2 stroke or 4 stroke?

[Hunter34]

Need to buy a new outboard of around 6 - 8hp but I am not sure whether to go for a 2 stroke or 4 stroke.
I guess the 4 stroke will be quieter?
Are they more reliable and possibly easier to start?
Will a 4 stroke be slower than a 2 stroke?

Any useful advice much appreciated.

Andrew

 

[Joe_Cole]

A four stroke will be a little more expensive and heavier. It will also be quieter, less smelly, more fuel efficient and, arguably, more reliable.
It won't be slower than a 2 stroke; an 8HP engine will still churn out 8HP, whether 2 or 4 stroke!

For starting, I doubt if there's much between them; but other people may have a view on this.

I think it depends on what you are using it for. If its going on a rib/runabout/inflatable then, personally I would go for a 2 stroke. Mainly because it's easier to lug the thing about as well as being cheaper.

If you are using it on a sailboat and may need to have it running for long periods then I would definately go for a 4 stroke. Noise, smell, and fuel economy make it well worth the small increase in initial purchase price. Apart from the cost implications the improved fuel economy also means that your range will be better.

 

[T_S]

If you are looking to buy a 6 HP outboard then a good choice would be the Tohatso 6 HP 4 stroke, this is a single cylinder engine and has the bonus of having pushrods and not a rubber band for a cam belt! It weighs about the same as a 2 stroke equivalent

Tohatsu I am led to believe also make engines for Mercury.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

The big advantage of a 2 stroke is being able to lay it down in the bottom of a locker if necessary.....

 

[Joe_Cole]

Yes, but you can still put a 4 stroke in the locker. You just need to be a more careful positioning it when you put it down there. Usually though an engine of that size will be mounted semi-permanently and will only rarely be put in the locker.

You are right though; it is another consideration to be taken into account.

 

[Cornishman]

2 stroke usually lubricate either by direct injection of oil or by using a petrol/oil mix. Both of these methods are 'environmentally unfriendly' and I believe that they are banned in some countries, on lakes at least, but in Scandinavia in fjords as well.