2 stroke / 4 stroke 8 hp outboard

[Guest]

I am looking for an outboard engine to suit my Etap 21i yacht (My current outboard is a Honda 5hp 4stroke which has a manual start and I find it a little noisy, unrefined and underpowered for use on the Forth estuary) . I am looking for an engine with about 8hp that has an electric start, user friendly controls and is reliable. Does anyone have any suggestions. I am also looking for advive on 2 stroke and 4 stroke. Which is best and why?
Thanks.

 

[Guest]

I have switched from 2 stroke to 4 stroke three times on small motorboats (50 to 90 hp). The experience is entirely positive. Easy to start, quiet and fuel saving. Only disadvantage is the increase in weight, which makes the boat lie very low in the water when still. Some people claim the 4 strokes will be less reliable when older. I do not believe that, why else does nobody drive a 2 stroke car anymore ?

Andreas

 

[jamesjermain]

A 4-stroke will be heavier and more expensive to buy but the rest is positive.It will be quieter, more economical, have a better power curve for motor sailing zand, I believe, will be more reliable in the long run.

I would have thought an 8hp (in fact, I think you may have to go up to 9.9hp to find a suitable model) 4-stroke would be abit too heavy for an Etap21i. There is a risk it will drag the stern down causing a noticeable drop in sailing performance. What does Etap recommend in terms of engine size?

JJ

 

[chippie]

I had a Yamaha 9.9 fourstroke electric start on my trimaran and found it quiet and economical. The prop was quite a bit larger than on two strokes which reflects the stronger torque. I ran it only a little above idle speed.An advantage with the electric model is that it has a reasonable (for an outboard) charging circuit. A disadvantage with the Yamaha was that parts were expensive and it was heavy. With remotes fitted it was easy to operate but as it was old (1988) the need for expensive parts arose . One other unexpected disadvantage was that the leg was more susceptible to corrosion as there were no oily fumes through it.I think however if you can buy new or near new most of these drawbacks fade away. Good Luck.
Good Luck.