Best 2 stroke under 200lbs

[InflatableJet]

Hello, New here and looking into building a 2 stroke outboard for my Inflatable Jet boat. Currently eyeing up a 2002 mercury 40 with 50hp carbs but before I pull the trigger I figured I'd get some feedback from the pros here. Looking to squeeze the most power out while still maintaining some degree of reliability. Yes it will have to have a jet as this boat is running skinny water and fast rapids. Id love to hear your opinions on what would you would recommend for performance and reliability as some trips are 50 miles into the wilderness with zero access. Right now it has a brand new 25hp merc jet 4 stroke and well it just aint cutting it. Thank you and I look forward to your responses.

[GoFast Cracker Bay]

If you're strict on the weight requirement, yamaha 50 is going to be your best bet. But that 40 merc can be tuned up to 90 hp and still pretty reliable. I'm not sure what the jet weights but an all manual short shaft 40 merc is 206 lbs.

[InflatableJet]

I’m not on a strict limit. Ended up putting a 90 hp Yamaha on it. Everyone is running 60/40 mercs and this is pretty much the same weight just a little more power and that 2 stroke power band. Just wish I had a 15 inch mid section. 8076680766

[GoFast Cracker Bay]

I’m not on a strict limit. Ended up putting a 90 hp Yamaha on it. Everyone is running 60/40 mercs and this is pretty much the same weight just a little more power and that 2 stroke power band. Just wish I had a 15 inch mid section. 8076680766


Plenty of people have shortened those mids to 15". If you wanted it bad enough you could probably pay someone 3 - 5 hundo to get it shortened.

[Roflhat]

That’s a funky looking boat, never seen one with extra tubes on the top. What’s the hull shape?

[InflatableJet]

That’s a funky looking boat, never seen one with extra tubes on the top. What’s the hull shape?

8078580785

[InflatableJet]

Plenty of people have shortened those mids to 15". If you wanted it bad enough you could probably pay someone 3 - 5 hundo to get it shortened.

I heard the old 80's mariners would bolt up but cant find one ... any leads on a shop that could shorten it? Or a DYI thread?

[Dannand]

That sounds like an exciting project. I’ve tinkered with a couple of two-strokes, and the Mercury 40 with 50hp carbs can definitely give you that extra punch. Just be sure to check the jet compatibility; some units work better than others.

When I was working on my own outboard, I found that tuning and maintaining the engine regularly made a big difference in reliability, especially in remote areas. If you’re pushing for more power, consider a performance kit, but keep in mind it can impact reliability a bit.