depends on the motors but all the modern 8 to 10 hp are fairly quiet, unless you are worried about an extra few kilos or the extra cost to buy new the 4 strokes are way better, more economical, quieter and happy to run all day at low revs. No smoke either. Generally the Yamaha 9.9 hi thrust 4 stroke has been the most popular yacht outboard motor and proven over the last 25 years. They also make an 8 hp. They have a large prop and a 3 to 1 reduction gearbox that works well in reverse also. Lots of other good brands though. If you are only pushing a very light or small boat you can get away with a lesser motor, in calm conditions even a 2 hp will push you. My last boat was a 46ft ex race cat and 1 1985 9.9 yamaha would push us at 7 knots , with 2 motors 9 knots.

I've got a Yamaha 9.9 high thrust and love it. It powers my 30' cat very well and you can speak on the boat at normal conversation levels, even at high revs.

We have got 2 strokes on all of our yachts and they are great. Most outboard motor brackets are not rated to put a 4 stroke on them as they weigh to much. One of our yachts has a Yamaha 8hp 2 stroke and is the best motor, it is very quiet and has great reverse thrust. And the other yacht has a Mercury 5hp 2 stroke and push's an 7.7m yacht with no problems. 4 strokes are alot more expensive to buy and weigh more and cost more to service, 2 strokes for me!!

My preference is 2 strokes because of simplicity and weight (or lack of).

I currently have a Yamaha 8hp 2 stroke which is a great engine. Only issue is that I often need to clear the tell tale water outlet with a piece of wire and removeing the lower leg to change the water pump impeller is a little bit tricky with releaseing the gear change rod.

Yamaha always produce top quality products.

Another engine I had was a Mariner 9.9 hp 2 stroke which was also an excellent engine.

A feature of that engine was the gear change incorporated in the twist throttle.

This is a great thing to have especially if your engine is mounted on the stern. Changing from ahead to astern is so much more efficient especially if you are trying to concentrate on a smooth docking. You don't have to look behind and reach back to a gear lever on the side of the engine.

All great reply to your question. I wont add to that, to decide witch one.
What is main use, get you from mooring or marina and back. Than 2 stroke is
unbeatable. For me 2 tons and Bass Strait 9.9 Yamaha 4 stroke is a must.
/can't afford to run 30 hours 2 stoke anyway/.

thanks for all your help, i have decided to go with the 4 srtoke. i am sick and tired of mixing the oil in and i always stress out that if i dont use it up it the fuel will bugger up, im not even sure if that can happen. i managed to get a good deal on a tohatsu 9.8. the majority of use will just be for manouvering but also running up through the bay. i will let you know how it goes

hey all, well good news the motor went great, it moves us along really well, and it is nice and quiet.

no