Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke outboards
I don't really buy into any of this arguing, but I figured I'd add my 10 cents worth in, just cos I can
<br /><br />back when I was into motorcross, we all used 2 strokes and still do for the simple reason that an 80cc two stroke has more power then a 250cc four stroke.. and it can rev harder.<br /><br />Now these motors have what amounts to valves in the exhaust ports and other such stuff, btu they are very efficient engines.<br /><br />I personally don't think either engine type will go away... they might one day find a "non crankcase" method of compressing the mixture and from that day on, you may not need 2 stroke mix..<br /><br />There are uses for both.. but I am of the opinion that in 10 years time, 4 stroke outboards will probably be obsolete.. but maybe so will 2 stokes.. we will probably have a hybrid of the two.. get the best of both worlds.. power on every stroke, and the benefits of valves over ports and a crankcase full of oil...<br /><br />hell, we could even be all using rotarys...<br /><br /><br />In fact, there is a new engine invented and patented in Australia, that is 45% more fuel and emmision efficient then any engine currently in production anywhere in the world.. and its going to be going into production in China first. (australia doens't support its inventors very well.)<br /><br />but these things are tiny and look like nothing you have ever seen before..<br /><br />So we don't know how things are going to go.. technology changes all the time.. but from a power and symplicity standpoint. 2 strokes have it.. they are only now (with the mercury and OMC ficht engines) starting to overcome the downsides of 2 strokes.. but when they do, I don't see 4 strokes having much chance.. would you pay extra $$$ for a heaver engine that has more overhead moving parts, that didn't offer anything above a 2 stroke?<br /><br />The only reason that 2 strokes are not miles faster then a four stroke is that 2 strokes generally have a narrorer powerband then a four stroke.. in motorcross, you have a 6 speed gearbox the purpose of which is to keep the engine in its peak power all the time.. if you could do that in a boat (like with 2 stage props) then they can't be beat for speed.<br /><br />But at the end of the day, you chose to tool that best does the job for you.<br /><br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank
