Forums > General Discussion   Shooting the breeze...

What Outboards Are Surf-Lifesavers Using

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Created by Flatty > 9 months ago, 2 Aug 2020
Flatty
QLD, 239 posts
2 Aug 2020 4:55PM
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Calling surf-lifesavers! I noticed that the rescue IRBs almost exclusively use Tohatsu 25hp 2 stroke outboards. As we all know carby 2 strokes can no longer be imported so what are you guys using. I have sunk my fair-share of outboards and know how much more diffuclt it is to get a sunk 4 stroke going again. So what are you guys going to do, use old 2 strokes or new 4 strokes.
Cheers,

Spocktek
WA, 281 posts
3 Aug 2020 6:10AM
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Evinrude

IanR
NSW, 1322 posts
3 Aug 2020 10:33AM
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Hi Flatty
I know very little about what the lifesavers are using on there IRB's
But I think it is only a matter of time before the technological improvement that are happening in 2 stroke motorbikes makes its way through to outboard motors
Husqvarna and KTM have produced what they call TPI ( transfer port injection ) That retains the power and lightness of traditional 2 strokes but keeps the bikes within current emission standards
There is a good video on this page that explaining it
transmoto.com.au/two-stroke-fuel-injection-how-it-works/

Paddles B'mere
QLD, 3586 posts
3 Aug 2020 11:34AM
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But I still like a Mikuni TMX Ian

Bombardier (Evinrude/Johnson) and Mercury sank heaps of coin into direct injection 2 stroke technology and have all but pulled out of it because the market seems to just demand 4 strokes.

Harrow
NSW, 4521 posts
3 Aug 2020 11:50AM
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Seen plenty of Tohatsu around here too. I always figured they might offer them to the SLSCs at a reduced price for the promotional exposure. Plenty of people would think "Gee, if they're good enough the life savers, they're good enough for me."

myusernam
QLD, 6154 posts
3 Aug 2020 2:32PM
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tohatsu make good two strokes.
Mercury rebadge them.
They use the 50 exclusively now in thundercat racing. (used to be yammie as well)
2 strokes are what u need for that sort of application. light, good power to weight, easy to fix if flodded

harry potter
VIC, 2777 posts
3 Aug 2020 5:04PM
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Had one on my thundercat.....
was flooded several times took all of 5 minutes to get it going again each time.
great motor wouldn't hesitate to get another





myusernam
QLD, 6154 posts
3 Aug 2020 5:20PM
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yeah ive had two 50's and had a bit to do with the 18hp which are a great motor.
Harry how did u find the thundercat?

Flatty
QLD, 239 posts
3 Aug 2020 5:34PM
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Select to expand quote
IanR said..
Hi Flatty
I know very little about what the lifesavers are using on there IRB's
But I think it is only a matter of time before the technological improvement that are happening in 2 stroke motorbikes makes its way through to outboard motors
Husqvarna and KTM have produced what they call TPI ( transfer port injection ) That retains the power and lightness of traditional 2 strokes but keeps the bikes within current emission standards
There is a good video on this page that explaining it
transmoto.com.au/two-stroke-fuel-injection-how-it-works/



Hi ian Evinrude etecs used to work the same way but they recently stopped manufactoring new engines (as we discussed in the other thread). Mercury did optimaxs but they were not avaliable in the 25-30hp range and have been discontinued for a while.
Select to expand quote
myusernam said..
tohatsu make good two strokes.
Mercury rebadge them.
They use the 50 exclusively now in thundercat racing. (used to be yammie as well)
2 strokes are what u need for that sort of application. light, good power to weight, easy to fix if flodded


I agree, maybe they will just keep the old engines and stock plenty of spare parts. 4 strokes are just not as good for that application. It took me 3 hours at a lesuirley pace ( and a few beer breaks) to get my old 30 2 stroke yamaha going after stacking it. Took 2 days to get my 25 4 stroke yamaha going again. Plus $300 for a new starter.

Slower acceleration, heavier, higher initial purchase price. I reckon Hands down the old 2 strokes are more suited for surf life-saving, but i would love to hear from any of you guys.

harry potter
VIC, 2777 posts
4 Aug 2020 5:11PM
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Select to expand quote
myusernam said..
yeah ive had two 50's and had a bit to do with the 18hp which are a great motor.
Harry how did u find the thundercat?


Loved it....... such a versatile boat. Super quick even in chop great for fishing too as you could easily stand on one side or walk/ step from side to side without it tipping.Great for speed runs on the lake or river as well









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"What Outboards Are Surf-Lifesavers Using" started by Flatty