auxilary outboard

[chamann]

We are trying to choose between a 4 cycle Evinrude (Suzuki) 8hp and a 2 cycle Johnson 7.5 hp for a 25 ft MacGregor with a swing keel. The 4 cycle is a year or two newer and a bit more. The better buy is?

 

[flashback]

Re: auxilary outboard

I have had a 7.5 honda on a 27 ft Oday fixed keel for 24 years and it has been just fine... Get the 4 banger!!!! you will never regret it......

 

[flashback]

Re: auxilary outboard

 

[Grant S]

Re: auxilary outboard

If price is not an issue , check whether weight will be. Most fourstrokes are quite a bit heavier than their twostroke counterparts. I assume you are buying new, if buying secondhand, fourstrokes are more complex with the associated repair costs.

 

[Bahama J]

Re: auxilary outboard

2-stroke engines evolved over eons and, unfortunately, pollute with both gas and oil. 4-stroke are new technology, extremely clean, less vibration, and extremely quiet. It is just a matter of time until 2-stroke engines will be outlawed. <br /><br />4-stroke units also put out high current for charging batteries, which means you won’t run the engine as long to top off your batteries.

 

[DJ]

Re: auxilary outboard

Price not being the issue, go with the 4-stroke. Make sure you get the correct prop. You will want a very low pitch one.

 

[BillP]

Re: auxilary outboard

If the 8 Johnson is the sailor model with extended shaft buy it over the other and deal with the downsides of 2 strokes. If you are in rough water even a standard 20" long shaft will cavitate. Do the 4 stroke if you are always sailing smooth water and not concerned with cavitation issues. Do the 4 stroke if heavier weight isn't a bother and you want extended motoring range with the same amount of fuel. I've been running a 4 stroke outboard since 1996 and continue to run 2 strokes too...if it were my sailboat I would buy the 2 stroke.

 

[Kaicarno]

Re: auxilary outboard

I used to have a 40HP 4-stroke outboard on the trimaran IT was great to cruise along at 25 knots But it started to go wrong on us and no matter how much fiddling and tweaking it would never get going propably again. We ended up on the rocks because of the damn thing giving out... so what I'm saying is that 4 strokes seem to be harder to fix, jsut to keep in mind (it was an old one however so spares were rare for it)

 

[Joey One]

Re: auxilary outboard

I think there are three issues to consider.<br />1. The 4 stroke weighs more.<br />2 If the 4 stroke is single cylinder it will vibrate more. <br />3. The 4 stroke probably has overspeed control<br />which is great in rough weather.<br />4. The 2 stroke uses more fuel.<br />5. The 2 stroke simpler, doused in oil, and will<br /> last forever