Is there a better or more sought after than a decent 2 stroke 6/8hp Yamaha

QBhoy

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Just as above....surely there can't be a better engine on he planet ? How good are the 80's/90's 2 stroke 6 and 8 hp engines ? Pound for pound and power to weight ratio. They are magnificent engines.
These things are like gold dust these days and I'm delighted to say I'm just about to aquire a second.
They are excellent for a back up or aux engine but also light enough to throw on the back of a small inflatable or rib with terrific results.
From what I know, they are about as light in weight to a modern 4/5 hp 4 stroke. No wonder they are in short supply !
Thoughts ?
 

sharpness

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Old 2 strokes like yamaha 8hp are fantastic like you say for power to weight ratio compared to modern 4 strokes. My personal vote is for Tohatsu 9.8hp. Brilliant engine and only weighs 26kg. I think a few of us on the forum own these now "rare" outboards.
 

rafiki_

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The European Union knows best...actually, maybe Brexit means we can buy them again in Blighty��

So you think Yammy are going to make these just for the UK market?....................If the UK ops out of the Eu emissions regs?........................unlikely. However, manufacturing just for the UK market, will cost how much per unit? Don't think its going to happen :)
 

QBhoy

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Re introducing the 2 stroke after brexit....a lovely idea. Probably not though sadly. Haha.
When I say rare, I probably meant rare tot the market.
Great engines.
 

jac

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Re introducing the 2 stroke after brexit....a lovely idea. Probably not though sadly. Haha.
When I say rare, I probably meant rare tot the market.
Great engines.

BUt it's not just the Uk Market. They are made for other countries so no reason they couldn't be sold to UK dealers if the law allowed it.

You can buy a 9.8 26Kg Tohatsu brand new from Maynbrace today if you fancy one http://mainbrayce.co.uk/tohatsu-9-8hp-2-stroke/
 

No Regrets

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I recently owned a Johnson 6hp Twin (Same as 8hp apart from Reed valve differences) The later version with square rather than sloped casing, and the front mounted gear lever.

A beautiful thing, although a little bit lumpy at low revs, pretty light (remote tank) and very rev, so once on the plane silly speeds achieved with my Avon 280 Rib! (2 up. Wouldn't plane with 3)

Cost £375 off Ebay, plus a good service. Never missed a beat! Guzzled fuel though, but worth it for the soundtrack!!
 

[2068]

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They've managed to pare down the weight of a modern Merc 6hp 4 stroke to 26kg, which isn't too bad.
But ... 38kg for a Merc 8hp!!! I'm fairly certain I would end up in A&E if I attempted a lift off the tender with one of those, assuming the tender hadn't already sunk by the stern.

.
 
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rafiki_

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They've managed to pare down the weight of a modern Merc 6hp 4 stroke to 26kg, which isn't too bad.
But ... 38kg for a Merc 8hp!!! I'm fairly certain I would end up in A&E if I attempted a lift off the tender with one of those, assuming the tender hadn't already sunk by the stern.

.
Our Yammy 6 is 27 kg iirc, about the same as my wife's handbag.
 

Greg2

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We are on our second Mercury two stroke, first was a 10hp and current is 15hp and they are excellent. We also have a 15hp Yamaha two stroke languishing in reserve and again an excellent engine. They are still manufactured and can still be bought in the UK for commercial use.
 

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rafiki_

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BruceK

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I have a 1985 Evinrude 8hp 2 stroke. Absolutely brilliant engine and never given me any issues. I have even dropped her twice into the sea and on both accounts a quick removal of plugs and a liberal spray over everything with WD40 and she just starts up first time everytime. Not a spot of corrosion anywhere either. Lift the rather aged cowl and the motor looks like it's in it's first season still. Cannot fault it and I certainly haven't looked after it with a half wish it'd die so I can get a 9.9 Tohatsu. However after reading the scuttle about the longevity of the Tohatsu maybe I should cherish her more.
 

CLB

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Personally I think the best engine is the 9.8 Tohatsu. At 26kg it offers the best power to weight of any outboard out there. It weighs the same as a modern 4hp. Admittedly now that manufactures are using the same engine as the four right up to the 6hp, the gap is narrowing, but I don't think we will see a 10hp engine at this weight ever again. I have two of them, one as a spare just in case. They are becoming harder and harder to find in good condition. In the smaller category I really rate the 3.3/3.5 Tohatsu based engine, also branded as Mercury and Mariner. Lighter than any modern 2.5, you can pick it up easily with one hand.
 

BruceK

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It's not hard to find a new 9.8 2 stroke Tohatsu in the UK. They are sold as "commercial", granted, but ....
 

CLB

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It's not hard to find a new 9.8 2 stroke Tohatsu in the UK. They are sold as "commercial", granted, but ....

True, but I bet it is damn near impossible for us non-commercial types to get hold of one. Unless you happen to know the right person.
 
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