boat motor Nissan Marine 9.8 hp - this is the optimal combination of Japanese reliability, efficiency and performance for a small and medium-sized rubber or aluminum boat. The model is in steady demand among fishermen, hunters and lovers of active recreation on the water due to its unpretentiousness and maintainability. Unlike many Chinese analogues, this engine is assembled in factories Toatsu (Japan) - companies with half a century of experience in the production of marine motors, which guarantees a high assembly culture and a long service life.
But how not to make a mistake when choosing among the many modifications? After all Nissan 9.8 Available in versions with manual and electric starter, short (S) and elongated (L) sternwood, as well as with different control systems - from a simple tiller to remote control. In this guide we will look at all key aspects: from technical characteristics to maintenance nuances that the manufacturer is silent in the instructions. Let’s also compare the model with its main competitors - Yamaha 9.9, Tohatsu 9.8 And Mercury 9.9so you can make informed choices.
Specifications Nissan 9.8 hp: what you need to know before buying
Engine Nissan Marine NS9.8 belongs to the series four-stroke engines with overhead valves (OHV), which ensures quiet operation and economical fuel consumption. Basic parameters of the model:
- 🔹 Engine type: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled (air cooling)
- 🔹 Working volume: 209 cm³
- 🔹 Maximum power: 9.8 hp at 5000–5500 rpm
- 🔹 Transmission: forward/reverse (
F-N-R) - 🔹 Fuel: gasoline AI-92 (minimum AI-90)
- 🔹 Fuel tank volume: 12 liters (external tank)
- 🔹 Weight: from 37 kg (model with manual starter)
Feature Nissan 9.8 — unique lubrication system with an oil pump that automatically supplies oil to critical components even when the engine is tilted up to 15°. This is relevant for fishermen who often maneuver in shallow water. However, it is important to consider that air cooling limits prolonged operation at high speeds - at temperatures above +30°C it is recommended to take breaks every 30–40 minutes.
| Parameter | Value (short deadwood S) |
Value (extended deadwood L) |
|---|---|---|
| Deadwood length | 381 mm | 508 mm |
| Maximum transom height | 368 mm | 495 mm |
| Recommended boat load | up to 500 kg | up to 700 kg |
| Screw depth | 230 mm | 350 mm |
When choosing between short (S) and elongated (L) with the deadwood, focus on boat type:
- S Suitable for inflatable boats with low transom (eg PVC "Frigate" or "Wings").
- L Essential for aluminum high transom boats or keel boats.
⚠️ Attention: If you install a motor with a short deadwood on a boat with a high transom, the propeller will “grab” air, which will lead to loss of thrust and overheating of the engine. Check transom height before purchase!
Advantages and disadvantages: an honest analysis of the model
Like any technical product, Nissan 9.8 has strengths and weaknesses. Let's consider them based on reviews from owners and data from service centers.
Pros of the motor:
- ✅ Reliability: Japanese assembly and simple design without electronics reduce the risk of breakdowns to a minimum. Lifetime before major repairs - 2000–2500 operating hours with proper maintenance.
- ✅ Economical: Fuel consumption - total 2.5–3 l/hour at cruising speed (with a load of 2–3 people). For comparison, two-stroke engines of similar power consume 4–5 l/hour.
- ✅ Quiet operation: Noise level at idle speed - 58 dB (vs. 70–75 dB for two-strokes). This is critical for fishermen who value silence.
- ✅ Maintainability: Spare parts are interchangeable with motors Tohatsu M9.8 (same pistons, rings, bearings). Prices for original parts are lower than those Yamaha or Mercury.
Cons and nuances:
- ❌ Weight: 37–40 kg - heavier than most two-stroke counterparts (e.g. Mercury 9.9 weighs 32 kg). This complicates transportation.
- ❌ First launch difficulty: After a long period of inactivity (wintering), it may be necessary to bleeding the fuel system manually.
- ❌ Fuel sensitivity: When using gasoline with an octane number below AI-90, detonation and accelerated wear of the piston group are possible.
- ❌ No temperature sensor in basic versions. Overheating can only be noticed by a change in the operating sound.
Interesting fact: despite the lack of official imports to Russia, Nissan 9.8 remains one of the most popular engines on the secondary market. Reason - price/quality ratio: a used model from 2015–2018 can be found for 80–120 thousand rubles, whereas new Yamaha 9.9 will cost 180–200 thousand rubles.
- Reliability
- Economical
- Price
- Weight and compactness
- Quiet operation
Comparison with competitors: Nissan 9.8 vs Yamaha 9.9 vs Tohatsu 9.8
To understand how much Nissan 9.8 compares favorably with analogues, we will conduct a comparative analysis based on key criteria. All three motors belong to the same class, but have fundamental differences in design and performance characteristics.
| Parameter | Nissan NS9.8 | Yamaha F9.9 | Tohatsu M9.8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 4-stroke, OHV, air cooling |
4-stroke, SOHC, water cooling |
4-stroke, OHV, air cooling |
| Fuel consumption (l/hour) | 2.5–3 | 2.8–3.2 | 2.6–3.1 |
| Weight (kg) | 37–40 | 36–39 | 36–38 |
| Features | Simple design, interchangeability of spare parts with Tohatsu | Electronic ignition, temperature sensor as standard | Improved lubrication system, less vibration |
| Average price (new, rub.) | 140 000–160 000 | 180 000–200 000 | 150 000–170 000 |
Key findings:
- 🔧 Nissan 9.8 - the best choice for those who appreciate simplicity and maintainability. It is easier to repair in the field.
- 💧 Yamaha 9.9 wins by ease of use (less noise, better cooling), but loses in price.
- 🔄 Tohatsu 9.8 - the golden mean, but spare parts for it are more difficult to find in the regions.
If you need a motor for intensive use (for example, daily fishing trips), pay attention to Yamaha with water cooling. For periodic use (weekends, vacation) Nissan 9.8 will be the optimal solution.
When buying a used engine, be sure to check the compression in the cylinder - it should be at least 9–10 kg/cm². If the indicator is below 8 kg/cm², get ready for an early repair of the piston group.
Operating instructions: how to extend the life of the motor
Even the most reliable motor can quickly fail if operating instructions are not followed. Let's consider key pointsthat owners often miss.
1. First launch and run-in
New motor required running-in in gentle mode:
- First 10 engine hours do not exceed 3/4 maximum speed.
- Use oil SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (For example, Nissan Marine Oil or Motul Outboard Tech 4T).
- After running in be sure to change the oil — metal particles from grinding parts accumulate in it.
2. Refueling
- ⛽ Use only fresh gasoline (not older than 3 months). During long-term storage, fuel oxidizes and clogs the carburetor.
- ⛽ Add a fuel stabilizer (for example, STIHL Motomix) during winter storage.
- ⛽ Do not mix gasoline with oil - this four-stroke engine!
3. Care after use
Rinse the engine with fresh water (especially if you drove in salt water)|Check the oil level|Drain the condensation from the fuel tank|Lubricate the moving parts (tiller, control rods)|Dry the engine in a vertical position-->
Pay special attention flushing the cooling system. If you have driven in sea water, salt may crystallize on the cylinder fins, impairing heat transfer. To wash, use a weak solution of vinegar (1:10 with water) or special products such as Salt Away.
⚠️ Attention: Never store the motor in a horizontal position - this will cause oil entering the combustion chamber through ventilation ducts. Consequences: carbon deposits on the spark plug, difficult starting, increased fuel consumption.
Tuning and modernization: what can be improved in Nissan 9.8
The basic configuration of the engine does not always satisfy the needs of the owners. Fortunately, Nissan 9.8 lends itself well to modifications. Let's consider the most useful upgrades:
1. Replacing the screw
Standard Aluminum Screw 3x10x11 (3 blades, 10" pitch, 11" diameter) is not always optimal. Alternatives:
- Steel screw (For example, Michigan Wheel Apollo) - holds speed better under load, but is heavier.
- 4 blade propeller — increases traction at low speeds (relevant for heavy boats).
- Smaller pitch propeller (For example, 9") - speeds up acceleration, but reduces maximum speed.
2. Installation of an electric starter
If you have a version with a manual starter, you can purchase an electric start kit (Nissan Electric Start Kit). Cost - approx. 25,000 rubles. For installation you will need:
- 12V battery (minimum capacity - 18 Ah).
- Installation of starter and relay.
- Connecting wiring to the control panel.
How to check if the starter is compatible with your model?
Electric start is only suitable for motors with the index ES in the title (for example, NS9.8BES). If your model has letters ES no, the flywheel and bendix gear will need to be replaced. Check with your dealer before purchasing the kit!
3. Remote control
For boats over 4 meters in length it is more convenient to use remote control instead of a tiller. Kit Nissan Remote Control includes:
- Gas/reverse lever.
- Cable traction.
- Transom mounts.
Cost - 30,000–40,000 rubles.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the remote control be sure to adjust the tension of the cables. Weak tension leads to gas sticking, and excessive tension leads to increased wear of the gear shift mechanism.
Typical faults and solutions
Even with careful operation, problems can arise with the motor. Let's consider most common breakdowns and methods for their diagnosis.
| Symptom | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The engine won't start | No spark (faulty spark plug or ignition coil) | Check the spark plug (NGK BPR6ES), the gap should be 0.7–0.8 mm |
| The engine stalls while driving | Fuel filter or carburetor clogged | Wash the carburetor, replace the filter |
| Motor overheating | Clogged cooling fins or low oil level | Clean the ribs, check the oil, add if necessary |
| Power Loss | Worn piston rings or propeller | Measure compression, inspect the screw for damage |
If the motor does not develop maximum speed, the reason could be:
- Incorrectly selected screw (too large pitch).
- Clogged air filter.
- Unadjusted carburetor.
To adjust the carburetor:
1. Find quality and quantity screws mixtures (usually marked as L And H).
2. Start the engine and warm it up for 5–10 minutes.
3. Tighten the screw smoothly Luntil the rpm starts to drop, then back off 1/4 turn.
4. Repeat the procedure with the screw H.
If after adjustment the motor still operates unstably, the problem may lie in air leaks through carburetor gaskets or fuel hoses. Check all connections for leaks!
Owner reviews: pros and cons from real experience
To form an objective opinion about the motor, we analyzed reviews on the forums (FishHunting, BoatMaster) and in social network groups. Here's what users say:
Positive Feedback:
- 👍 “I bought it used for 90 thousand and rode it for 3 seasons without any breakdowns. I only changed the oil and spark plugs.” (Alexey, Moscow)
- 👍 "Compared to two-stroke Mercury — the silence and fuel economy are pleasing." (Igor, St. Petersburg)
- 👍 “It starts with a half-turn even after winter. The main thing is to drain the gasoline in the fall.” (Dmitry, Novosibirsk)
Negative feedback:
- 👎 “The weight is awkward—you can’t lift it alone to the second floor of the garage.” (Sergey, Yekaterinburg)
- 👎 "After 5 years of operation, the oil began to eat up - I had to change the seals." (Anton, Krasnodar)
- 👎 "Weak traction at low speeds. I had to install a propeller with a smaller pitch." (Oleg, Kazan)
An interesting trend: owners who regularly serviced engine (change the oil every 50 hours, wash the carburetor), minimal problems are noted. Those who save on maintenance are faced with breakdowns after 2-3 seasons.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
❓ Is it possible to use motor oil for cars?
No, it is absolutely not recommended. Automotive oils are not designed for constant operation at high speeds and do not have the necessary additives to protect against corrosion in an aquatic environment. Use only specialized oils for outboard motors (TC-W3).
❓ What is the resource of the motor when used correctly?
Subject to compliance with the maintenance regulations (oil change, filters, spark plugs), the service life Nissan 9.8 amounts to 2000–2500 operating hours. This is equivalent to 10–15 seasons of active use (200 hours per year).
❓ Is it possible to convert a two-stroke engine to a four-stroke?
Technically this is possible, but not economically feasible. The cost of the modification (replacement of the cylinder block, lubrication system, carburetor) is comparable to the purchase of a new four-stroke engine. It’s better to sell the two-stroke and buy more money for Nissan 9.8.
❓ How to store a motor in winter?
Before winter storage:
1. Drain fuel or add stabilizer.
2. Change the oil.
3. Rinse the motor with fresh water and dry.
4. Lubricate the cylinder by rotating the crankshaft with the spark plug removed and injecting 5–10 ml of oil into the spark plug hole.
5. Store upright in a dry place.
❓ Where to buy spare parts for Nissan 9.8?
Original spare parts can be ordered from official dealers Nissan Marine or in online stores (BoatParts, MarineShop). An alternative is interchangeable parts from Tohatsu (they are 20–30% cheaper). For rare parts (for example, a cylinder block), contact service centers specializing in Japanese engines.