2 stroke vs 4 stroke

[PW1967]

I figured I would post this question in this topic due to its not a brand specific question. I am looking to purchase a bass tracker or similar brand in the 2007 to 2013 era, and see that some have 2 stroke and some have 4 stroke, Bass tracker usually have mercury while other brands have yamaha's or other makes, mostly in the 40 to 60 horse range. Now I understand that a 4 stroke is cleaner burning and may have longer life if maintained and quieter, but I am concerned about the performance side being I can get a boat with a 50 horse 2 stroke for a few thousand less than a comparable 4 stroke, Am I going to be setting myself up with problems if I choose to go the 2 stroke? I like to get up on plane and across the water as fast as i can just like every other bass fisher so performance is really a concern and also weight is too being my towing set up. I tow behind my RV so I like to stay as light as possible. I also only put about an average of 40 hours per year on an outboard since I live in Colorado and have a short boating season. How many hours should I expect out of a 2 stroke on average before anything major has to be done?

 

[GA_Boater]

Only a fortune teller knows and they aren't really that good. We like to think a motor will run forever, but they don't.

Maintenance is the key to longevity. Both before and after you buy a used motor. Brand new motors, too.

 

[Scott Danforth]

look at it this way..... many 40-80 year old 2-strokes are still running

Personally, I like a 2-stroke over a 4-stroke simply for the weight savings and RPM band

 

[carburated]

2 strokes are lighter for equal power, and have been reliably powering boats for a LONG time. Only reason outboards have gone 4 stroke is the EPA (in my biased opinion). Use Maxima Castor 927 and they smell oh so good too.

I love the smell of two stroke in the morning.

 

[dingbat]

If there are no inherent advantages with a four stroke, why are four strokes priced at a premium?

Obviously there are advantages.

1. No oil to buy and mix.
2. Cheaper to run. 2 stroke oil adds roughly 40 cents per gallon to your fuel cost
3. No smoke
4. Considerably quieter
3. Much less prone to grenade from fuel and fuel delivery issues
4. Need a stop watch to differentiate any performance differences, if any.
5. Getting harder and harder to find “dinosaurs” that know how to work on 2 strokes. This issue will only get worst as more and more companies drop their 2 stroke lines altogether

In the end, make the decision based on the availability of local support. Locally, Yamaha 4 strokes out sell all 2 stroke combined because of the availability of local service and support.

 

[PW1967]

Even though I haven't owned or even been around a late model 2 stroke I would like to think they have improved as far as emissions goes, compared to the 1987 force 50 I had, I do like the EFI rather than a carbonated since the lakes I visit can be from 1500 ft. in Arizona to 9000 ft. in Colorado. I'm sure the 4 stroke might be better for the long haul but dont want the 2 stroke to be a deal killer if that's what the boat I find has on it.

 

[dingbat]

I'm sure the 4 stroke might be better for the long haul but....

Compromising the long haul to save a couple of bucks up front doesn’t make sense to me.

Been there, done that. Never again

 

[racerone]

The 2 strokes are now getting hard to get " rebuilt " at some shops.-----Never mind the 4 strokes.-----Many shops today are into " service work " and for major work they suggest that it is time for a new motor.------Shop overhead / labor / taxes have made this a business reality.

 

[dingbat]

The 2 strokes are now getting hard to get " rebuilt " at some shops.-----Never mind the 4 strokes.-----Many shops today are into " service work " and for major work they suggest that it is time for a new motor.------Shop overhead / labor / taxes have made this a business reality.

Tell me about it.

Played the cost game 5 years ago when my motor needed replaced. Ran the numbers and decided to take the rebuild route to save roughly $5k over a low hour 4 stroke replacement.

Long story short, continued support of the rebuild has been costly. Parts and labor are becoming an issue. I drive over an hour each way to find someone who knows how to troubleshoot beyond looking up the computer cable. Add in the increased fuel/oil cost and depreciation of the motor over the past 5 years and I’m actually upside down in the deal

 

[racerone]

What motor did you have rebuilt ??

 

[dingbat]

What motor did you have rebuilt ??

97, 200 Ocean Pro

Cooling passages eaten away. Couldn’t keep head gaskets intact. Went short block route.

Two years later gremlins showed up. Two repair shops later, and $1,400 in parts and labor the problem was diagnosed as carb damage (hair line cracks in corners of mounting flanges on 4 out of 6 carbs) Had to buy and rebuild a “new to me” carb stack to remedy the problem.

It runs good now but the sucking sound coming from the back of the boat is deafening when heading offshore, or anywhere else for that matter.