John wrote:

RoyB wrote in message . ..


Looking for a recommendation for a 3-4 HP outboard for a small Zodiac
(C260FR) inflatable.

Mercury, Yamaha and Johnson are readily available here. So far I've
looked at the Mercury 3.3HP and Yamaha 4HP versions at similar prices.

What I want is rock solid starting and reliability (if such a thing
exists in the context of 2 stroke outboards).

If you have a recommendation I'd appreciate hearing it.

Roy



First off, what's with the comment on two stroke reliability, where
did that come from?

There are many sources. The major one that I can think of is that there
were VERY few 2-stroke automobiles even before the EPA got its teeth.
And, as I recall, only Toro made a 2-stroke lawn mower, the closest
mass-market equivalent to outboards I can think of.

Don't kid yourself, two strokes outboards have been around for a very,
very, long time. They are simple, reliable, and require very little to
keep them running. Four stroke outboards on the other hand have not
been around for long, are much more complex, heavier, more expensive,
lack the performance of a two stroke, and require more maintenance
(oil changes). And your not going to notice much of, if any, fuel
savings on such a small motor.

Sorry, but many, many people who have made the switch will disagree. The
newest ones are not that much heavier, idle without complaint, don't
smoke, don't destroy plugs at every opportunity, and have greater
torque, so can be run at lower RPMs. I ran 2-stroke motorcycles for
years and was astounded when I got my first 4-stroke. MY, how
maintenance got easier!

4-stroke technology, as far as I can tell, is actually older than
2-stroke. (I'm only thinking back to the Model T.)

And our ancient 7.5 Honda sucked less than 1/2 the gas of a newer
2-stroke 4 HP at a greater top speed. I believe the new ones are even
better. Having to change the oil is a minor item compared to, say,
mixing the oil in the gas.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/