2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

[Seajet]

We are buying a 2002 20 ft dual console boat to be used for fishing and pleasure.<br />we want to be able to waterski and tube with this boat. We are unsure of the differences between a 2 stroke and a four stroke outboard, the pros and the cons.also, which one would be more appropriate with what we would like to do . Thanks for your help.

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

You didn't say where you intend to use it, but for my money, unless I were interested in racing it, if I were to be purchasing a NEW boat... it would DEFINATELY be 4-stroke. If I wanted more power, I'd option up to a 20-30% higher HP rated 4-stroke. Because of the added weight of a 4-stroke which weighs tyupically 10-25% more than a comparable HP 2-stroker you will need more HP. At the sme HP rating, the 2-stroke will out-perform the 4-stroke, while the 4 will be smoother, quieter, arguably significantly better fuel economy (as much as 30-50%), and a bonus for me would be that you don't have to smell the stench of the two-stroke oil spitting out the exhaust, when you're idling around, and the breeze comes from the wrong direction...<br /><br />I now have my first ever (and last I might add...) 2-Stroke, and if it weren't so Dadgummed expensive to swap over to one of the new hi-HP 4-strokes, I'd already have one... for ALL the reasons stated above...<br /><br />Good Luck with your decision... I'm sure my response will start a fire-storm from the 2-stroke die-hards... but it's pretty simple... UNLESS ultimate speed/performance (as in racing or bass tournaments, which have components very similar to racing in many respects) is your bag, the 4-stroke makes a MUCH quieter, smoother, more fuel efficent, and easier to get along with family boat package...

 

[skier]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

I agree with ob1jeeper:<br /><br />My only issue is that you are looking at a 20' boat and to my knowlege the biggest 4-stroke outboard to date is a Mercury or Honda (they are the same engine) 130 hp. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[JB]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

Howdy, SeaJet. CB1 gives a good summary of why 4 strokes are the better engines for a new boat. Merc140 is close. <br /><br />Just this year Honda and Yamaha have introduced 200 and 225hp 4 strokes.<br /><br />Moving down from there, Suzuki has a 140hp. That one is very exciting to many of us who can use them, because it is the only big 4 stroke that weighs about the same as the same class of 2 strokes.<br /><br />The 130 Honda has been around for a few years and has proven very dependable.<br /><br />Honda, Mercury (made by Yamaha), Yamaha and Suzuki all offer excellent 115hp engines.<br /><br />You don't say what 20' boat you are looking at, but you probably don't want to consider anything smaller than 130hp.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[butlp]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

After all that has been posted on this and other Boards about the Suzuki, I'm not sure I would buy one! I have not read too much bad press on the Merc, Honda or Yamahas.<br />Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Newhook]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

For those who have seen my question on the other topic, I apologise.<br /><br />Will a 4-stroke Mercury Big-Foot offer much less in the way of performance than another 4-stroke or a similar HP 2-stroke if used on a 16 foot utility? If so, how much and can it be rectified with a different prop?

 

[Lark40]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

You may want to note the the latest Bombardier ads for their Evinrude Ficht engines.<br /><br />The two-page ad was the inside cover of the new BoatUS Magazine. It's worth looking up as their claims for pollution, speed, and economy superiority would signal a whole new definition of two-stroke outboards, which could obselete all the above opinions.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

new hook, i dunno .<br /><br />but to SeaJet. - I just return from Cancun around Valentines and those boys down there know their outboards.<br /><br />They have tourist activity where you can rent a 12 or ft. fiberglass boat that seats u and your significant other. -- all the boats are equipped with 4 strokes. 25 hp. I've seen mostly hondas and yammies. Other than that, I seen one suzuki 30 hp 2 stroke. thats all.<br /><br />My experience with the 4-stroke was nice. When they pointed us to the boats, you couldnt ahear a thing. All I heard was the foots steps of the people getting on the boat on the dock and laughs. The only indication of the engine running was the water "p". The engine idles so quiet that you can hear the splash of the water from the water pee hole coming out of the outboard. Now you knwo that is quiet. and when you hit the throttle. At full throttle, the engine was so quiet. i didnt have to scream to talk to my wife. The 4-stroke at high RPM sounds different than a 2-stroke. My opion of the sound is - it sounds like alittle car engine. a higher tone than a 2-stroke and not so much bass. (like a Honda) There was no smoke to smell. NOTHING. We didnt smell like gas after we went cruising. Overall my experience with the 4 stroke was very good.<br /><br />So if I was lucky like you to be in a situation to choose between a 4-stroke and a 2- stroke. I would defin. go with the 4- stroke. <br /><br /><br />enjoy!

 

[trevorcday]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

I agree that for ultimate performance the 2 stroke is the way to go but in terms of quietness and fuel economy the 4-stroke wins hands down. The two strokes also seem to have more grunt for getting skiers out of the water. You will be limited in your choices of four strokes though since you will definately want something larger that a 115 for a 20' boat. That pretty well leaves Honda and Yamaha. Another way to go might be a Mercury Optimax motor - 2 stroke performance with 4 stroke fuel economy etc. Available in 135, 150, 175, 200 and 250 horsepower models.

 

[CAPTBLACKSMARINE]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

BOMBARDIER OUTBOARDS WITH FICHT INJECTION ARE GREAT MOTORS AND WILL GIVE YOU JUST AS GOOD IN FUEL ECONOMY AS THE FOUR STROKES ,PLUS THEY HAVE THE 2 STROKE POWER WE ALL LONG FOR.THEY ARE ALSO AS GOOD OR BETTER ON EMISSIONS AS THE 4 STROKES .PLUS THEY WEIGH A LOT LESS . ON ANOTHER NOTE I JUST RIGGED AND SOLD MY FIRST 140 4 STROKE SUZUKI ON A 20' CUDDY CABIN . I AM A 2 STROKE NUT BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT I WAS IMPRESSED. THE BOAT RAN GREAT TURNS A 20" PITCH PROP 6100 RPM'S AND TOPS OUT AT 47 MPH.IT WAS ALSO QUICK OUT OF THE HOLE . STILL NOT RUNNING AS STRONG AS A 2 STROKE BUT VERY RESPECTABLE AND WEIGHS AN AMAZINGLY LOW 410 LBS. IF IT HAD BEEN MINE I WOULD HAVE WENT WITH A 2 STROKE IN THE 2OO H.P. RANGE .NUT THEN LIKE I SAID I AM A TWO STROKE NUT AND A SPEED ADDICT .GUESS IT WILL DEPEND A LOT ON WHAT YOU WANT. JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING ELSE FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT.

 

[Franki]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

Actually, Mariner make the optimax series of 2 strokes now..<br /><br />and they claim its the most advanced marine propulsion system in the world. (read from their brocure) <br />It uses 2 stage direct fuel injection. which injects a high pressure fuel and air mixture into the cylinder after the exhaust ports have closed. and it apparently vastly improves fuel efficency and emissions..<br />They claim 45% better fuel ecomomy then previous outboards of the same power.<br /><br />(according to the 2001 catelog from them, the optimax has emission levels below what the epa has set to enforce for 2006., so it alread exceeds what the epa is bringing in in 2006.)

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

wow- i didnt know that. honestly. - <br />something else to think about. a 4 stroke. you dont have to mess with gas and oil mixture. It runs on automobile motor oil. 10-30 I think. and you change the oil like you change the oil on your car every 3000.<br /><br />something else to think about. no more extra oil to mess with.

 

[lakensea]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

To Captainblacksmarine:<br /> I see you are a Key West/Suzuki dealer - I am also. We're just starting to rig our boats up here (still snow on the ground and more to come!). Just curious, what hole did you end up mounting the DF140 on the 2020WA? Did you try it with a 19 aluminum or did you go right to the 20 stainless?

 

[dixieray]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

From web sight Howstuffworks on 2 stroke motors. 2-stroke engines are simpler & lighter & produce about twice the power.<br />2-stroke engines don't last as long as 4-stroke......2-stroke oil is expensive with 4 ounces pre gallon...........2-strokes are not fule efficient.........2- strokes makes a lot of pollution & likely won't be around too much longer..........Pollution from combustion of oil & Some fule and oil misture is lost to help force out the exhust. Thats the sheen of oil around any 2- stroker. 2-strokers are used only where motor is not used much & fantastic power-to- weight ratio is important. www.howstuffworks.com/two-stroke3.htm

 

[skier]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

Franki:<br /><br />I'm not sure if you know or not. Mariner and Mercury are the same engine. There are Mercury Optimax and Mariner Optimax. Same company.<br /><br />Craig

 

[Lark40]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

dixieray,<br /><br />So, two strokes don't last long? And, likely won't be around much longer?<br /><br />I have a 1960 Evinrude 40 that runs great. That's 42 years of regular use.<br /><br />The new Evinrude two-strokes exceed the Government's 2006 emissions standards.<br /><br />Don't believe everything you read from one source....

 

[dixieray]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

I guess if you had a 4-stroker it would last over 80 years.?????

 

[CAPTBLACKSMARINE]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

lakensea, i do not remember which hole i mounted the df140 in but i will look tomorrow when i go in to the shop and post it on here for you ,and no i did not try a 19" alum on the boat the 20" S.S. ran to good from the start and i saw no need to go to a smaller prop and with the rpm's it was turning with it i would have been hitting the rev limiter with any less prop.

 

[CAPTBLACKSMARINE]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

dixieray, WHAT?!!!!! I DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN READING OR WHO PRINTED IT AND NO I DID NOT GO TO THE WEB SITE YOU LISTED TO CHECK IT OUT . I CARE NOTHING FOR READING A WEB POSTING FULL OF BULL*#%$ .AND WHO WAS THE IDIOT THAT TOLD YOU THE FUEL/OIL RATIO FOR A 2 STROKE WHAT YOU LISTED IS ALMOST TWICE THE OIL REQUIRED IN A 2 STROKE,ALSO GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT ON THE POLLUTION ISSUE ,DIRECT INJECTED 2 STROKES ARE CLEANER BURNING ENGINES THEN THE 4 STROKES ,TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT ENGINES ARE BEING RUN ON CALIFORNIA LAKES, BY THE VERY PEOPLE THAT STARTED ALL OF THIS MESS ABOUT EMISSIONS THEY ARE EVINRUDE FICHT MOTORS 2 STROKES ,NOT 4 STROKES. AS FOR THE 4 STROKE OUT LASTING THE 2 STROKE SHOW ME ONE !!! I HAVE YET TO SEE ONE ON THE WATER WITH 50+ YEARS OF SERVICE ON IT . YET I CAN POINT TO ENDLESS NUMBERS OF 2 STROKES FROM THE 50'S & 60'S STILL GOING STRONG.. P.S. I AM WAITING AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE.

 

[CAPTBLACKSMARINE]

Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards

STILL LOOKING FOR 20,30,40,50+ YR OLD 4 STROKE OUTBOARDS !!!! HAS ANYBODY SEEN ONE?