[Rhodes22-list] Tohatsu 2 Stroke

[Bill Effros]

Lou,

I see you got several responses to this one as well, but let me put in 
my two cents.

First of all, I've attached a picture of a Tohatsu 8 hp in Venice.  I 
took it for Rummy.

The green argument for small four stroke outboard engines just won't 
wash.  Roger and I have had lengthy knockdown, drag-out discussions on 
this topic, so I know his opinion if you've been speaking with him.

Here's the bottom line as far as I'm concerned -- our motors get so 
little use that any pollution difference is inconsequential.  The little 
four strokes don't start as easily as the little two strokes, so they 
dump much more unburned gasoline into the water.  To remedy the starting 
problems most owners put "additives" into their gas tanks.  These 
additives add pollution to the exhaust.

8 hp is all you need.  While Richard is right in noting that it doesn't 
matter how big an engine you have, you cannot overcome the displacement 
hull speed of 6.25 kn when the current is against you in Hell Gate, or 
in the East River, you sometimes need more power when the wind is on 
your nose.  The 8 hp motor will allow you to go in the direction you 
want to go in wind speeds up to 25-30 mph.

The overriding point here is that you should never be going against the 
current in Hell Gate, or the East River.  It's really not safe.  There's 
too much traffic coming toward you, and you can't safely turn around.  
It's your job as Captain to know which way the current is going, and how 
strong it is.  The same is true of the wind.  You've got no business 
being out in one of our boats in winds in excess of 25-30 mph.  If you 
do find yourself out under these conditions it's futile to try to power 
your way out of the problem.  Heave-to, and drop an anchor if you are 
blown close to shore.

An 8 hp is all you need.

In one of my final anchoring experiments this summer, I managed to blow 
out the lower unit of my beloved Tohatsu two-stroke.  Much more to come 
about my anchoring adventures when I have a little more time.  Suffice 
it to say that I'm thinking about getting a four stroke Tohatsu to 
replace my 13 year old two-stroke.  I'm considering this solely because 
I am thinking about doing more motor cruising, and the four stroke is 
noticeably quieter than the 2-stroke.

The two-stroke engine has fewer than 100 hours on it, and runs 
perfectly.  Only the gears in the lower unit will require attention.

Bill Effros




Lou Rosenberg wrote:

>> Lou,
>> The 8hp Tohatsu, 2 stroke weighs only 50 pounds.
>>
>> Rummy
>
> *******
> Rummy
>  I know I know Im one of  those greenies who wanna save the water from 
> more oil and all..
> and will a 8hp Tohatsu get me around Hells Gate where the Triboro 
> Bridge meets the East River, with the tide coming in and the current 
> going south?
>
>  If  Im gonna spend the bucks for a new gasoline engine, its gonna be 
> ONCE.
>  Im only gonna lift the beast onto the mount ONCE also.
>  its gonna get locked to the boat with hardened steel cables and and/ 
> or a good motor lock or both cause where I dock, people been known to 
> swim with da fishes.
>  Lou
> __________________________________________________
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>
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