There are several posts relating to "what is the best outboard brand for a Catalina 22 ?". But to add a twist, I'm not overly sensitive to the brand name of the motive device on the blunt end of the boat.
The question is "4 Stroke vs 2 Stroke". We have a 2 Stroke Mercury 9.9 on the rear end. It does OK, is a bit noisy and guzzles fuel like I (used to) down 'chilled Hop soup'. But it costs me nothing but fuel costs. Vintage unknown (late 80's to early 90's ??). Came with the boat.
Looking to update. Probably a 6hp - 6.5hp. Does anyone have a strong opinion of 2 vs 4 Strokes. I want to have electric start and alternator to recharge the batteries - must haves. Not going to consider Propane. Electric is an outsider but suspect not enough grunt.
FYI, we use our motor a lot, especially in those annoying mid-Summer days when the wind disappears for days. We end up just motoring for fun to secluded spots to anchor up and dive in or use our SUPs and kayaks (we tow them behind the C-22 on such days). So need grunt for that. Also, we have (on occasion) brazenly battled 30 kt winds on the bow motoring to get back to marina from (what was) a great day out till the unexpected pop-up storm appeared. Hatches dogged, skipper hunched in cockpit while crew cowered below playing cards !! So the get out of dodge on "holy s**t', why are we out here?" days would be useful.
The question is "4 Stroke vs 2 Stroke". We have a 2 Stroke Mercury 9.9 on the rear end. It does OK, is a bit noisy and guzzles fuel like I (used to) down 'chilled Hop soup'. But it costs me nothing but fuel costs. Vintage unknown (late 80's to early 90's ??). Came with the boat.
Looking to update. Probably a 6hp - 6.5hp. Does anyone have a strong opinion of 2 vs 4 Strokes. I want to have electric start and alternator to recharge the batteries - must haves. Not going to consider Propane. Electric is an outsider but suspect not enough grunt.
FYI, we use our motor a lot, especially in those annoying mid-Summer days when the wind disappears for days. We end up just motoring for fun to secluded spots to anchor up and dive in or use our SUPs and kayaks (we tow them behind the C-22 on such days). So need grunt for that. Also, we have (on occasion) brazenly battled 30 kt winds on the bow motoring to get back to marina from (what was) a great day out till the unexpected pop-up storm appeared. Hatches dogged, skipper hunched in cockpit while crew cowered below playing cards !! So the get out of dodge on "holy s**t', why are we out here?" days would be useful.