i am pondering the purchase of one of these engines in a 4 stroke 9.9 or 8 hp. any opinions out there?the price seems to be very competetive, should i go with the 8 or 9.9?

Not too sure I would want their four stroke. I affraid I would have to spend the extra bucks and get the Honda four stroke. Theirs has been around a lot longer, and has a proven track record. The Tohatsu's two stroke is an OK motor, until it breaks. When you start buying parts for them, you come to realize how they were able to sell their motor cheaper than everyone elses. Most all brands parts are expensive but they are just totally rediculas on theirs. Add that to the fact they haven't proven themselves in the four stroke world like the Honda has, I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole.

As for hp, I'm a firm believer in putting just as much as the law allows on the back of a boat.  By that I mean based on hull hp limit, and rive/lake hp limit

I have a 5 horse Tohatsu and my friend has the 18 Hp Tohatsu all four strokes. So far I have not ocme across a more reliable and user friendly Small outboard than a Tohatsu.

Also, Nissan and Tohatsu are the same thing. So which ever one is cheaper get it. and put the max HP as you can.

Lastly, as long as you take good care of it, it will run nice and smooth for a LONG time.

Doesn't Tohatsu make all Nissian and Mercury's small outboards?