Re: need advice on best trolling engine
As someone who owned a larger four stroke some time before their introduction gained acceptance into the market, I have read a lot of feedback from owners and non-owners as well as pros, cons and wild speculations and untruths. To this date, i still have not read or heard someone state that after owning a 4-stroke they would go back to a two. Of all the characterisitcs that seem to set these two motors apart, the one that stands out (in my mind and experience) above all others without question is how a four stroke behaves for trolling. This includes how smooth it is, the lack of the smell of oil in the air (or for many, the lack of pollutants), it's endurance but most importantly, how quiet it is. For me, that one difference is enough to warrant owning a 4 all on its own.<br /><br />One other point to raise. Several years ago, the strong point against opting for a 4-stroke was it's weight. This caused me to pay particular attention to the weight of outboards when I was shopping. I quite vividly (and surprisingly at the time) recall that the honda 50 was lighter than Merc 50 2-stroke. As a matter of fact, back then at least, it was the lightest 50 on the market. <br />I'm pretty sure the Honda 40 and 50 weigh the same. Perhaps Merc uses a different engine in their 50 than their 40 - unlike Honda. (anyone - feel free to correct me if I am wrong on this).<br />Perhaps this doesn't apply to your question though as maybe you are limited to a 40 and the Merc 40 is indeed lighter.<br />But overall, if you do a lot of trolling, I wouldn't even consider the Merc.
You just might get a few differences of opinion there.. 
