Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

[UpstNYer]

I'm thinking about picking up one or more new classic (carbureted) two strokes before they go off the market in 2006. They'd probably be low HP fishing models. I like 'em, they're light, simple to work on, and, if taken care of, pretty reliable.<br /><br />Was wondering what those who have a better handle on this think. Is this a sensible thing to do? Or is it a waste of money? What about a bigger motor for a boat or a project that may be a few years out? What are the drawbacks?<br /><br />There are some around now who wish they had bought a '57 Chevy new back in 1957 and put it in storage. Is this an opportunity to do something similar?

 

[JB]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

Just me, NYer, but I would consider it a waste of money to think of it as an investment.<br /><br />I might consider a classic, pre-90 JohnnyRude 3 and maybe a 6 for future use on very light tasks.<br /><br />We don't know yet what will replace those engines. The replacements may be much more attractive than what they replace. . .lighter, cleaner, more user friendly.<br /><br />What about a JohnnyRude 3 that burns propane or methanol and uses 100% synthetic or biodegradable oil??<br /><br />Don't sell Bombardier or Brunswick short. They will come up with attractive products.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

The only benefit would be $$$. The way prices of outboards are escalating, they'll be out of reach for the average working man.

 

[UpstNYer]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

Yep QL, I think that's a given. They may well be "lighter, cleaner, more user friendly" but they sure as heck won't be cheaper. Won't be simpler either. <br /><br />Classic 2-strokes: the devil we know...

 

[DJ]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

You may be able to buy all the classic two strokes you want. The real question will be if there are any waters to operate them on?

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

As restictions on 2 stroke engines become more prevalent the price will come down. So as a monetary investment I have to believe it wouldn't be a smart move.<br /><br />Don't worry. There will be used 2 strokes around for a good long time.

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

Think about parts availability for what will soon be an obsolete motor. If a common enough one you'll probably be ok for a good while. But if not....<br />If you want to buy one to use now go for it. Otherwise, for me that would be too much money to tie up on a longshot gamble. Even the true classic old time collectable motors won't normally turn a profit for a collector. (except when there is a feeding frenzy on E-bay) Time will tell, but the odds of that being a decent investment for either re-selling or use seem small to me.

 

[UpstNYer]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

I'd buy it to use it Bear. Not into collectibles. <br /><br />Got a real sweet 23 year old Merc 9.8 longshaft electric as a kicker/troller on the back of my year old walleye boat. I'd be heartbroken if that old girl died or disappeared. With the big motor I've got, the boat can't handle much more weight on the transom. 4-stroke 9.8's are nearly 40lbs heavier; though I'm sure they run nice. Having a new 9.8 with the same specs. on the rack, ready to go could make a difference down the road.<br /><br />Today the spectrum of power choices available to the boater are probably the widest they'll ever be. Come 2006, a significant part of that spectrum will disappear. Applications where a classic 2-stroke actually works best are what I have in mind. However the point about parts availability and possibly a similar point about availability of suitable 2-stroke oils are valid concerns.<br />Bob

 

[rwise]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

I would not buy to more than you need now. I keep hearing talk of banning all two strokes on corp lakes, and many city lakes they are allready!<br />Just a thought!

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

Hey, I've got a nice 200 Johnson (2000! The Classic Millenium Year!!) I'll sell you. Tell you what....buy it from me for what it would cost me to replace it with that crappy new technology Evinrude or Johnson 4stk and I'll even pay the shipping to NY.....<br />Such a deal!!!

 

[OBJ]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

I can see NYer's point. Who would have thought the Edsiel would be such a collectors item? Or the Mustang?<br /><br />How bout' 3 cherry 47' Rudes. Never been in the water. Two are 2hp and the third is a 3hp. Yeah, I wouldn't pay an arm or leg for an Edsiel. Wasn't into cars. But.....a cherry outboard....2 stroke....never in the water.....who knows?

 

[nimmor]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

Are you planning on buying it and just putting it away until you need it? If so remember the worst thing for a motor, any motor, is to just sit around and not be run.

 

[UpstNYer]

Re: Buy classic 2-strokes now for the future?

Don't know if it's the worst thing RA; getting dropped into the bay is probably worse. <br /><br />But you do have a point. I have a cool dry storage area that seems to treat outboards kindly. The 9.8 mentioned above sat for well over a decade before being pressed into its current role. Just changed the impeller and the lower end lube and fired her up. A couple of other small OBs stored there have had a similar history. This may be part of why I like the classic 2-stroke so much: Hang it on the rack 'til you need it; then take it down, fire it up and pick up right where you left off.<br /><br />As long as we're talking small engines, it wouldn't hurt to run it a few times every season; or maybe alternate seasons with the old 9.8 I'm using now.