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stevensuf · 03-03-2013, 14:35

the 9.8 tohatsu 2 stroke is only 26kg, so i can manhandle it on/off the dinghy when needed without a crane, the 4 stroke is much much heavier! and the 2 strokes are much more reliable

DougM · 03-03-2013, 15:14

I acknowledge that the op makes an interesting point. the efficiency of a dinghy with gas outboard is atrocious compared to a diesel in a sailboat. Slowing down your dinghy will help, but you still move a sailboat around at a whole lot less fuel per kg - mile. This points to the amazing optimization that is embedded in sailboat design, or conversely, the lack thereof in small outboard powered things.

DotDun · 03-03-2013, 15:42

Not hard to figure out.

Displacement hull vs. planing hull
long wll vs short wll
helmsman knowing fast is not possible vs. operator desire to go fast

If you power your dinghy proportionally and operate proportionally, you'll get similar fuel economy.

Remember, diesel has 15% more BTUs than gasoline.

daddle · 03-03-2013, 17:07

Liters per hour or miles per liter? You are not making a fair comparison if the dinghy is at planing speed.

But, yes, my dinghy fuel expense is about the same as my diesel expense. Mainly due to many more days at anchor than motoring thru lulls.

campuscab · 03-03-2013, 17:18

What is funny is that most of you have tenders larger than my sailboat now i need to figure out what to do for a dingy. Maybe a inner tube and paddle. I am only 20 ft and will not pay more for a dingy than I did for the boat

ElGatoGordo · 03-03-2013, 18:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevensuf

the 9.8 tohatsu 2 stroke is only 26kg, so i can manhandle it on/off the dinghy when needed without a crane, the 4 stroke is much much heavier! and the 2 strokes are much more reliable

I have no interest in debating your choices, I'm all for having what you want. But the reason I asked was just this sort of stuff that keeps coming up.

Based on

TOHATSU 9.9 HP 2-STROKE 9 HP

and

TOHATSU 9.9 HP 2-STROKE prices, specs, manuals and brochures.

AND

Tohatsu Outboard Motor 9.8hp 4-Stroke

Both our engines are the same weight. Now this confuses me because I thought the 4 stroke was heavier. As to "much more reliable" that's pure opinion, many 4 stroke guys will say just the opposite.

BUT...all that aside...you're basically complaining that your outboard is sucking gas when you CHOSE that outboard! Your choice...and I don't really care...but you ought to at least SAY you chose the less efficient engine.

I cruise slightly faster than your mothership on my 32' cat n/9.8hp 4 stroke Tohatsu for slightly less $/mile...that's really the bottom line.

LeaseOnLife · 03-03-2013, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElGatoGordo

I have no interest in debating your choices, I'm all for having what you want. But the reason I asked was just this sort of stuff that keeps coming up.

Based on

TOHATSU 9.9 HP 2-STROKE 9 HP

and

TOHATSU 9.9 HP 2-STROKE prices, specs, manuals and brochures.

AND

Tohatsu Outboard Motor 9.8hp 4-Stroke

Both our engines are the same weight. Now this confuses me because I thought the 4 stroke was heavier. As to "much more reliable" that's pure opinion, many 4 stroke guys will say just the opposite.

BUT...all that aside...you're basically complaining that your outboard is sucking gas when you CHOSE that outboard! Your choice...and I don't really care...but you ought to at least SAY you chose the less efficient engine.

I cruise slightly faster than your mothership on my 32' cat n/9.8hp 4 stroke Tohatsu for slightly less $/mile...that's really the bottom line.

you need to look at the old 8 or 9.8 HP 2 stroke (same engine, different jets in the carb). Nicnsteve has it right, 2 cycle, 2 cyl engine, 26 kg vs 37kg for the 9.8 4 stroke.

Regarding reliability, I go by: less parts = better

Edit: the 9.9HP you referenced, also was available as a 15 and a 18HP, same weight, this explaines the heavy weight, for a 2 stroke... see 2nd attachment

ElGatoGordo · 03-03-2013, 18:30

That's what I thought, but both of those links are for new 9.9 2 strokes and both say different? idk

As I said, reliability is opinion. I have 6 outboards, only one 4 stroke. The only one that's not reliable is a 5 hp Mariner. But I love the fuel efficiency and quiet operation of my 4 stroke. But I'm not really concerned except that we compare apples to apples.

(edited to correct # of outboards, I forgot I sold 2)

ElGatoGordo · 03-03-2013, 18:31

Oh I see what you're saying. You're looking at older models. The OP said new.

**s/v Jedi** · 03-03-2013, 18:33

The small 4-strokes don't work well with the dirty gas in the Caribbean. Always clogging up the carburator, nowhere to recycle the engine oil etc.

Bash · 03-03-2013, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Slow down..

Slow down; get a four stroke.

This isn't rocket science. Four strokes sip where two strokes guzzle. All outboards become inefficient at wide open throttle. Chances are good that few of us would redline our diesels the way we redline our outboards.