End of two strokes???

[Northern Tim]

Hi guys,

I keep hearing that the importation of 2-stroke engines into the UK will stop in 2007. Is this true or will it just be the ones that have poorer emissions (eg the premix versions)?

I've been looking for an engine for about 6 weeks now and I'm getting frustrated. I have £1000 waiting for a used 30hp, but can't find one - tried boatsandoutboards, ebay, phoned everywhere I can think of. I'm wondering whether to stick my neck out, and spend about £1800 on a new Tohatsu instead.

My thinking (or possibly self justification):
If new two strokes won't be available next year, should I get one whilst I have the chance? I don't want a 4-stroke due to te increased weight, and I'm thinking that many people will still want 2-strokes, so a new 2-stroke should hold it's value better. What do you think?

Tim

PS If anyone has a 30hp, standard shaft, remotes, late 90s onwards, please drop me a line!

[jwalker]

Tim, if you can afford new, it's a whole lot better experience.

[Northern Tim]

Yes, I know.

It's between a used 30hp 3 cylinder Suzuki (late 90s) for £750 plus I need new steering + fitting, so totals £1000ish

or

New Tohatsu 2-cylinder 30hp for £1550 and I still need new steering, so about £1800.

Hmm...

Tim.

[jwalker]

A 7-8yr old engine or a new one for £800 more.

No brainer.

[Northern Tim]

Ok, Ok - but I'm a skint youthworker with only a little boat!

I'm obviously trying to self-justify spending the extra money - good job I ain't married eh?

Tim.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Northern Tim

...- good job I ain't married eh?

[nyx2k]

if you have the money or can easily afford to pay it back then id always go for new.. you dont need to justify anything..its your money ,you earned it and you have no wife moaning she's not getting a new bedroom suite..

regards nick

[codprawn]

Spotted a serious bargain in our local free ads.

Tohatsu 40hp only few months only used 6 times for I think £1400. If you are intereested will look at the paper again - may be too far for you though - Bridgend I think.

Went to their webpage but couldn't find it - plenty of other bargains though.

http://www.adtrader.co.uk/

SUZUKI 65hp OUTBOARD MOTOR 1996 model, 2 stroke, longshaft, e/start, oil inj, power trim/tilt, reliable, good runner, good cond, £1000. (Bridgend).

Two 1999 Two Stroke Oil Injected Mariner 60 hp outboard engines. Power Tilt/ Trim. All Sensible Offers considered around £1800

Great place to look for boat stuff - Land Rovers etc etc.

[Cookee]

Northern Tim - Just to clarify a couple of points in case anyone is confused - Conventional carburettor 2 strokes are being banned, but the newer Direct injection 2 strokes are not, so Mercury Optimax and Evinrude E-tec engines are fine! In some cases these engines have better emissions that some 4 strokes!

[Northern Tim]

Thanks Cookee for sorting that one out!

Codders, thanks for those. Unfortunately, they're all a bit too big. I've got a 25hp on at the moment. Because of the age of the hull, there's no plate on the transom so I don't know what it's rated for - I don't want to push it too far. I've been offered a brand new Mariner Marathon 25hp which can be uprated to 30hp for £1400 + £200 for remotes. This is looking like my best option at the moment.


Cheers guys,
Tim