2 Stroke or not 2 Stroke?

[mandlmaunder]

Are there any plans in the UK and Euroland for the abolition or limiting of use for the 2 stroke engine as a means of propulsion on the water, as many states in the US are limiting or banning 2 stroke engines, to the extent that in many areas it is almost inpossible to buy or use these trusty little noise makers.
Some inland waterways are now zero immision areas.
Where the US leads others happily follow.

 

[Cornishman]

I believe they have been banned in certain Scandinavian countries for some while now. It won't be long now, I guess. After all, many of them leave trails of unburned oil wherever they go which used to be not thought about, but now the world has become so conscious of disposing of almost anything I can't see much future for any 2 stroke engines.

 

[reginaldon]

I think my old Seagull 40- (10:1) should be OK. I'm sure all the two strokes in Britain are nothing compared with a 757. The world's gone PC crazy.

 

[wotayottie]

you can no longer buy new 2 stroke marine engines (I think you can use small ones for garden equipment etc) but you can continue to use old ones. In certain local areas, any or some engine types might be banned altogether - for example, 2 stroke and 4 stroke outboards are often banned in the UK for use on reservoirs.

Scandinavia is a different planet when it comes to such socially / politically correct issues. Some places you cant even use proper antifoul.

P.S. Its "emissions" /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[jhr]

The sale of 2-strokes hasn't been banned per se in the UK but the emission regulations (EU inspired, I think) are now so strict that no - or very few - current 2-stroke engines can meet their requirements, therefore there are none on the market except for a few that were imported prior to the cut off date (last year some time, but I can't remember when).

 

[dylanwinter]

I used to use my old seagull on the broads in the winter time - and felt guilty about what I was doing to the water - you even had to dribble fuel out before starting the thing. It was small, light and utterly reliable - but it had to go.

Beware with the new four strokes though. While I drowned the seagull several times and it survived very happily the replacement Honda - bigger, quieter, more fuel efficient - got a bit wet one day - okay very wet - and it packed up forever, water got into the intake, thence into the cyclinder and the con rod got punched through the wall of the cylinder block - end of Honda. Its all to do with the way the two types of engine work.

A few days after I was on a beach in Devon - saw three tenders come in and get overturned in the surf - all three had two strokes - all three started again.

So, if you have one of those excellent little two stroke mariners or some such and use it on the tender occasionally - hold onto it.

Dylan http://uk.youtube.com/user/KeepTurningLeft

PS - I have uploaded a short 4 minute clip of gaffers and smacks racing at Brightlingsea - here

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zHyBSR4Xjpk

 

[PCUK]

Modern fuel injected two strokes are OK as they meet emmision standards. At present I believe the smallest model is 40hp but the size gradually coming down. Currently owned two strokes are legal and will continue to be. Old stock two strokes can also legally be bought and used (if you can find one) but no more are allowed to be made for sale in the EU.

 

[jhr]

[ QUOTE ]
So, if you have one of those excellent little two stroke mariners

[/ QUOTE ] Exactly what I've got. Yes, it's been for a swim and yes, it still works /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm sure all the two strokes in Britain are nothing compared with a 757. The world's gone PC crazy.

[/ QUOTE ]

Should ALL new regulation appear at exactly the same moment in time?

Adding to that, although a 757 creates it's own problems, I don't see many oil/petrol slicks on the harbour waters from them.

I am well in favour of a total ban of the noisy, smelly and outdated 2 stroke outboards from our harbours, this would also mean jet skis would have a problem, but that's life I am afraid, we can't continue to pollute in the way we do, it just isn't on!

 

[Twister_Ken]

I have one stroke oars.