If you are looking for a reliable kicker, the nissan 3.5 hp outboard has probably crossed your mind more than once. It's one of those engines that seems to live forever, popping up on the back of dinghies, square-stern canoes, and small jon boats at every boat ramp from Maine to Florida. Even though Nissan Marine eventually folded its branding into Tohatsu, these little 3.5 hp powerhouses remain a staple of the used market and a favorite for anyone who values simplicity over flashy features.
I've spent a fair amount of time around these motors, and there is just something honest about them. They don't try to be anything they aren't. They're light, they're loud enough to let you know they're working, and they usually start on the first or second pull if you've treated them even halfway decent.
The Tohatsu Connection
Before we get too deep into the weeds, we should probably clear up a common point of confusion. If you look at a nissan 3.5 hp outboard and then look at a Tohatsu or even some older Mercury models of the same size, you're going to notice they look strikingly similar. That's because Tohatsu actually built these engines for Nissan.
In the world of small outboards, Tohatsu is the silent giant. For years, they manufactured the "guts" of the engines, and companies like Nissan just put their own cowlings and stickers on them. This is actually great news for you as an owner. It means that even if your motor says "Nissan" on the side and was built twenty years ago, you can still find parts easily. You just look for the equivalent Tohatsu part number, and you're back in business. It makes owning an older Nissan a lot less stressful than owning some obscure brand that disappeared in the 80s.
Why Weight is the Biggest Selling Point
One of the main reasons people hunt down a nissan 3.5 hp outboard is the weight—or the lack of it. Let's be real: nobody likes lugging a heavy motor down a slippery dock or across a sandy beach.
The two-stroke versions of these motors are incredibly light, often weighing in at under 30 pounds. Even the four-stroke versions, which are a bit heavier due to the internal oil reservoir and more complex valve train, are still very manageable. You can carry one of these with one hand while holding a fishing rod or a gear bag in the other.
For someone with a small inflatable tender, this is a game-changer. You don't need a crane or a specialized bracket to get it on and off the transom. You just clamp it on, tighten the thumb screws, and you're ready to go. That portability is exactly why these motors haven't been tossed in the scrap heap despite being "old tech" in the eyes of some.
The Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Debate
If you're shopping for a nissan 3.5 hp outboard, you're going to run into two distinct flavors: the older two-strokes and the newer four-strokes. Both have their fans, and which one you choose really depends on what you care about most.
The Two-Stroke Workhorse
The two-stroke Nissan 3.5 is the classic. It requires you to mix gas and oil (usually at a 50:1 ratio), which can be a bit of a pain if you're messy, but the trade-off is simplicity. There are fewer moving parts, which generally means there's less to go wrong. These engines are punchy and have a great power-to-weight ratio. Plus, you can lay them down on almost any side without worrying about oil leaking into the cylinders—something that is a constant headache with four-strokes.
The Four-Stroke Alternative
The four-stroke models are the ones you'll find if you want something a bit "greener" and quieter. You don't have to mess with mixing oil, which is a huge plus for a lot of people. You just pour straight gas into the integrated tank and go. They run a lot smoother at idle and don't produce that classic "blue cloud" of smoke. However, they are slightly heavier and you have to be very careful about how you store them. If you lay a four-stroke on the wrong side, the crankcase oil can migrate where it shouldn't, leading to a messy cleanup or even a locked engine.
Living with the Integral Fuel Tank
One feature I've always appreciated (and sometimes cursed) is the built-in fuel tank. The nissan 3.5 hp outboard usually features a small tank right on top of the engine. On one hand, this is fantastic. You don't have to carry a separate plastic red tank that takes up floor space in a small boat. There are no fuel lines to trip over or primer bulbs to squeeze until your hand cramps.
On the other hand, the tank is small—usually around 0.3 to 0.4 gallons. Now, a 3.5 hp motor doesn't sip much fuel, so that tank can actually last you a surprisingly long time if you aren't running at wide-open throttle. But if you're planning a long trek, you'll definitely need to bring a small jerry can along for refills. Refilling a hot motor in choppy water can be a bit of a test of your steady hand, but it's a small price to pay for the convenience of a self-contained unit.
The "No Reverse" Situation
If you're used to larger outboards, the gear shift on a nissan 3.5 hp outboard might take you by surprise. Most of these models don't have a traditional "Forward-Neutral-Reverse" gear set. Instead, you usually get "Forward" and "Neutral," or sometimes just a direct drive where the prop spins as soon as the engine starts.
So, how do you go backward? It's actually pretty clever. The motor is designed to rotate 360 degrees. If you need to back up, you just spin the entire engine around 180 degrees so the propeller is facing the bow. It feels a bit weird the first time you do it, and you have to be careful not to let the tiller handle whack you in the ribs, but it works perfectly. It's a simple mechanical solution that keeps the weight and cost of the lower unit down.
Maintenance and Keeping It Happy
The beauty of the nissan 3.5 hp outboard is that you don't need to be a certified mechanic to keep it running. Most of the routine stuff is pretty straightforward.
- The Carburetor: This is usually the only thing that gives people trouble. Because the jets in these tiny carbs are so small, they can clog easily if you let old gas sit in them. My advice? Always use a fuel stabilizer, or better yet, run the carb dry if you aren't going to use the motor for a few weeks.
- The Impeller: Like any water-cooled motor, it needs a good supply of water to stay cool. If you see the "pee stream" (the tell-tale water outlet) getting weak, it's time to swap out the rubber impeller. It's a cheap part and a relatively easy DIY job.
- Spark Plugs: Carry a spare. It takes two minutes to swap one out, and it's the easiest way to fix a motor that's acting grumpy.
Finding a Used Nissan 3.5 HP
Since Nissan stopped selling outboards under their own name a few years back, you're mostly looking at the used market now. The good news is that these things were built like tanks. If you find one that hasn't been dropped in salt water and left to rot, it's probably got plenty of life left in it.
When you're checking one out, look at the condition of the lower unit oil. If it looks like chocolate milk, there's a seal leak, and water is getting in. Also, ask the seller to start it up in a barrel of water. A healthy nissan 3.5 hp outboard should idle smoothly (well, as smoothly as a single-cylinder engine can) and pump water immediately.
Don't be afraid of a little cosmetic wear. These are utility motors, not showpieces. As long as the compression is good and the gears aren't grinding, a little faded paint on the cowling just gives it character.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the nissan 3.5 hp outboard represents a time when things were built to be simple and serviceable. It isn't the fastest motor on the lake, and it's certainly not the most high-tech, but it's reliable. Whether you're using it to get from your mooring to the dock or you're trolling for panfish in a hidden cove, it does exactly what it's supposed to do without any drama. And in the world of boating, "no drama" is just about the highest praise you can give.