Re: Evinrude vs. Mercury
Majbach, look at it this way...<br /><br />Apples to apples, resale of a 4-stroke is higher. This is true whether it's book value, bank value, floor price, owner's price, etc. Undeniably, 4-strokes simply resale for more.<br /><br />With that said, lets discuss initial cost and depreciation. <br /><br />Outboards are a big part of my commercial operation. I'm in business to make money, and spend as little as possible. If 2-strokes were cost-saving, I'd be running them. So like resale value, an outboard's initial cost and depreciation are big considerations for me.<br /><br />When I consider "depreciation" of my outboards, I must consider useful life, and the condition they are in when they are retired. You could classify this as longevity and durability.<br /><br />I have found (by actually using both 2-strokes and 4-strokes) that my 4-strokes depreciate over a longer time. They simply last longer, and can be run more hours before expensive repairs are needed.<br /><br />For example, where I might get 1500 hours out of a 2-stroke 50 HP, I might 2500 hours out of a 4-stroke 50 HP. I have some smaller 4-stroke kickers that have gone 3 or 4 times the life of similar 2-stroke kickers. "Depreciation" can certainly be extended with 4-strokes. <br /><br />Plus, by operating 4-strokes I have eliminated the "surprise" costs associated with 2-stroke failures during ownership (during depreciation). Some of these costs include seized pistons, powerhead replacements, and lost business due to down time. When these costs occur half way through the expected life of the outboard, I have no choice but to eat it. I can't remember ever having a sudden failure with a 4-stroke. I simply retire them when they give basic signs of being worn out. <br /><br />"Initial costs" are "sunk costs". So when I consider them, I must consider whether or not the extra expense of a 4-stroke will return to me. There are many ways to classify the return. Fuel economy, maintenance expense, repairs, warranty, longevity (depreciation life),
resale, reliability, safety, and overall enjoyment to own, etc.<br /><br />I have found that the initial price of 4-strokes are a bargin in disguise. I can make up the difference in fuel costs alone, just within the first 1000 hours. And I don't have to replace them with new one's as frequently. Repair bills are down. Warranty is better. They're more reliable and safer. My clients prefer them (quiet, no smoke, etc).<br /><br />And yes MajBach...Resale is always more too. Another benefit to buying a 4-stroke.<br /><br />As I said before, if you don't want to strictly look at "resale", and you want to consider purchase price too, then you must consider all other aspects that factor into that purchase price as well. <br /> <br />Bottom line is that you'll get more for your 4-stroke when it's time for resale.<br /><br />BTW, the new E-TEC's (with their "expense to own" claims, good warranty, and benefits and features), kind of throw a wrench into things. When they've proven reliable in a commercial environment, I'll probably try a pair. But remember....their intial cost is comparable with a 4-stroke EFI.
