merc saltwater series or not

[lilwily]

I am looking at a new Kenner with a choice of a 90hp merc s/water series or a regular 90hp merc.....both 2strokes. What is the difference between the two? Also, What is the deal coming up in 2006. The dealer in Houston (Bass Pro-shops) said that you could still run 2-strokes, you just could not buy them anymore.<br />Thanks,<br />Wily

 

[grandx]

Re: merc saltwater series or not

Saltwater series have a couple of parts made with stainless steel rather than carbon steel, I understand this is the only difference between them. If not cared for properly, they too will corrode, just that those couple of extra pcs will corrode much slower. In 2006, EPA pollution law is to be effective. Old two stroke technology is rather dirtly, spilling unburned oil and fuel into the water, the new rules cut back on the amount of pollution is acceptable. There are two ways manufacturers are trying to comply with the new regs, one is 4 stroke, the other is high pressure injection type (optimax & Ficht) to name a couple, the injection type are still 2 stroke, just more efficient at burning fuel. It's my understanding that older outboards will be "grandfathered", but no new ones will be made.