Mariner 3.3 2 stroke/ Honda/ Yam 2.3 4 stroke?

[Swg]

Morning folks. I'm in the market for a light, reliable small outboard and have narrowed it down to these 3. Use for small inflatable and occasional use as aux for day sailor when wind dies.

All similar weight and second hand price.

 

[Seajet]

If similar weights, that's the major advantage of a 2-stroke knocked out.

The 4 stroke will be a lot quieter and saves hassle with mixture, as long as you can stow it in an attitude it's happy with.

Personally I'd go for a secondhand Mariner / Yamaha 2hp 2 stroke, they're light enough to carry easily.

 

[Steve C Cronin]

If similar weights, that's the major advantage of a 2-stroke knocked out.

The 4 stroke will be a lot quieter and saves hassle with mixture, as long as you can stow it in an attitude it's happy with.

Personally I'd go for a secondhand Mariner / Yamaha 2hp 2 stroke, they're light enough to carry easily.

The weight question is an important one. I know several retired cruising folk who are having a real problem coping with the weight of the new four-strokes. Honda's little four stroke is lighter being air-cooled but the noise it makes for such little power output!!! You cannot mistake one approaching you across the anchorage - a ponderously slow rubberduck making a sound like a manic woodpecker in a tin dustbin!

Yes, if you can get one, go with the Mariner/Mercury. Mine has only had two gallons of fuel through it in five years from new.

 

[seumask]

Mariner 3.3 or its Mercury/Tohatsu badge engineered cousins, all those who like robustness, simplicity and reliabilty go for this 2 stroke however 2nd had prices are usually remakably high for thier age. An old favorite for debate on this forum too!

 

[Burnham Bob]

Love my honda - and it's light enough - hardly any heavier than the seagull 40 plus it replaced. no mixing two stroke fuel either. but yes it is noisy. lent it to a friend and although he liked the performance it was the noise he commented on. and yes you do have to remember which side to lay it down.

 

[charles_reed]

You can still obtain the Tohatsu-based 2 strokes as "grey" imports, around the Mediterranean basin.
And not only in N Africa - I've been offered them in Malta, seen them for sale as part of an annex package in Marseille and in Siracusa and am pretty sure they'll be available in Turkey.

I'd agree with the opinions posted that the 4-strokes are harmful to health for the over 70s and that the 2.5hp Honda makes a racket out of all proportion to its propulsive power.

 

[Swg]

Many thanks all. Based on all advice and my needs and a good deal ive bought a new Honda 2.3 4 stroke - listen out for me