4 stroke or 2

[dethridge]

I am looking at buying a new ranger reata 211 vs fish and ski.I need some help on deciding on what motor to use. the two options for this boat is a evinrude etec 225 or a yamaha sho 4 stroke 225. the reviews both say tha they are great motors. i will be using the boat in central alabama or fresh water lakes. what i need help with is what is the best motor and why.

thanks

 

[pecheux]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

IMHO a 2 strokes has more hole shot bang for water skiing ... considering they are 225 hp may not mean much in difference. I am not partial .. I love 2 strokes. LOL

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

I would choose the e-tec, you don't have to change the oil and the e-tec will outrun and out perform the 4 stroke. Also less parts to fail.
Watch the e-tec videos on line and I bet you will choose the e-tec.
I bet you could save some $ by going to a smaller hp e-tec.
I bet a 175 etec would be enough hp for a boat your size

 

[boater1234]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

I have seen the sho in action and let me tell you it has more power then you will ever need.It has just as much if not more torque then an etec.They are both good outboards and you can't loose with either.The sho is basically everything you could ever want in a 2stroke except it's in a 4stroke package.It is a sick motor.The reason i know about the sho a friend of mine actually has the 250 which is built on the same platform as the 225 and 200.It will push you back in your seat on certain boats.I'm sure the etec can to.I just have had first hand experience with the 250sho.That was only a few mths ago to.That is just my opinion.The weight on both is identical at 505lbs and the gear ratio in the yamaha is a micro hair better at 1.75 compared to a 1.71 in the etec.I just checked over the specs again and the yamaha has a way bigger displacement also.They are both good as you probally can't go wrong with either.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

And don't ignore the "making oil" issue with many four-strokes. If you are unfamiliar with that, prolonged low speed operation on a four stroke, or an engine that has the wrong prop can cause oil dilution from what is essentially lugging the engine. If you keep a close watch on oil level you may see it creeping up on the dipstick. Oil contaminated with fuel does not make for good lubrication. It is just one more thing to consider and you may or may not have an issue with it. Oil changes, valve adjustments, timing belt replacement are all part of owning a four stroke. Is the E-tec bullet proof? Is the Yamaha bullet proof? Either one can have an issue but there is something to be said about simplicity and that edge goes to the E-tec.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

I can't speak specifically to the Yamaha except Im sure it is a fine motor.
The Etec has less than half as many moving parts.No service for 3 years or 300 hours,no breakin period,fewer less complicated service intervals.It is very likely lighter.It meets or exceeds all CARB requirements.Is the motor of choice on lake tahoe official boats.A lake where all motors that don't meet CARB requirements are banned.Etec has a vast dealer network.