The new Tohatsu MFS150A ETL — the world’s lightest 150-horsepower outboard motor
In January 2026, Tohatsu Corporation unveiled its first in-house developed 150-horsepower outboard motor—the Tohatsu MFS150A—at the Düsseldorf and Toronto boat shows. The model has been available on the European market since May 2026, and the ETL version (electric start, long tail, remote control, power trim) has already become one of the most interesting offerings in its class.
In this article, we’ll examine why the MFS150A is a technological leap forward, how it differs from the previous flagship MFS140A, and why it challenges the dominance of Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, and Honda in the 150 hp class.
Key selling point: the lightest 150 hp engine in its class
The entire new architecture of the MFS150A is built around a single goal—maximum power-to-weight ratio. The base weight is just 178 kg (392 lbs) in its lightest configuration, which is up to 60.5 kg less than competing models in this power class.
What this means in practice:
- Less transom load — more boat hulls are suitable for this motor without modification
- Better balance — particularly important for small and medium-sized hulls (5.5–6.5 m)
- Lower fuel consumption — less weight = less drag = more economical operation
- Simpler installation and transport
To achieve this weight without sacrificing performance, Tohatsu developed the Simpliq™ Technology philosophy—namely, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining functionality.
New technologies on the MFS150A
1. Knock sensors with ECU feedback
For the first time in the Tohatsu lineup, a knock sensor has been installed that detects abnormal combustion in real time and sends data to the ECU. This automatically adjusts the ignition timing, resulting in:
- More optimal combustion in all operating modes
- The ability to use different fuel grades without a loss of performance
- Improved engine longevity (reduced risk of detonation)
2. Plastic intake manifold
The classic aluminum intake manifold has been replaced with high-performance plastic. This:
- Reduces overall weight
- Improves thermal insulation (cooler air = denser air = more oxygen for combustion)
- Reduces manufacturing costs
3. Redesigned idle valve and air throttle valve
New components responsible for up to 34% lower idle noise levels compared to competitors across all frequency ranges. This is particularly important:
- Trolling
- Long-distance cruising
- Passenger comfort
4. 4-2-1 Performance Tuned Exhaust Manifold
This is an industry-first solution that Tohatsu has been using since the MFS115A and has now optimized for the MFS150A. The exhaust flows from the four cylinders first merge into two channels, then into one—with exhaust paths of identical length, which completely eliminates mutual exhaust interference.
The result:
- Higher torque across the entire RPM range
- Faster "hole-shot" (acceleration from a standstill)
- Higher top speed
5. SOHC 4-valve-per-cylinder design
Unlike competitors who use either SOHC-2V (simpler, lower power) or DOHC-4V (more complex, heavier), Tohatsu has chosen a hybrid—SOHC-4V with centrally positioned spark plugs. This provides:
- Optimal heat distribution in the combustion chamber
- High efficiency with lower overall weight
- Simpler maintenance
MFS150A vs MFS140A — how is the new model better?
The MFS140A was already a superbly engineered engine in its own right and served as the foundation upon which the MFS150A was built. But the new model has taken significant steps forward:
| Parameter | MFS140A | MFS150A | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum power | 140 hp | 150 hp | +10 hp (+7%) |
| Curb weight | 178 kg | ~178 kg | The same — 10 hp more! |
| Knock sensors | No | Yes | New |
| Idle noise | Standard | −34% (vs. competitors) | Significantly quieter |
| Top speed | Base | +5% | Higher |
| Acceleration | Base | +2% | Faster |
| Fuel consumption at 2000 rpm | Base | −15% | More economical |
| Intake manifold | Metal | Plastic | Lighter |
| Color options | Standard | Aquamarine Blue / Beluga White | More modern design |
Key takeaway: The MFS150A offers 10 hp more power in the same weight class, with lower fuel consumption and noise levels. It’s a bold step forward with no compromises.
MFS150A vs. competitors in the 150 hp class
Here is a direct comparison with the market-leading 150 hp engines (lightest weight configurations):
| Model | Weight | Cylinder arrangement | Displacement | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tohatsu MFS150A | ~178 kg | 4-cyl. SOHC-4V | n/a* | Lightest, newest, with knock sensor |
| Mercury 150 FourStroke | ~206 kg | 4-cyl. SOHC 8V | 2998 cc | Largest displacement in its class |
| Yamaha F150 | ~218 kg | 4-cyl. DOHC 16V | 2785 cc | Market leader in sales |
| Honda BF150 | ~217 kg | 4-cyl. DOHC 16V | 2354 cc | Renowned reliability |
| Suzuki DF150A | ~235 kg | 4-cyl. DOHC 16V | 2867 cc | Heaviest, largest gear reducer |
*The exact displacement of the MFS150A has not yet been published in official sources.
Key advantages of the MFS150A over competitors
Compared to the Yamaha F150:
- ~40 kg lighter
- More modern 4-2-1 exhaust design
- Quieter at idle
Compared to the Mercury 150 FourStroke:
- ~28 kg lighter
- 16 valves vs. Mercury’s 8 valves (more efficient combustion)
- Centrally located spark plugs
Compared to the Suzuki DF150A:
- ~57 kg lighter (closer to Tohatsu’s claimed 60.5 kg advantage)
- Significantly lower transom load
- More modern fuel management system with knock sensor
Compared to the Honda BF150:
- ~40 kg lighter
- Newer platform (the Honda BF150 design has remained unchanged for many years)
MFS150A ETL Specifications
ETL version features:
- E — Electric start
- T — Power Trim and Tilt
- L — Long shaft (~517 mm)
Standard equipment:
- Remote control
- 4-2-1 Performance Tuned Exhaust
- Simpliq™ technology
- Knock sensors and ECU tuning
- Freshwater flushing system
- Anti-corrosion anodes
- Counter-rotation version available (UL transom)
Colors: Aquamarine Blue or Beluga White.
Warranty (EU market): up to 6 years through authorized dealers.
Who is this motor suitable for?
Ideal for:
- 5.5–6.5 m boats and RIB-type vessels
- Pontoon boats
- Lightweight aluminum and GRP boats
- Recreational water sports boats (water skiing, wakeboarding)
- Twin-engine configurations (counter-rotation version)
- Buyers who prioritize low weight (low transom load on small boats)
Less suitable for:
- Heavy commercial work boats where constant load is a priority (in which case the Mercury 150 with a 3L displacement might be a better choice)
- Regions where the Tohatsu dealer network is weak
Conclusions
The Tohatsu MFS150A ETL is one of the most significant upgrades in the 150 hp class in recent years. Key advantages:
- The lightest 150 hp engine in the industry — 178 kg
- Measurable improvements over the MFS140A — +10 hp without added weight, −15% fuel consumption in cruising mode, quieter operation
- Competitive against Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Honda — the main argument is the weight difference ranging from 28 to 60 kg
- Modern technologies — knock sensors, plastic intake manifold, optimized 4-2-1 exhaust manifold
- 6-year warranty in the EU market
If you are building a new project where weight is critical, or considering a repower for a smaller boat where a 150 hp engine was previously too heavy for the transom — the MFS150A is a very strong contender.
The information in this article is based on an official announcement by Tohatsu Corporation (January 2026), a presentation at the 2026 Düsseldorf Boat Show, and industry publications (boote-magazin.de, boatsales.com.au, IBI News).
Article prepared by Verners Lediņš