Re: 2 STROKE VS 4 STROKE: which do YOU prefer?
2-strokes have hit their technical boom, then they went to DFI, and pressurized systems. Therefore "fixing" something that was "borken", and doing this made a 2-stroke burn like a 4 stroke, but made it complex and not desirable; and more expensive to own and operate. 4-strokes took off, and at first were heavy and underpowered. Since then they've gotten lighter and simpler, less expensive and more dependable.
Everyone likes to jump on the band wagon of something new and exciting, and fit in with the cool crowd. Heres the problem. From then to now, and into the future, these Ob's are going through so many changes that unless you have the serial number, and know everything about your particular motor, your going to get parts that won't fit, or fit a different variant because so many changes occur so often...even from one year to the next. Second is they will continue to get lighter and simpler but it will hit a point....then start to become more complex and heavier again as new technology come into the marine world. Then eventually 4-strokes will be the second option again. Never have used 2-strokes been so hard to come by, and never have I seen newer 4-strokes that are willing to be equally traded for a used 2-stroke.
Still puzzled at how a 4-stroke can sustain 5-6,000 rpm's for a long life span, without substantial wear problems in it's life time. I think for now I am staying with my 2-strokes, and the good ones...with reeds and premix gas, can't beat the smell of smoke mixed with the early morning fog.
