The demise of the small two stroke

[m1taylor]

I believe this is the last year that some of the major manufacturers will sell two stroke outboards. Certainly Suzuki are now selling their last stocks of DT2.2's.

So...is it just me, or is there something fundamentally hypocritical about this? I believe the US is largely driving this, a country which by most accounts couldn't give a damn about CO2, refusing to sign any international treaties such as Kyoto. And then why ban a two stroke when driving a Hummer or a V8 SUV??? And why ban two stokes whilst subsidising the Aviation industry to release monstrous amounts of polution into the atmosphere?

rant over.

 

[kds]

I do agree with you - but I think their argument is that the two stroke exhaust releases its part burned oil into the water, so causing water pollution. I suspect the Scandinavians are driving the restrictions too ?
It is ironic - the 2 stoke is ideally suited to the sort of demands a propellor makes of it, is lighter, has far less moving parts etc.
Ken

 

[ZuidWester]

Some environmental regulations are working in the USA

The EPA introduced the regulation to reduce pollution in US waters, especially the Great Lakes. General agreement all round there and no threats to anyone. Bush on the other hand is protecting the oil industry and his economy, which feels threatened by the feable measures of Kyoto. Simple really. As Clinton said: It's the economy stupid!

 

[TrueBlue]

Better lay in a stock then...

Those still available have had their prices reduced to clear stocks (?)

Other manufacturers have stopped already - Honda, Yamaha?. 4 strokes are nice but twice the cost and heavier.

Isn't it an EU requirement like DSC, Red Diesel. Anyway you've got to start somewhere so why not hit the small man with no voice.

I'm alright Jack, bought me a 4HP unit yesterday.

 

[FWB]

The best thing about small 2 stroke outboards is that you can put them in a locker without worrying about keeping them the right way up to stop the oil coming out.

 

[aitchw]

It's just one of those sad facts of life. The US market dominates. Remove that and the manufacturers no longer have a big enough pen to play in. The real killer will be an EU ban added to the US one. But until then it would be nice to think that all the big boys pulling out would leave enough demand for maybe one or two makers to make good profit in the none prohibition countries.

 

[bruce]

So, if ya'll had not raised the tax on tea, the boating world would not be seeing the end of 2 cycle outboards?

 

[chas]

Yes, I have three sitting in the garage, very demised.

 

[macd]

Yes, they're hypocrites, although 2-strokes are no worse than 4-strokes for CO2. It's their unburnt hydrocarbons that cause bother. (Have you seen the stuff they're suppose to breath in LA?)

The new European emissions regulations are now due to come into force in January 2007, until when the current 2-strokes will be OK, although some manufacturers are already winding down stock. After 2007, rescue boats can legally buy old-tech 2-strokes, but the rest of us will be obliged to go the 4-stroke route. Note that the regs concern sale and purchase, not the use of old 2-strokes. Second-hand sales will be unaffected.

There is the technology to make 2-strokes clean enough to pass the new regs, but it's expensive and will be confined to high-end engines. Tender putt-putts will not be in this category.

 

[Guest]

Healthy second-hand market then ????

 

[Matrosen]

If we hadn't raised the tax on tea, you would be paying the same as us for petrol. End of problem.

 

[sailorman]

bought a new one end of last season as cant stand the HONDA 2.3 i bought 2 yrs ago

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
Better lay in a stock then...

I'm alright Jack, bought me a 4HP unit yesterday.

[/ QUOTE ] I'm alright too Jack - I SOLD both my 4strokes 4hps and went back to good old 2 stroke technology.

4 strokes are heavy, expensive and a pain to store on a boat

2 strokes are light, cheap and easy to store on a boat

Am I missing something here? - go on grab a new 2 stroke while stocks last.
----------

 

[m1taylor]

Some conventional wisdom says that 4 strokes are longer lasting than 2 strokes. Does anyone really know that? How come there's so many seagulls around? (now they really do polute!!).

I have a really old Evinrude 6HP that still runs as sweetly as any newer motor.

 

[PaulR]

in fairness I note the heading refers to small 2 strokes, we have a very elderley 2hp which has been abused and used for probably 20 years and gets an annual flush with fresh water, clean plug and off we go again-tremendous little engine,

was is states last week and found myself watching a very long and detailed advert all about the advantages of latest technology 2 stroke outboard compared to same power 4 stroke- according to the manufacturers advert it was more economic, produced more torque and less emissions- mind you they seem to regard small as 90hp and as for big the engines we saw on the back of some trailed sports fishing boats in florida were huge- multiple 225 hp not unusual

 

[TrueBlue]

Cliff:

Should have made it clear - the 4Hp was a 2-stroke, and I bought it precisely for the reasons that you oulined!

 

[geoffatstanpit]

And single cylinder 4-strokes vibrate twice as much as 2-strokes. So when my brain goes numb after half an hour in a calm I have to keep telling myself that I'm saving the environment by not dumping an eggcup of lube oil in the English Channel.

Geoff