The 9.8 Tohatsu XLS  have been  amazing,  faithful performers. After Six years of continuous service, the decision was made to change and upgrade to the 9.9 version.  The 9.8’s have  the largest hp available in that size and weight range. The only slightly heavier 9.9 block is identical to the 15 and 20 hp versions, which use different ECU’s ,. so an upgrade in power, if needed,  is possible without the added weight.  In our case, the 9.9’s give a noticeable increase in thrust and speed (they throw a slightly larger prop than the 9.8’s).  So far we are very happy with them. .

Another big plus is the ability to flush,  using the side mounted hose ports. We rigged a permanent PVC pipe with attached garden hoses so all that is needed after docking is to  shut down and raise the motors, connect the hoses on engine (easily accessed on the side) connect the PVC pipe to the dock, throw open the valve, and flush both engines at once.   This is way quicker and easier  than standing on your head while monkeying around with an earmuff, and running the engines dry ( 9.8’s were carburetor  versions) while flushing.

The new and improved swim platform gives about another 10 sq. ft of real estate. It  makes  checking/servicing the steering gear much simpler and accessible. Finally, now I have a reliable, quick way to deploy a boarding ladder (half of a Wagner aluminum painter’s ladder from home depot) with a simple cleat tie off at the top, and a permanent attached large boat fender tied off on the bottom rung, to keep the thing at the proper angle when boarding. MOB pole, throw ring, and strobe light will now be accessable  from the helm.

Notice the work float underneath. Five sheets of 2″ pink foam board from home depot, held together with ratchet straps. Works great! It is light,  and can be stowed up forward on the tramp.  I can now scrape the water line and below,  to  the length of my arm, about 2/3rds of the surface area, without getting in the drink.   I do  hate getting in that water!