If I was to add a little more to the post, I might say that it’s worth considering the following
if you’re model of boat is of a certain age or older, the max HP rating will have a 2 stroke engine in mind. Many make the mistake of throwing a new heavy 4 stroke motor at max rating, on the back of 80’s and 90’s boats...then wonder why it handles and reacts terribly or worse...damages the transom.
Having had a few inflatables in the past and currently with various different engines on them, I can say without doubt all of mine were much better in most aspects with a 2 stroke on them. The 4 strokes are much improved these days and their weight has been hugely reduced on the larger models...not so much at the bottom end of the power though. The difference between a good 2 stroke yam/merc 8-15hp compared to a 4 stroke of same power is incredible, in favour of the 2 stroke. Each to their own though and the 4 strokes have their upsides too. Just not for me. Timing belts, lack of torque and weight put me off. Many will agree, hence the reason you will pay more for a late model 2001 model 2 stroke 8hp Yamaha, than you likely would a 5 year old 4 stroke 8hp Yamaha. Or at least in Europe you will anyway.
