T&T: 2stroke vs 4stroke, was dinghy outboard recommendations

[Scott Bulger]

I chose a 2 stroke for the following reasons:

 

a.        They can be service almost anywhere in the world (15hp Yamaha)

b.      Parts are available almost anywhere in the word

c.       They develop a power stroke every other revolution, rather than
every 4th, so in my opinion a 2 stroke seems to have more power than a 4
stroke.

d.      They are very easy to pull start (mine starts the first time, every
time even if sitting for a month or more)

e.      Lighter, a LOT lighter.

 

The perceived disadvantages were:

a.        You can't buy a new 2 stroke, reality, yes you can.  Jacobsen's in
Ballard WA had 7 when I made this decision 6 months ago

b.      You won't be able to use them on lakes and streams, possible, but
I'm boating in the ocean.  I'm not aware of any local where you can't
operate a 2 stroke motor in the salt water?

c.       Have to mix oil and gas, not a big deal for me, I know how to do
this

d.      Not as environmentally "friendly".  In the total scheme of things
(product life cycle, I'm not sure this is true, but it's certainly marketed
that way).

e.      2 strokes are louder than 4 strokes:  True, but not a big deal for
me

f.        4 strokes are more fuel efficient:  True, not sure how big a deal
this is for me, I put a backup 3 gallon tank in the boat to be use if the 6
goes empty.

 

In summary I went for the best motor to do the job, not what was being
touted by the sales guy as the "best in the industry".  

 

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle

Moored in Sausalito Yacht Harbor, FUBAR bound