Old 2 stroke or new 4 stroke

[Lordy]

I'm about to buy a 4.3m Excel inflatable and have found a second-hand Mariner 25hp 2 stroke that looks ideal. It is registered in 2001 and is about half the price of a new Mariner 4 stroke.

I'm sure I've read, however, that the new 4 strokes are alot lighter and even have fuel injection, so run very smoothly.

Anyone got any views on buying second-hand vs. new, particularly as I'm a newbie?

Thanks!!

[Pete7]

Lordy, I would go over to Excel and quiz the dealers at the boatshow thats on now. Might be worth trying to play them off each other too and if not then go for the second hand one.

Btw the Mariner 25s seem to weight about the same as an old 2 stroke 40 hp mariner.

Pete

[Nos4r2]

The difference between the two buys a lot of fuel. Personally considering the time of year I'd put a silly offer on the 2-stroke.
If you decide to trade up then you'll be able to split the package and lose less in depreciation too.


Pete7 makes a good point above!

[codprawn]

4 strokes may be lighter than they used to be but they still can't match a 2 stroke!!!

[matt h]

2 Stroke, the way to go,

[PeterR]

The main thing that would sway which way i would go is .How long will you be wanting to go out for or what distance will you get out of the fuel you can carry.With each engine.If you plan to use for just several hours for fishing and watersports close to shore and car then two stroke,But if say you plan to go away and used it for days out island hoping then four stroke.Also if like my wife( she cant stand the fumes of older two strokes)this also should be considered.

[Andy Moore]

2-strokes sound 'the business'. They put a grin on your face.

Take a look at one of the new breed of 2-strokes, for example, a Mercury Optimax.

Having said that, a supercharged Mercury Verado would be my current weapon of choice.

[Lordy]

Thanks all - what an EXCELLENT forum this is - it's the 2 stroke then!!!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

2-strokes sound 'the business'. They put a grin on your face.

Take a look at one of the new breed of 2-strokes, for example, a Mercury Optimax.

Having said that, a supercharged Mercury Verado would be my current weapon of choice.

Unfortunately neither are available in 25hp.

[Andy Moore]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Unfortunately neither are available in 25hp.

Didn't think of that. Sorry.