2 stroke motors illegal?

[xort]

I was following up on the porta bote thread by contacting them with some questions.
An unsolicited comment from portabote was this:

"We're getting reports from owners with 2 cycle outboards that, suddenly they're getting ticketed. It's now illegal in all States to use a 2 cycle outboard under 18 hp. Good luck."

2 strokes under 18hp are illegal to USE in all states??
This came along with a sales pitch for their 6hp 4 stroke.

[sailingdog]

I'd imagine that legislation is probably in the works to make two-stroke outboards illegal, but I don't believe that they are currently illegal for USE in most states... There are just too many of them out there ATM for that to happen any time soon.

They are probably fairly difficult to find for sale NEW, and there are probably some serious restrictions on the sale of new two-stroke outboards, as a precursor to banning the noisy, stinky, nasty engines.

I do know that some protected waters, like in some parks or nature reservations, the use of a two-stroke outboard is illegal, but don't know of any states, outside of possibly California, with its draconian (in a good sort of way) emissions standards, that have banned them completely.

[Jotun]

Alas, I will miss the two-stroke. It even smells good....

[TrueBlue]

"We're getting reports from owners with 2 cycle outboards that, suddenly they're getting ticketed. It's now illegal in all States to use a 2 cycle outboard under 18 hp. Good luck."

That's absurd and completely false. In my mind, statements like that undermine the credibility of Portaboat's approach to marketing - making me question their honesty and/or competence.

After 10 years of faithful service, our tender's little 2-stroke just refuses to give any reason for replacement. Aside from California and some inland waterways, I don't think 2 strokes will be banned along coastal areas of the Atlantic anytime soon.

[xort]

In my mind, statements like that undermine the credibility of Portaboat's approach to marketing - making me question their honesty and/or competence.

Exactly. I was thinking they hired conky joe as their marketing guru

[sailingdog]

LOL.... good one Xort

Originally Posted by xort

In my mind, statements like that undermine the credibility of Portaboat's approach to marketing - making me question their honesty and/or competence.

Exactly. I was thinking they hired conky joe as their marketing guru

[Idiens]

In the EU, the retail sale of new 2 stroke outboards is now illegal. Old ones can be used until they fall apart and the private sale of second hand machines is still allowed.

There was quite a rush on, buying up the remaining 2 stroke stock, since stored well they last forever and weigh less and were cheaper than their 4 stroke brothers.

However, the outboard manufacturers, I read, have released a series of new 4 stroke designs that now look better buys.

[blt2ski]

The states are becoming as EU is mentioned by idiens. It is in many place, A for one, hard or impossible to buy 2 stroke motors motors in anything. that includes outboards, yard equipment etc. Due to more stringent pollution requirements.

I have a couple of Honda 4 stroke weedeaters, Frankly, I prefer them over the high reving 2 strokes I have used in over the last 25+ yrs in the landscape maintenance biz. On the other hand, the fellows from Mexico that work for me, do not like them, as they do not rev high enough in their minds!

Marty

[camaraderie]

I do not believe 2 strokes have actually been outlawed in the USA. (Except in local spots as noted above).The pollution standards have been tightened on new motor manufacturing...effectively banning most 2 stroke manufacturing. But I have heard of some new 2 stroke design technology that actually makes them clean enough to meet regs. Will do some research as this is all from memory.

EDIT...apparently I do not yet have Alzheimer's! Here's the statement from California...
Several two-stroke direct injection engines have been available on the market. These engines offer consumers improved fuel economy, lower oil consumption, and improved idle performance while significantly reducing pollution and maintaining the performance characteristics of traditional two-strokes.
Two strokes are not banned even in California...here's the link:
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Environmental/...oke/TSFAQ.aspx

The Evinrude E-tec line of 2 stroke engines apparently complies with all worldwide standards presently enacted.
http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Media....6.02.16_02.htm
But they are much higher horsepower than we use for our dinghy's. Perhaps Macgregor owners will be interested!

[SVCetacea]

Originally Posted by xort

2 strokes under 18hp are illegal to USE in all states??
This came along with a sales pitch for their 6hp 4 stroke.

Sounds like salesman FUD to me.
Very unlikely to have existing equipment outlawed.