New-In-Box 2 Stroke Merc: Am I Nuts?

[UpstNYer]

I've got an '81 Longshaft Electric start Merc 9.8 that's been super as a kicker/troller on my 16' Fisher Avenger. It's given very few problems over the last 25 years and starts and runs like a dream.

My cousin stumbled upon a New '05 9.8 2-stroke Merc with the same specs at a Merc dealer that's closing. Price is uncertain at this time, but he estimates (based on a quote he got for a similar engine) that it'll be $1900 to $2000 out the door w/taxes paid (7% where he's at).

Would I be crazy to pick this up as a spare for the old '81? I've not used a 4-stroke O/B, but last I looked they were heavier and, with a power stroke every other crank turn, can't believe they'd be smoother. Plus they're more expensive and harder to repair.

So whaddaya think? Pick this one up now or wait for the '81 to die and go 4-stroke?

Thanks.
Bob

 

[tommays]

Re: New-In-Box 2 Stroke Merc: Am I Nuts?

I think if you take good care of the old one it will last a really long time

My dads 5.5 Johnson lasted 35 years in saltwater with BAD care If we new it was going to last long we would have taken better care of it

And i only bought the new 6Hp because i needed a longshaft


Tommays

 

[narog177]

Re: New-In-Box 2 Stroke Merc: Am I Nuts?

buy new. 81' is polution problem more then they dont work.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: New-In-Box 2 Stroke Merc: Am I Nuts?

I'd hold out for a 4-stroke and run the 9.8 til it dies (if it doesn't outlast you ). The Merc 9.9 4-strokes from 2005+ are much lighter than it's older cousins, about the same as a 2-stroke. You really wouldn't be gaining much by buying another 2-stroke. That's why its a leftover. Nobody wants them anymore.

 

[steelespike]

Re: New-In-Box 2 Stroke Merc: Am I Nuts?

If I was thinking new I wouldn't hesitate to do a 2 stroke.
While the carbed 4 stroke is smooth and quiet it is not that clean as far as smog type polution.And they are complicated and heavy.No doubt your new motor will be cleaner than your present 27 year old .Even if only it isn't as likely to leak.If you worry about 2 stroke polution run synthetic as I understand it is biodegradable and smokes less.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: New-In-Box 2 Stroke Merc: Am I Nuts?

10-4 on syn smoking less; don't know about the rest. You really notice the difference in a chain saw where your face is right there in the area of exhaust; in addition to much quicker starting. Same thing for your outboard. And, less smoke means less plug fowling, piston rings sticking and all the other nasties.

Mark

 

[JasonJ]

Re: New-In-Box 2 Stroke Merc: Am I Nuts?

Boy, $2000 sure can buy a lot of other stuff. I would be hard pressed to spend that on a spare kicker motor but then, my newest motor is 37 years old and runs perfect. My kicker motor is 43 years old, and it works fine too. Sometimes I think the older stuff is more reliable than the new stuff, but then I have never owned any new boat motors, so what do I know....