[we5stewarts]

I was looking at a new boat and was wondering about which engine would be better for the chuck. 2 or 4 stroke Yamaha or Mercury; or a 2 stroke Evinrude.
Any input would be appreciated.

 

[marko]

It's all about personal preference but I do beleive 4 stroke would be better for the chuck. Much more
quite and more efficient throughout the powerband. Otherwise get a 2 stroke and hold you breath
and stick yer fingers in yer ears..... ;D

:beerchug: Marko

 

[bigjay]

If you have the engine for a while the four stroke will pay for it self in saved gas - they get a good deal more miles to the gallon. In a few year four stroke will be the only thing going. If I had the money I'd get one just for the noise reduction.
have fun, Jason

 

[warlo527]

I think a lot has to depend on the size of boat/motor you are looking at. One thing I always here is to get the max hp that the boat is rated for and to get a boat that is 2 feet longer than you think you should get. You shouldn't use a large two stroke as your trolling motor as they don't like to stay in the low rpm's. There is some new advances in 2 strokes such as the Etech's and Optimax's, etc. I hear they get as good mileage as 4 strokes. Also make sure you have the appropriate dealer nearby to perform service. Two strokes are usually lighter, easier to work on, and less expensive, but can be louder and smoke more. They way you run and maintain the motor I think is the greatest factor in how your engine will treat you.

 

[steve]

as long as the two stroke is an ETEC or Optimax you won't have to deal with smoke or fumes or bad fuel economy. These engines will drink more fuel wide open but in cruising RPM they are within 2 tenths of a gallon an hour of that of a 4 stroke. you will service an ETEC fewer times than any other brand of 2 stroke or 4 stroke. You will find that the new 2 strokes are quite quiet and the ETEC is the quietest of the bunch. Big horsepower is going to make noise period 4 stroke or 2. They are all quiet at idle but the big test is the running noise because that is what you have to deal with the most, usually a kicker is used to troll. I ususally suggest trying a few out and also consider where you use the boat the most and who the dealer is....no sence in bringing a yamaha to a mercury party right! nothing is worse than needing parts and not being able to get them when you are on holidays! get me at the shop or PM if you have any more questions. Most of your decision will be filtering the BS and comming out with what will suit you, but with todays engines 2 or 4 stroke isn't the biggest question anymore it's who you get to deal with and what will fit on your boat with the least amount of rigging!