Are Mercury 2cyl 2 strokes rubbish vs 3cyl 2strokes? (2008 40hp, boat package deal)

[SpearTub]

So I come from yamaha land and have never owned a Merc. But 3cyl engines are quieter and they about 50cc more displacement, more torque for hole shot, I love Yamaha 3cyl engines. I assumed all Mercs 40hp and over would be 3cyl too.

Its a 2008 40hp 2cyl, all electrics.

Should I be concerned, would it stop you from a good boat package deal?

 

[Chris1956]

2 cylinder 2 cycle OB motors have been around forever. Think about the big twin motors from Johnnyrude. They were excellent.

I expect the Merc is just as good. Whereas 2 cycle triples with 3 carbs are great, I would not let the lack of the third cylinder on a 40HP engine kill the deal. IMO

 

[Scott Danforth]

40hp and below Merc motors are Tohatsu. Just like other brands

 

[SpearTub]

Turns out was in flappn good nick, the boat too. Ive never seen a 16yr old boat look as close to new as this. Lots of expensive gear and a good price. Im actually thinking a 50hp Yammy 3cyl if I could find one. Meant to be 40hp but I seen heaps with 50hp and a lot with 4 strokes that are well over weight, prob double what was intended back when 2 strokes were still mainstream here.

It will do the job, pretty rugged, but, I would keep it as new too if I take this one.

 

[Chris1956]

"flappn good nick"?
I will guess he's from the United Kingdom.

 

[airshot]

I have the 4 cyl 2 stroke 40 hp Merc...awesome motor, great power, will outrun most other 40 hp motors on similiar boats. Idles so slow you can almost hear each cylinder fire. And easy on fuel compared to my other 2 cyl 40 hp motors..