Outboard engines - 2 Stroke or 4 Stroke
There are two types of outboards available, 2 stroke and 4 stroke. Each has its good and bad points, depending on what you want the engine to do. Weve put together a handy guide to help you decide which is the best outboard motor for your boat.
2 Stroke Outboards
2 stroke engines are lighter and faster so when speed and acceleration are required, this would be the engine of choice. They are also more affordable and have a higher resale value. As 2 stroke engines have been around for almost 80 years, parts are readily available, making repairs easy. Also, the design on these engines is less complex than a 4 stroke, meaning problems are less likely to arise.
There are some disadvantages to the 2 stroke engine. 2 stroke outboards are not as environmentally friendly as 4 strokes as they produce far more pollution. Their engines are lubricated by the oil that is mixed into the gasoline, meaning the exhaust is smoky and contains unburned oil, which in turn pollutes the water.
With new ...
Engine repairs free ice trawler
A British trawler stuck in Antarctic ice for more than a week has been repaired and is set to resume fishing once its engine warms up, crew say. A US air force plane was called in to drop a piston to the Argos Georgia, with an icebreaker due to deliver extra parts shortly.
A number of British fishermen are among the 25 crew on board the ship, which lost its power in the Ross Sea.
Fish master Shane Jennings said the ship would soon be back up to steam.
He had earlier said he was extremely relieved that they would be able to free themselves, having been stranded since 23 December.
Boring experience
Describing how it felt to be stuck in the remote region, he said: It has been okay - a bit boring for the crew but its just part of the job.
We have just been on watch, keeping an eye on the ice and making sure we are not running into any danger, or watching videos and playing cards.
New Zealand, which is responsible for co-ordinating rescues in the area and has a research base there, ...
