F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

Seen a brand new one of these advertised quite local to me, but advert says commercial sale only ?
Is this just because of emissions?
Is there a way around this and if I do manage to buy it will I have problems selling it in the future?
Thanks again for any help

In line with an EU Directive it has been illegal for a dealer to sell carburettor two stroke outboards manufactured post 2006 for leisure use due to emissions. They are still allowed to sell for commercial, racing and rescue use.

There are quite a few folks around with pre legislation 2006 models they have bought used. There are also quite a few who have post legislation models purchased new or used in different circumstances.

If you really want a new 2-stroke best not ask too much on a public forum, perhaps better to just phone the dealers and see how their requirements fit in with your business case.

Good luck.

Thanks again harrison

Had a message from seller,seems more hassle than it’s worth ,
I’ve been set on a 2 stroke for their lightness and less hassle transporting etc, but just been looking at the same model tohatsu in 4 stroke and looks a nice light (37kg) outboard anybody have any info on them are they any good fora 3.2 sib?
Sorry for all these questions all new to me an dont want to waste money on a wrong engine
Thanks

Hey Jack, no worries, fire away with any questions, it’s a minefield out there.

The 26 kilo Tohatsu two stroke is the ‘holy grail’ of lightweight sib motors so worth pursuing a cheeky purchase if possible. There just ain’t no motor out there with that power to weight ratio in the lightweight scenario.

Failing that their four stroke equivalent is also a fine motor, reliable, modern tech and runs as sweet as a nut. Alas a tad heavier, but equally suitable for your 3.2m sib. Worth bearing in mind Tohatsu also manufacture all Mercury/Mariner motors up to 30hp so essentially the same engines with different hoods/graphics with perhaps only minor weight differences. Just look for the best deal if buying new.

Good info to know thanks
Had no intention of buying new but looking more and more likely as unable to find what I’m looking for in the used market.
looking on eBay,gumtree every few hours is starting to get to me

Whilst buying new from any one of the big six mainstream manufacturers is definitely a sensible buy, there are a few Chinese ‘copy’ motors out there for a few bucks less. Some good, some not so good, but all a risk as subject to high depreciation when time comes to sell.

One of the better brands to consider would be Orca. Chinese copies of Yamaha designs they are badged, imported and sold here by Boatworld, a UK real ‘bricks and mortar’ company with a good reputation and offer a three year warranty .

Their 9.9 and 12hp motors share the same block, weigh 40kg, and can be had for £1545 and £1595 respectively.

https://boatworld.co.uk/orca-98hp-outboard

https://boatworld.co.uk/orca-12hp-motor-engine-outboard

There are a couple on here with Orca 9.9 motors and all pleased with them as far as I know.

Thanks for the links , I’ll take a look at them

Update
Might have a chance of a 2005 two stroke 9.8 tohatsu in good nick for £1000 or a nearly new same 9.8 4stroke for £1500 not sure what’s best? Like the idea of a 2 stroke for easy transportation

Yeah, difficult call….£1000 for a 17 year old motor or £1500 for a nearly new one.

Don’t think you’ll find too much difference in power, more the way it’s delivered. Four stroke will be more torquey with it’s extra 30cc’s whilst the two stroke will thrive on revs and a punchy top end. If fishing the two stroke won’t like extended trolling at low tick over speeds. The two stroke will be buzzy/louder at low to medium revs with similar decibels at full whack. Never found transporting modern four stroke as bad as some claim, but think the big game changer is the 11kg difference in weight.

Whilst the two strokes are, and have been even pre-covid frenzy, ridiculously expensive secondhand you’ll always get your money back on a decent one. The black (midnight blue) model from 2006 seem the most sought after….no mechanical advantages though.

The Tohatsu 9.8 smoker is regarded by many as the ‘holy grail’ lightweight motor for small to medium sibs.

Just to give an idea how the Tohatsu 9.8 two stroke performs on a 3.5m sib….quick clip messing about before coming in from yesterday’s jaunt out in the bay.