propeller buying guide.

Installing and Mounting the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

Tiller models like the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES are simple to fit. Centre the engine on the transom, tighten the clamp screws firmly and, for extra security, through-bolt the bracket or fit an outboard lock. Check that the tiller can swing fully from side to side without hitting anything, and attach the kill-switch lanyard to yourself whenever the engine is running.

Mounting height matters on every outboard. As a starting point, the anti-ventilation plate above the propeller should sit roughly level with the bottom of the hull. Set too low, the gearcase creates drag and spray; set too high, the propeller can ventilate and lose grip in turns. The 15-inch shaft on this model must match your transom height, measured from the top of the transom down to the bottom of the hull on the centreline. Our long shaft vs short shaft guide shows how to measure correctly.

Break-In and the First Hours

A new engine needs a careful break-in so the piston rings, bearings and gears bed in properly. Follow the break-in procedure in the Tohatsu owner’s manual for the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES exactly. In general, most makers ask you to vary engine speed, avoid long periods at one rpm and avoid sustained full throttle for roughly the first ten hours. Many also recommend an early first service to change the engine oil and gear oil and check for leaks. Our outboard break-in guide walks through the process step by step.

Fuel, Oil and Everyday Running

Use fresh, good-quality petrol of the octane listed in the owner’s manual for the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES. Petrol that contains ethanol absorbs water and goes stale over time, so add a marine fuel stabiliser if the boat will sit for more than a few weeks, and fit a water-separating fuel filter on boats with a built-in tank. Four-stroke engines like this one do not need oil mixed into the fuel, but you should check the engine oil level regularly and use the oil grade the manufacturer specifies.

Before each trip, check the fuel level and connections, make sure the kill-switch lanyard is attached, and confirm a strong stream of cooling water from the tell-tale outlet once the engine starts. After the trip, especially in salt water, flush the engine with fresh water and rinse the outside to slow corrosion.

Maintenance Schedule for the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES reliable for many seasons. The exact intervals for your engine are in the Tohatsu owner’s manual; the table below shows the kind of schedule most four-stroke outboards follow.

• After every use: flush with fresh water, check for fuel or oil leaks and inspect the propeller.
• First service (often around 20 hours): change the engine oil and gear oil, and check bolts and connections.
• Every 100 hours or once a year: engine oil and filter, gearcase oil, spark plugs, fuel filters, anodes and greasing points.
• Every two to three years: replace the water pump impeller, or sooner if you run in sandy or silty water.

Keep a simple log of hours and services; it helps you plan work and supports resale value. See our Tohatsu outboard maintenance guide and our guide to lower unit oil for more detail.

Storage and Winterizing

If the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES will sit unused for more than a month or two, prepare it properly. Stabilise the fuel and run the engine so treated fuel reaches the injectors or carburettor, change the engine oil so acidic old oil does not sit in the engine, change the gear oil and check it for water, fog the cylinders if the manual recommends it, and grease the fittings. Smaller engines are best stored upright or in the position shown in the manual, so oil does not run where it should not. Remove or maintain the battery. Our Tohatsu winterizing guide lists each step.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Most problems on a well-maintained outboard have simple causes. Check these first before booking a technician:

• Hard starting: stale or contaminated fuel, a blocked fuel filter, a loose kill-switch lanyard, a weak battery or a pinched fuel line.
• No water from the tell-tale: stop the engine and check for a blocked outlet, weed on the water intake or a worn water pump impeller.
• Vibration: a damaged or fouled propeller, or debris wrapped round the propeller shaft.
• Loss of power: fuel restriction, a fouled spark plug, the wrong propeller or too much load. On electronic engines, warning lights or gauge alerts point to the fault.
• Ventilation in turns: mounting height or trim may need adjusting.

If a warning alarm sounds, reduce throttle, stop when it is safe and investigate before running again. Persistent faults should be checked by a qualified technician.

How the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES Compares With Other Options

Tiller steering keeps the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES simple, light and affordable to rig. If you would rather steer from a console, look at a remote-control version of the same engine, which needs controls, steering and gauges but keeps the boat’s layout open.

Shaft length is the other key choice. This model has a 15-inch shaft; other versions of the same engine are available in different lengths to suit lower or higher transoms. Across brands, Tohatsu competes closely with the other leading outboard makers on reliability, fuel economy and service support, so the best choice often comes down to dealer access where you boat, controls and gauges already on the boat, and the specific features you value. Our outboard brands comparison sets out the main differences.

Getting the Best Fuel Economy From the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

Fuel is one of the biggest running costs of any boat, and a few habits make a real difference. First, trim the engine so the bow lifts slightly and the boat runs on the flattest part of the hull; too much trim makes the propeller ventilate, too little pushes the bow into the water. Second, find the boat’s most efficient cruising speed, usually just above the point where it planes cleanly, rather than running near full throttle. Third, spread the load evenly and avoid carrying weight you do not need, such as full water tanks or unused gear.

A clean hull and a propeller in good condition also save fuel: marine growth, dents and bent blades all increase drag. On a small engine like the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES, simply easing back from full throttle often cuts fuel use dramatically with only a small loss of speed. Our guides to outboard fuel efficiency and four-stroke outboards go into more detail.

Controls, Gauges and Electronics

On a tiller engine the controls are built into the handle: a twist-grip throttle, a gear lever and, depending on the version, a start button and trim switch. Many owners add a simple tachometer or hour meter, which helps with break-in and tracking service intervals. If the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES has electric start, use a marine starting battery of the size the owner’s manual specifies, keep the terminals clean and secure the battery so it cannot move in rough water.

Whatever the set-up, test the kill switch and the neutral-start safety feature regularly. If the engine will start in gear or the lanyard does not stop it, have it repaired before you go out.

Safety Equipment and Good Habits

A reliable engine is only part of safe boating. Before every trip with the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES, check the weather and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Carry the safety equipment your local rules require, which usually includes lifejackets for everyone on board, a fire extinguisher, a sound signal, navigation lights and a way to call for help such as a VHF radio. A paddle or a small auxiliary engine, a spare propeller, spare fuel, a basic tool kit, a spare kill-switch lanyard, plugs and a fuel filter can turn a breakdown into a short delay.

Always wear the kill-switch lanyard while the engine is running, keep people well clear of the propeller when anyone is in the water, and never run the engine in an enclosed space because exhaust gases are dangerous.

Long-Term Ownership and Resale Value

Outboards from the major brands hold their value well when they are cared for. To get the most from the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES over its life, keep every service receipt in one place, use genuine or manufacturer-approved parts and oils, and record engine hours at each service. Fit a cover when the boat is stored, keep the anodes in good condition, and touch up chipped paint on the gearcase before corrosion starts. A well-documented engine is easier to sell, and buyers will pay more for one with a clear history.

If you ever upgrade, a clean, well-maintained Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES is also a strong candidate for trade or private sale. Our guide on buying used outboard motors explains what buyers look for, which is useful to know as an owner too.

Typical Uses for the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

Owners choose the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES for a wide range of jobs. Some of the most common are:

• Fishing lakes, rivers and estuaries in an aluminium boat or jon boat
• Running a RIB or inflatable as a tender to a larger yacht
• Light work duties such as checking moorings, nets or pens
• Powering a small pontoon for relaxed family cruising

Whatever you use it for, the same basics apply: match the engine to the boat’s rating, choose the right propeller, keep up with servicing and treat the fuel well. Do that, and the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES should give you dependable, economical running season after season. If you are unsure whether it suits your plans, tell us about your boat and how you use it, and we will help you decide.

First-Trip Checklist for the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

Before you take the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES out for the first time, run through a simple checklist. It takes a few minutes and catches most of the problems that spoil a first outing.

• Confirm the engine is securely mounted and the mounting bolts or clamp screws are tight.
• Check the engine oil level and the gearcase oil, as the engine may have been shipped with minimal oil; follow the owner’s manual.
• Check that the fuel line, primer bulb and connectors are secure and that there are no leaks.
• Make sure the propeller is the right one for your boat, correctly fitted and secured with its nut and cotter pin or locking tab.
• Test the kill-switch lanyard, the neutral-start safety and the steering from lock to lock.
• Run the engine in the water and confirm a steady stream from the cooling-water tell-tale before you leave the dock.
• Keep the first outing short and close to shore, and follow the break-in instructions.

Any issue that appears on the first trip is far easier to sort out close to home. If you have questions at any stage, contact us and we will help.

Ordering and Delivery

Delivery times and costs depend on your location and the shipping method; the details are on our shipping policy page. When the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES arrives, inspect the crate or packaging before signing, note any visible damage on the delivery receipt and take photos. Check the model code on the engine’s identification plate against your order, and keep all paperwork, as you will need it for registration and future service. If you have any questions about what is included, such as a propeller, controls or a fuel tank, contact us before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES

What boats is the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES suited to?

It is best suited to aluminium boats, jon boats, inflatables, skiffs and small pontoons, within the limits on your boat’s capacity plate.

Can I use it in salt water?

Yes. Like other modern marine outboards, the Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES is designed for both fresh and salt water. After saltwater use, flush the engine with fresh water and check the anodes regularly.

What fuel does it use?

It runs on unleaded petrol of the octane given in the owner’s manual. As a four-stroke, it needs no oil mixed into the fuel.

How often does it need servicing?

Most four-stroke outboards need a first service after their break-in hours and then a full service every 100 hours or once a year, whichever comes first. Check the Tohatsu owner’s manual for the exact schedule.

How do I choose the shaft length?

Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull on the centreline. About 15 inches suits a short shaft, 20 inches a long shaft, 25 inches an extra-long shaft and 30 inches an ultra-long shaft.

How long will it last?

With regular servicing, correct storage and sensible use, a modern four-stroke outboard can give many years of reliable service. Engine hours, maintenance history and how hard it has been run matter more than age alone.

Can I fit it myself?

Many owners fit tiller engines themselves by following the owner’s manual. Make sure the engine is securely clamped or bolted and the mounting height is correct.

Is a propeller included?

Supply varies by model and listing. Please contact us before ordering and we will confirm exactly what comes with the engine.

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The current Tohatsu 20 HP MFS20ES price is shown on this page. Check our shipping policy and returns policy, compare the full Tohatsu 20 HP outboards, or contact us with any fit or rigging questions.