In 2026, Tohatsu celebrates 70 years since in 1956 began the production of its first outboard motor. Seven decades later, the japanese brand not only maintains its global presence, but that is consolidated as one of the manufacturers with greater continuity industry in the marine sector.
This anniversary is not only a figure symbolic: it represents a continuing technological developments, marked by the adaptation to environmental regulations, new performance demands and a growing sophistication mechanics.
1956-1975: the foundations of the reliability
The starting point was the model OB (1956)the first outboard domestic for the japanese market. Marked the formal beginning of the marine division of the company.
During the 60s, models such as the OB2B (1961) —with over 10,000 units produced— consolidated their position in the market. The B9A (1968)known as the “Sea Gull”, strengthened the international expansion.
In 1970 came the B13A, one of the models produced of his time, followed by the B38B (1972), the first 2-stroke twin-cylinder of the brand. In 1976, the M35A marked a leap in industrial, becoming the first model produced on mass in the floor of Tokyo.
This stage defined the DNA of Tohatsu motors compact, efficient and robust, designed to last.
1980-1995: power and diversification
The decade of the 80's brought a clear evolution in power and architecture. The M55A (1980) it was designed to deliver improved performance in demanding environments such as the competition. In 1986, the M90A introduced the first block of 3 cylinders of the brand.
In 1990, the M140A positioned itself as one of the 2 times more powerful in the market in its segment, cementing Tohatsu in the range of higher power.
The brand showed its ability in engineering of high-performance motors without losing structural reliability.
1980-1995: power and diversification
The decade of the 80's brought a clear evolution in power and architecture. The M55A (1980) was designed to offer higher performance in demanding environments such as the competition. In 1986, the M90A introduced the first block of 3 cylinders of the brand.
In 1990, the M140A positioned itself as one of the 2 times more powerful in the market in its segment, cementing Tohatsu in the range of higher power.
The brand showed its ability in engineering of high-performance motors without losing structural reliability.
1998-2006: technological transition and efficiency
The arrival of environmental regulations more stringent pushed the innovation. In 1998, the MFS5A introduced the technology 4 times within the catalog of the brand, in anticipation of the trend of the sector.
In 2000, the MD50A TLDI joined the system to Two Stroke Low Pressure Direct Injection, reducing emissions in engines 2 times. This development was key in the technological transition.
The MFS9.8A3 (2003) noted for its lightness in the segment, 4-stroke, while the MFS30B (2005) marked the introduction of electronic fuel injection (EFI) in its category.
This stage consolidated the reputation of Tohatsu as a manufacturer of technically competitive against large global actors.
2011-2025: sophistication and electrification
In the last decade, the trend has been even more strategic. The BFT250A (2013) marked a bet by high-performance configurations V6 250 hp. Models such as the MFS115A (2020) integrated improvements in efficiency, combustion and dynamic response.
In 2024, the launch of the MEP6.0 with system ALARIS™ it marked the official entrance of Tohatsu in the segment of electric propulsion, in line with the new demands of sustainability.
Finally, in 2025, the BFT250DK1 represented an evolution of aesthetics, and technique within the high range.
2026: 70 years of continuous production
Since that first OB from 1956 until the solutions electrical current, Tohatsu has gone through three major transformations: industrial expansion, technological transition to the 4-stroke and scanning with EFI, and recently, electrification.
Celebrate 70 years in 2026 is not only to look back. Is to confirm that the combination of engineering, japanese, mechanical reliability, and adaptation of strategic remains the real motor of the brand.
