Hey all. Would you rather have a 2012 Merc dinghy with a 15hp merc (4 stroke) OR a 2011 Zodiac with a 15hp yamaha (2 stroke)? We use our dinghy for cruising around the Chesapeake Bay.
Dinghy advise
- Thread starter Taylor1618
- Start date
Buying and mixing oil gets old. Guests and others around you will not appreciate the smell and smoke
That 15 hp two stroke is the cruisers dream engine on a dinghy. Powerful and notably lighter than the 4 stroke. Pick the two engines up. You'll see.
The four stroke will use less fuel. I think rather than deciding based on the engine - id be more inclined to evaluate the dinghy - which one is in better condition? Both in good condition?
How are you using the dinghy? Are you taking the engine on and off frequently? If yes, go with the two stroke. If not, go with the four stroke..
It's prohibited to sell new 2 stroke engines in the US. It's OK to buy them second hand. Just a point of information
How environmentally conscience are you? Very? Get the four stroke. Not so much? Get the two stroke.
Too many levels to just give an answer...
dj
The four stroke will use less fuel. I think rather than deciding based on the engine - id be more inclined to evaluate the dinghy - which one is in better condition? Both in good condition?
How are you using the dinghy? Are you taking the engine on and off frequently? If yes, go with the two stroke. If not, go with the four stroke..
It's prohibited to sell new 2 stroke engines in the US. It's OK to buy them second hand. Just a point of information
How environmentally conscience are you? Very? Get the four stroke. Not so much? Get the two stroke.
Too many levels to just give an answer...
dj
Are you sure you had the proper mix? I had a 2stroke for many years and winterized it annually in a barrel and never saw what you described. Still wish I had it - much lighter to move around than the 4 stroke.
Oil quality makes a big difference here. Amsoil is the best that I've tried
Excellent point!
Amsoil is excellent. So is Stihl (typically sold for chain saws and such).
dj
The weight of a 15HP Mercury 4 stroke is 110 lbs. while the weight of a Yamaha two stroke is 80 lbs. The two stroke will provide both a better low end and higher end performance. The two stroke will use more fuel plus the added cost of the oil to be mixed in. I personally could manhandle the 80 lbs. engine but not the 110lbs. I don't think the fuel consumption and cost would be a factor. Engine performance could determine the ability of the boat to get on plane. Parts availability for the Mercury/Tohatsu will be much better than for the Yamaha. My personal choice would be the Yamaha as it is a lighter and more refined engine.
Done it many times, with the right mix. Motor is a 3.5 Nissan I bought new. Still have it but replaced with a 4-stroke, too dirty for me. Maybe other/newer ones are better - this is my only 2-stroke, won't get another.