Should I spend the extra money to buy a 4 stroke outboard or purhcase a 2 stroke outboard?

Answer 1

you may not have a choice in some areas - check it out before buying a 2 stroke

Answer 2

OK I just went through this myself 2 years ago. Now before I get started I want to say that I have nothing against 4 strokes, and am not trying to knock them. So that being said I opted for the 90 hp 2 stroke, there were several different reasons #1 there lighter, I have a 1997 polar and it is self bailing using sea scuppers. The 4 stroke would weigh to much and cause them to stay submerged. #2 advanced technology: BRP bought evinrude and invested heavily into 2 stroke technology, there thinking was to eliminate the cons of 2 stroke and improve on the good while competition were pursuing 4 stroke because of enviromental issues. The new 2 stroke e-tec is one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest motors on the water. They also use a new type of aluminum created by NASA that is stronger. The 2 stroke is cheaper to maintenance than a 4 stroke and the e-tec is not required to have a check up for 3 years. The e-tec has a on board computer that is constantly making adjustments to the fuel mix, and is self mixing just add oil to the reservoir every so often. The motor is self winterizing, you just need to turn the key in a certain sequence and your done. #3 HORSE POWER: The e-tec can out run any other motor on the water in exact conditions and same HP. The other great thing about the e-tec is that if there is a problem with the motor, a indicator will come on and the motor will automatically power down to a safe RPM that does damage the motor and will let you limp back to the launch. I have been fishing for 30 years and have used 2 strokes the entire time and was so tired of the 2 stroke problemsand was ready to buy a 4 stroke, until this one came out. 3 years and no problems, except getting one. There was a 3 month waiting period because they could not keep up with demand. However is decide to go with 4 stroke, the 2 I have seen do the best is Honda and Suzuki
good luck hope this helps
Woops said 2 years at top and 3 years at bottom, it's been almost 3, Hey I'M getting old it hurts to to get in the boat more and more
Note: 2 strokes no longer require premixed fuel, they are self mixing just before injected into the engine, so gas is just gas in the fuel tank. I refilled oil container on motor after about fifty hours

Answer 3

It easily relies upon on what style of boat you desire to get. in case you go with something like a center console or a walk around style boat for fishing, then an outboard is your best option. in case you like a bigger capability boat, an inboard/outboard is your best option. with regard to outboards: My best advice for a 2-stroke may be an Optimax from Mercury. those engines are direct injected engines, and have superior overall performance to all different 2-strokes on the marketplace. The Optimax blows that "e-tec" from Evinrude out of the water. The Optimax even gets greater useful gas economic equipment than maximum 4-strokes on the marketplace, and that is plenty lighter. in case you like a 4-stroke, remember they're heavier, and greater high priced to maintain than a 2-stroke. My advice may be the two a Mercury Verado, or a Suzuki. they're high priced, yet you get what you pay for. do not purchase a Yamaha 4-stroke. they're canines.

Answer 4

2 strokes are much more simple engines. You never change the oil, since its mixed with the gas.

4 strokes are much more envornmentally friendly. In most states where 2 stroke engines are outlawed on lakes, rivers and waterways, there is usually a grandfather clause that will let you run it if the engine was built before the law was passed. Check your local fish and wildlife or DOT for that.

Personally, I'd go with a 4 stroke to avoid any questions and because it doesnt blow oil out of the exhaust, its better for the enviornment.

Answer 5

Get the 4-stroke. Besides the environmental aspects and the higher efficiency, gasoline now has alcohol in it instead of MTBE. If you don't use up your gas by the end of the season, you may as well throw it out. This is especially a big problem for marine engines where the fuel may only be stable for 3 - 6 months tops. With the 2-stroke, you'll end up throwing out not only gasoline but 2-stroke oil in the gasoline as well.

Answer 6

A lot of the responses you have received are from people who are talking in 1970's terms, with carbureted motors and premix gas. Please check out the new 2 strokes at www.evinrude.com

The E-Tec line of outboards has a three star (ultra low emissions) rating (good enough for Lake Constance in Europe), is more fuel efficient, makes better torque, and is far simpler to maintain than any four stroke. You don't have engine oil to change every season. You just add oil to the tank, not premix it. It's a highly sophisticated piece of engineering. No state has banned two strokes. They don't regulate technology, they regulate emissions. Evinrude has won several awards from the EPA within the last several months. In addition, they are lighter than a four stroke because of fewer moving parts. Please check out the site, it's really worth it.

Answer 7

Coming from an Outboard Mechanic, I say Yes, buy the 4 stroke. You will use less fuel, have less maintenance costs, and the lower noise level on the boat is great. I prefer honda's, but the Merc's are also good.

Answer 8

Check out the new "E-tec" line from"Johnson", very efficient 2-stroke engine, I'm from the old school, where light weight is still a concern for small boat owners, I saw a 50 H.P. 4 stroke on a 15' boat the other day, it looks retarded the motor looked so large, why are we going backwards ( heavier engines, with the same H.P.)

Answer 9

As time goes, there may be restrictions on the 2-strokes due to environmental concerns, maybe not. I personally hate seeing that nasty oil trail in the water, and the 4-strokes are pretty quiet.

Answer 10

4 stroke will outpay the 2 stroke. You dont need to mix any gasoline. Thus, you would save money,and on top of that, 4 stroke are quiter and smoother.