Suzuki 2.5 or Yamaha 2.0?

[Sailmonkey]

I would go for the two stroke engine. Both lighter and more reliable. Especially if you’re only going to use it occasionally. We’ve got an old mariner 2hp 2-stroke that will start even after sitting in the garage for a year. It does smoke like a chimney until new fuel is put in it, but it’s always run.

[misfits]

I have a 2 HP Yamaha that I've owned since 86. Starts on the first pull every time..

[Scout 30]

Any reason you're not including the Honda?

[BlackHeron]

You can always add water to the fuel which will pull the ethanol right out of the gas and both the alcohol and the water will settle to the bottom of the container. Then it is a simple matter to carefully drain the water-ahol off of the bottom or decant the good gas off of the top.

Cheaper and less work than buying avgas or driving miles and miles to find alcohol-free fuel in nanny-states that make it difficult getting gas that doesn't kill small carburetted engines.

Better living through simple chemistry...

[Mike Banks]

I would use neither, since you are not using it often. I would go for an air-cooled engine, and for that four stroke engines are quieter. That pretty much limits you to Honda--one of the best and most reliable in any case, and you can use it in freshwater lakes and catchments where two stroke motors using oil-fuel mix such as the Yamaha and Suzuki are outlawed..

Water-cooled engines have to be washed out each time after use with fresh water--and it is a BASTARD having to do it. I know many will tell you you need not bother--but if you do not do so you WILL get internal corrosion leading to blocked up water galleries and outlets (not to mention blockages or worn pump impellers from sticking the propeller into the mud or sand, or the weeds, none of which bothers an air-cooled engine.

[Madehn]

i have a 3.5 hp Nissan 2 stroke-- i can literally pick it up with my little finger-- starts and runs like a champ-- cleaning carb is as simple as pulling one bolt.-- i had to do that once when i retrieved it from a dumpster where its previous owner had thrown it in rage because it wouldnt start- i asked him if i could have it and he said gladly. 30 minutes later i had a running motor-- it is water cooled and has a neutral-- you spin it for reverse. i would go with the 2 stroke- simpler, the carb jets are bigger and less likely to clog- JMHO.

[Scout 30]

I thought new 2 strokes were no longer available in the US. If we're talking used there are only 3 choices, Seagull, Cruise'n Carry or the Gamefisher!

[Steve Mills]

Get a 2.5 Yamaha 4 stroke and use high test
non ethanol fuel. I've had one for four years and use it a lot. It is a great little engine.

[Cthoops]

Originally Posted by Dooglas

Everywhere I have boated in the US, all gasoline available at marine fuel docks is non-ethanol. Many gas stations also sell "recreation gas" which is non-ethanol. No reason to purchase high octane aviation gas for your outboard.

You’re lucky then. Ethanol free gas is not available at marinas in Connecticut. I don’t recall exactly where we finally found it as we headed south, but definitely not until we were out of the northeast.

We ponied up for Tru Fuel at approx $20/gallon until we finally started hitting states where it was available. Worth every penny. We’ve never put ethanol gas in our Honda 2.3 and it’s given us zero issues. No need to even run it dry.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

Any reason you're not including the Honda?

To me they are obnoxious, LOUD and I do not like the centrifugal clutch

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I thought new 2 strokes were no longer available in the US. If we're talking used there are only 3 choices, Seagull, Cruise'n Carry or the Gamefisher!

They aren’t, I’m in the Bahamas where they are.
It’s technically illegal to bring one into the US as your importing it, but I’ve never heard of it being a problem.

[CFS Klopas]

It seems like there is an urban-rural divide in availability of ethanol free. Of the 150 listed options in Illinois, only 2 were in the Chicago metro, which has 2/3rds of the state population.

[a64pilot]

I think I’ll wait until I’m back in the States and buy the Suzuki.
Portaboat will sell you one delivered and no tax for $748.
The Yamaha here in the Bahamas is about $900.

[Akapeterc]

I have the Yamaha 2.5 hp 4stroke very reliable little motor. Nice and light good for those small trips

[a64pilot]

Anyone have one of the newer Yamaha 2 hp motors?
I can order one here, but there is not one to look at, just curious about any issues, if there is anything odd about them etc.