Rich,
You may just want to keep the old 7.5 Johnson. I am on another forum and since the rules about no more two strokes and the introduction of alcohol in gas the issues have increased expotentially.
I would state that from the information posted over the last four years that "four stroke engines are not reliable'. Specifically you need to have an alternative power source on board if you are going to try to rely on four stroke engines in tight situations.
For years I sailed from the slip and sailed back often to the hoorahs of others. They would ask if the motor really worked? So the last few years I motor to the no wake sign then sail.
So, I know how to sail back to the dock, but there are channels and places where the motor might be important. I would not count on a four stroke using gasohol. Recently, a guy I know had his engine just stop on way in. No prior warning. He rebuild carb. Still has issues with two year old four stroke.
Alcohol is a solvent and disolves not only residue in tanks, lines, and motors but also the gaskets, o-rings, filters, and just about anything not metal.
Thank your green friends. Then ask really how much fuel does a sailboat use a year? I have a sailboat to sail. I use about 3 gallons a year. Anyway, you just might want to keep the old two stoke on board for emergencies...
Ed K
26
