2 Stroke vs. 4-Stroke Outboards

[WFR]

I know that in USA you can't purchase 2-Stroke Outboards, but the rest of the world, fortunately or unfortunately, isn't that "selective".

While I am aware of all the technical oriented pros and cons of both, I'm interested in hearing from "the voices of blue-water cruising expereience". If you had the choice and could purchase a new motor today for a new 3.1 meter RIB, would you select a 2 or 4 stroke and why? What brand would you pick and why?

 

[captainslarty]

Firstly a big HELLO to you Sir. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Tohatsu, 2 stroke, 18hp, thats what I use on me 3.1mtr Souther Pacific ali floor rib.
Lighter than an equivelent 4, no worries about storage position, same fuel as the genny and small (yam 2b) backup outboard.
You cant purchase a 2 stroke in the uk now unless the dealer has old stock, when theyve gone theyve gone.. unless you are a commercial operator or similar. or, until the emissions are lower.
As for tohatsu, they are built to last, they make outboards for many manufacturers, for example the 2.5 and 3.5 Merc, Mariner are made from the tohatsu unit afaik,
Some of the mid range merc mariners are tohatsu too. they tend to be cheaper to buy and maintain. they are ultra reliable.
I also like to have the lube oil IN the fuel, I follow a strict regime of oil goes in when the fuel is bought. I know I have lube, and as a backup can tell by the colour of the fuel. I can run a heavy mix at the end of a layup period or period of none use. I have a 2 gal tank with connectors that always has a tad of 25:1 mix in, an hour on this at start and end of use if I am going to use it for say 10 hours or so then lay up. The only thing I would change the engine for is a 40hp old tohatsu or similar due to the fact I like to play sometimes, yes, the ribs only rated for a 20, but hey, I used to tweak cars in a previous life, just the same thing.... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Hope that helps.
Joe.

 

[lexi]

If you can stand the fuel costs and the slight smell of exhaust fumes I think a two stroke wins hands down on the capacities you mention.

Alex

 

[GMac]

Had 2 4 strokes for 2 years now after many many years of 2 strokes. Never going back to 2 strokes.

Yamaha, why? Got 2 and they have never let me down. Don't know much about the others to be honest.

One is a 9.9hp Hi-thrust and pushes a 31ft yacht at 8kts in flat water, 4.5 into real real nasty weather and piles of tide 2 weeks ago. Filled 20lt tank Febuary and still got 1/2 left. Boat gets used often. Can even put 5-6 amps into the battery when running at cruise.