I apologize if this has been beaten to death before- however with a new boat being considered soon there seems to be a difference of opinion regarding 4 strokes vs 2 strokes. After having numerous discussions with marinas, mechanics and boaters themselves I think I have come to the conclusion of going with a 2 stroke. Of course the particulars for such as decision would be as follows; 90 to 150 hsp, probably settling in for a 115-135 on a 17-18 foot center console, vee hull.
I have been told that;
1) 4stroke is quieter at idle and wide open, is cleaner burning, much better gas mileage & has a better resale for your boat compared to the same boat with a 2 stroke.
Draw backs: more expensive, more moving parts, more oil and can be tougher to work on.
Generally the people that like 4 strokes are the consumers and specifically Yamaha/honda bigots.
The people I have found that like 2 strokes have been mechanics, consumers that have owned boats for quiet sometime and sold boats for a time. Yet others that just don't feel one way or the other and have not been convinced of 4 strokes.
I have been told that 2 strokes;
Are a just a hair louder at idle and wide open is subjective to a few decibels, just as clean or in some cases cleaner (evinrude & mercury) than 4 strokes. 2 stroke Gas mileage is better at high end. Torque and get up and go power is superior with a 2 stroke. 2 stokes have almost 1/2 the moving parts. 2 Strokes can be 1500 to 2000 dollars less than a four stroke in the 100-150 hsp. 2 strokes can be 60 to 100 lbs lighter a 4 stroke in those same sizes.
I think I am leaning towards a 2 stroke. Possible Evinrude e-tec primarily because there seems to be plenty of evinrude dealers around for support/service-unlike Suzuki for example.
If you want to see something go to the etec challenge on the evinrude web site- <Commercial link removed>
Of particular interest is the "tug of war" and the "drag race"
What are your thoughts on 4 stroke versus 2 stroke?
I have been told that;
1) 4stroke is quieter at idle and wide open, is cleaner burning, much better gas mileage & has a better resale for your boat compared to the same boat with a 2 stroke.
Draw backs: more expensive, more moving parts, more oil and can be tougher to work on.
Generally the people that like 4 strokes are the consumers and specifically Yamaha/honda bigots.
The people I have found that like 2 strokes have been mechanics, consumers that have owned boats for quiet sometime and sold boats for a time. Yet others that just don't feel one way or the other and have not been convinced of 4 strokes.
I have been told that 2 strokes;
Are a just a hair louder at idle and wide open is subjective to a few decibels, just as clean or in some cases cleaner (evinrude & mercury) than 4 strokes. 2 stroke Gas mileage is better at high end. Torque and get up and go power is superior with a 2 stroke. 2 stokes have almost 1/2 the moving parts. 2 Strokes can be 1500 to 2000 dollars less than a four stroke in the 100-150 hsp. 2 strokes can be 60 to 100 lbs lighter a 4 stroke in those same sizes.
I think I am leaning towards a 2 stroke. Possible Evinrude e-tec primarily because there seems to be plenty of evinrude dealers around for support/service-unlike Suzuki for example.
If you want to see something go to the etec challenge on the evinrude web site- <Commercial link removed>
Of particular interest is the "tug of war" and the "drag race"
What are your thoughts on 4 stroke versus 2 stroke?
