2 stroke / 4 stroke again.

[moondancer]

I've now been offered one of the last of the Mariner Sailmate 4hp 2 strokes and having done a bit of research am tempted. Have always used 4 strokes before and loved the reliability and fuel consumption. However, very tempted by the light weight and ease of stowage without leaking oil. Makes racing a bit easier when you have to take the engine off.

Is it worth giving the 2 stroke a punt?

 

[Blueboatman]

I would. Get em to stick a chargingcoil and rectifier on too if you like at a 'discounted' price.
Its well proven technology and meets the criteria you have outlined so unless you intend motoring 100s of miles each year.......

 

[JimC]

Mercury/Mariner 4hp 2 stroke Sailmate is an excellent engine. Had one for 13 years, runs as well as ever and ticks over like a watch. Economical too and the special prop gives good low speed control - a touch of astern will stop your boat just like with an inboard.

 

[retsina]

4 stroke are by far more reliable and more economical and they last much longer, they are not that much heavier!! Try a Tohatsu

 

[Anonymous]

Depends how green you are. Two strokes are a far better choice for tender outboards on every basis other than fuel economy and pollution. More important two strokes pour oil into the water, rivers, sea, estuaries.