2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

[flyinbryan]

this is not a "which is better" question.

just which one do you prefer?

 

[flyinbryan]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

i personally prefer 2 strokes. i love their simplicity. i have never owned a 4 stroke, and might change my mind, but for now i love my old reed pump.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

I prefer a two stroke for outboard power. But my pontoon has a Suzy 4-stroke. Go figure!!! There is a logical reason for this however. On my go fast(er) boats I prefer a two stroke for hole shot and top end. On my pontoon that is just chugging along I like the 4-stroke.

 

[flyinbryan]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

I prefer a two stroke for outboard power. But my pontoon has a Suzy 4-stroke. Go figure!!! There is a logical reason for this however. On my go fast(er) boats I prefer a two stroke for hole shot and top end. On my pontoon that is just chugging along I like the 4-stroke.

makes sense. i never thought about its advantages on the slow end of the scale.

a 4 stroke might make sense for a feller that does a lot of slow speed trolling, like for stripers and sandies (like me)

i like to troll my 50hp 2 stroke really slow for long periods of time, and being a 3 cylinder it does shimmy and shake a bit. it never dies or anything, but im sure a valvetrain motor would be smoother.

 

[achris]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

2 strokes are simpler and easier to work on and have better power to weight ratio. 4 strokes are quieter and use less fuel.....

Horses for courses...

Chris...........

 

[coolguy147]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

2 strokes love WOT

 

[asm_]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

This is a troller question.

How about this, do you prefer Ford for Chavy??

 

[achris]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

This is a troller question.

Disagree, it's an honest survey.... I don't see any negative responses here, except yours...

 

[bob1340]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

Well, 2 strokes are the bread and butter in outboards, or I guess I should say were. Many lakes here in California limit 2 stroke use to the new fangled computer operated systems that have been out for just a couple years. My Merc 7.5 and my son's Rude 18 hp are no-no's in many places. Even some salt water areas don't allow 2 strokes. They are simple and offer very smooth power, but my next boat will be a big 4 stroke for sure.

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

I have had both and love my quiet Yammy F150 4 stroke!

 

[RicMic]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

I own both and they both have their good points, but I prefer the low weight-hp ratio of the 2 stroke and the simplicity.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

Its just like motorcycles. Do you want to scream over the top or idle up the hill.

 

[444]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

I've always had more fuel system issues with 2-strokes than 4-strokes. 4-strokes just seem to run better for longer with less maintenance and tolerate a lot more. With a 2-stroke everything has to be perfect or you're going home. 4-strokes don't seem to be so picky. At least that's been my experience with 2-stroke vs 4-strokes in sleds, bikes and quads.

 

[will941s]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

I love my 2-strokes. Easy to work on, easy on the pocket if you have to take it to a tech, POWER, Top end is awesome, Low weight, Simple.

Friend has a Honda 25hp, 4 stroke. It's quiet, sips gas, pretty motor...and a smooth runner. I have a 98' merc 25hp, 2-stroke.....shutters at idle, loud, smokes, kills the gas (compared to a 4-stroke). We went fishing together, two separate boats. I had a friend with me, and I have a 14' fiberglass boat. Friend has a 14' aluminum (LIGHT) and was by himself. We hit the gas, I LEFT THE GUY IN MY WAKE. I mean total pull away. I got the fishing hole, dropped anchor, got rods ready, baited, threw out, and out and in the rod holders before I even saw him come around the curve. At 3/4 throttle I can stay with him, anything over and hes eating 2-stroke smoke. Made me feel good. But, we drove 26 miles. We both have 6 gallon tanks and both were full. I ran mine almost out, he used 2 gallons.

True story, but I love my 2-stroke.

 

[asm_]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

Disagree, it's an honest survey.... I don't see any negative responses here, except yours...

patient. it will come...

 

[bob1340]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

patient. it will come...

I think it boils down to if you use synthetic oil or not.

 

[kodablitz]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

2 stroke- more torque to get out of the hole, less weight, better top end. 4 stroke- quieter, less fuel, and smoother. Power vs. comfort. I choose power.

 

[flyinbryan]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

This is a troller question.

How about this, do you prefer Ford for Chavy??

lol, i do troll, but i only do so with 14lb test lo-vis green and lipless crankbaits.

heres my thinking behind this thread. i have never owned a 4 stroke outboard, but the other day it occurred to me how popular the new valvetrain motors are becoming, and how their owners felt about them.

i have also become aware that quite a few folks here seem to be accomplished marine engine technicians, and it might be interesting to know their opinions on the subject.

as far as which i prefer, ford or chevy, i have both. and use both.

1 2008 texas edition crewcab chevy, 5.3 motor.
1 2008 ford f150 ext cab 4.8 motor
1 2001 chevy ext cab 1500, 5.3 motor.

i cruise and haul my small boat with the chevys
i work the dog out of the ford.

they will both do the others job, but those chevys are creampuffs, and that ford is tough as nails.

if i had a bigger boat i would probably haul with the ford (or buy a dodge) but my boat is small (15' with a 50hp merc reed motor)

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

dunno, my F150 has been known to chug along at 5700 for close to an hour at a time.
its also been known to chug along at 650 RPM for hours as well.
my 175 E-TEC doesnt smoke but it smells funny.
my modified little 9.9 Evinrude smokes but runs well.
a 98 25 4 stroke merc simply cannot be compared the the Yamaha designed 25 4 stroke released a couple years back.
4 strokes are getting lighter and lighter every year.
take the new yamaha SHO 200. will smoke most any 200 2 stroke and do it without burning oil.
my boss put a 2009 25 Yamaha 4 stroke on a skiff and can smoke his buddy with the same skiff and a 30 jonnyrude.
on the big motors compare the yamaha F250,F300 V6 or the F350 V6 with about anybody's equivalent 2 stroke.
2 stroke technology has pretty much hit the limit,4 stroke is just getting started good.
compare the gearcase size and oil capacity between the V6 suzuki 4 stroke,the verado and the yamaha F250. then look at the V8 F350 case.
the F350 would be an easy candidate for 450 to 500 HP with the addition of better fuel mapping,variable cam timing on all 4 cams and some pressurized induction.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?

I just bought a new Optimax 2 stroke, 200HP. Reasoning? Better hole shot, simple, and even more important, I didn't want to drop several grand more for the 4 stroke equivalent in the Verada (with an extra supercharger on top to produce the low end that is inherent in the 2 strokes)

my 175 E-TEC doesnt smoke but it smells funny.

Rodbolt, a little off topic but I notice mine smells funny (like candle wax) I chalked it up to the crazy brown slug Opti Oil I run in it. Same for your ETEC?