Two-Stroke Outboard Engines Banned??

You may have heard that two-stroke outboard engines are being outlawed by EU law as of December 31st 2006. We have had a number of people through our shop here in Chertsey that indicates to us that the changes have not been well communicated to the leisure boat owners.

We understand the position to be as follows;

• Two-stroke engines that are in use, may continue to be used.
• Two stroke engines that are in stock in Europe before the end of 2006 may continue to be sold in Europe.
• New two-stroke engines placed on the market in Europe after the end of 2006 cannot meet CE regulations, but may legally be purchased for commercial use only. (but will take months to obtain)
  

In considering whether to buy a two-stroke or a four stroke, also bear in mind the following;

Weight: As an example consider the Yamaha 8Hp;

• An 8Hp Yamaha two-stroke weighs 27Kg.
• An 8Hp Yamaha four-stroke weighs 37Kg.

This effectively changes a one-person lift into a two-person lift, and decreases efficiency as the craft it is attached to now has more drag through the water. However, if you're looking for an outboard over 25Hp, then weight becomes less of an issue, as the likelihood is that it will be permanently fitted to the transom of a boat. The quietness and extra efficiency of a four stroke really score as the engine gets larger.

Carrying/Handling;

The four stroke engine must be handled correctly. Laying it down on the wrong side will result in oil getting into the air intake, and may result in a service bill to get the engine running properly again. A two stroke doesn't have a permanent oil sump like the four stroke and therefore can be stored on either side.

Availability

There are still a number of two-stroke engines available in Europe owing to the stock levels that were in place at the end of December. However,we wouldn't expect many of these lightweight engines to be available after the end of the spring as stock run out. The message is therefore "buy early".

Copyright KingsMarine 2007.