What's the diff between 1cyl and 2 cyl motor of the same HP?

[Quickstep192]

I'm shopping for a new kicker for the sailboat. I want to reduce weight both to raise the aft end of the boat and to make it easier to remove, so I'm considering a 6hp to replace the current 8hp motor. While shopping, I noticed that Yamaha makes two different 6hp motors; one that's two cylinders and one that's just one cylinder. If both are 6hp, will the two cylinder model be able to produce more thrust than the single cylinder? Ordinarily, I'd incline toward the 2 cyl, but it's considerably heavier. Any thoughts on this?

[dabnis]

I have had both but not of the same HP. My guess is that the 2 cyl may be a little smoother? Don't know about the thrust. If they both have the same prop, gearing, and RPM rating they could have the same thrust? Probably Tohatsu Guru knows the difference?

Dabnis

[eherlihy]

2 Cyl - smoother running, heavier, more stuff to break, easier to start.

1 Cyl - Lighter, more difficult to pull the cord when starting.

WHICH Yamaha are you looking at? The website (Yamaha Portable Specifications) says that the F2.5 to F6 are all single cylinder, and the F8 to F20 are twins. There is no overlap in HP between the single and twin cylinder models.

[treilley]

Get an older model('87-2000?) Johnson or Evinrude 4 hp twin. It is 2 cyl and only weighs 33lbs. Integral tank and ext hookup. N and F gears. Twist throttle handle.

I have owned 2 of these and they are great little motors.

[eherlihy]

Originally Posted by treilley

Get an older model('87-2000?) Johnson or Evinrude 4 hp twin. It is 2 cyl and only weighs 33lbs. Integral tank and ext hookup. N and F gears. Twist throttle handle.

I have owned 2 of these and they are great little motors.

Tim,

Is that 2 CYLINDER or 2 CYCLE?

I have a 1 cylinder 2 cycle (two-stroke) 3.3 HP that weighs 29lbs. I can't imagine anything lighter...

[T37Chef]

Never ever again will I buy a one cylinder outboard! Nough said

[tommays]

The single cylinder motors are foul vibration beasts

[Omatako]

More cylinders generally means more torque but I wonder whether it is noticeable in such a small motor.

Otherwise everything has already been said.

[treilley]

Originally Posted by eherlihy

Tim,

Is that 2 CYLINDER or 2 CYCLE?

I have a 1 cylinder 2 cycle (two-stroke) 3.3 HP that weighs 29lbs. I can't imagine anything lighter...

Ed, that is 2 Cylinder, 2 cycle. easy to start, runs smooth and fairly quiet(compared to a 1cyl)

[kcbillb2]

Yeah, I've got one of those. 1994 Johnson 3 horsepower, 2cyl, 2 cycle. Nice and light, runs great. Actually runs great now that I've rebuilt the carb and cleaned all the ignition connections...

Came with the boat, I pulled the cover off and discovered the previous owner sure never did any service on it. The OLD dead wasp/hornet nest in there was kind of a tip off...

Originally Posted by treilley

Get an older model('87-2000?) Johnson or Evinrude 4 hp twin. It is 2 cyl and only weighs 33lbs. Integral tank and ext hookup. N and F gears. Twist throttle handle.

I have owned 2 of these and they are great little motors.