2-stroke motor restriction

[kchace]

The half life of an outboard may be longer than that in the relatively clean fresh water of the Lake. Even in salt water, the layer of corrosion that forms on aluminum tends to protect the metal beneath. If it wasn't for the planned obsolescence by the manufacturers, there would probably be even more older motors around.

Ken

[madrasahs]

There are some great buys on California 2-stroke outboards, so you may see more "older ones" around Winnipesaukee as local markets buy them up. I don't think that's so bad.

There are many more 2-stroke Jet-Skis around here. Known more accurately as "Thrill-Craft" -- in Hawaii's boating regulations.

I mean, even a cigar smoker knows when a Jet-Ski has gone by. (And Jet-Skis have greater cylinder capacities than the average Winnipesaukee 2-stroke outboard).

Take a look on the water's surface around outdrives. Many leak grease into the water 24/7. Especially those whose props have "seen the bottom" (bent/damaged/replaced).

MtBE is a Federally-mandated additive for urban (congested) areas which is released by all motor exhausts into the air -- and is absorbed even into well water -- not just lake water. MtBE is a waste-product of gasoline refining, and reduces gas mileage. But gasoline containing MtBE is not even sold on Winnipesaukee! (Or Winnipesaukee's near-environs, for that matter).

This kind of pollution (oil and grease) is overstated for Winnipesaukee, anyway -- including MtBE.

(Almost forgot...: "Performance boats" may bring in their own high-octane -- including leaded -- gasoline (even Av-gas) for "top performance").

As one who uses Winnipesaukee water for drinking water (and I'm joined by many others -- particularly islanders) water quality is most compromised by nitrogen, phosphorus, and lawn fertilizers -- anything that "grows algae".

The sheer number of recently-arrived over-sized boat wakes pull nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, (and the soil containing all of that and more) into the lake all season long -- starting (nowadays) in June. Saturday's winds roiled the waters some [see those Rattlesnake Island photos -- the water next to the dock], but those over-sized boats will muddy our shorelines "like you won't believe."

IMHO, 2-strokes are an air-pollution problem, not a water problem.

Now then, what was the question again?

[meredith necker]

I believe that the grease from around outdrives is environmentally friendly and maybe biodegradeable. I remember years ago people complained about grease around shafts with propellers on them used as aqua therms but the grease or lubricant was made by Mercruiser and was safe to use.