2 or 4 stroke for kicker motor

[dmangi]

Im starting a new topic here since this issue kind of got sidetracked, but now you got me thinking. Would I be better off with a 4 stroke 4 HP Yamaha or a 2 stroke around 6-8 HP? I want to stay around this price (a little over $1000) and weight range (50-60 lbs). The boat weighs about 1800 lbs empty and this would be used for trolling and to get me to shore if I break down, almost always in freshwater. Thanks.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: 2 or 4 stroke for kicker motor

well what is your setup now. do you have a 2 stroke motor or a 4 stroke..... i myself would choose a 2stroke, just cause of the weight savings....althoug some of the new 4strokes are getting lighter... yu cant beat tohatsu's 9.8 hp and only 57 pounds. <br /><br />that enough would sell me

 

[Solittle]

Re: 2 or 4 stroke for kicker motor

The number of strokes is not what turns the prop. Go for HP and condition - Rudes & Johnnys rule in this area in my opinion.

 

[dmangi]

Re: 2 or 4 stroke for kicker motor

I dont have any kicker motor now. I just use an electric when it isnt windy out but it only lasts a couple hours. My main motor is a sterndrive. I just looked up the Tohatsu and it says its 81 pounds, and I'm sure that is closer to $2000 anyways. <br /><br />Besides fuel consumption and mixing the oil, what disadvantages are there to the 2 stroke? I don't consider these a problem since I dont troll everyday, consumption is not a problem. And I have heard that a 2 cyl 2 stroke might be as quiet as the 1 cyl 4 stroke at those slow speeds.

 

[ED21]

Re: 2 or 4 stroke for kicker motor

I would use a 2 or 4 stroke depending on what type of fuel my main engine uses. That a way separate fuel supply wouldn't be needed.

 

[dmangi]

Re: 2 or 4 stroke for kicker motor

I don't really mind carrying a separate tank inside. There is a nice big storage compartment right under the seat in the back where the motor goes. In fact I would carry an extra tank anyways, so that part doesn't really matter. I guess the main issue is the weight because I dont think my current bracket is rated for the 80 plus pound 4 strokes. So here are a couple options I have found so far. 4 stroke 4HP Yamaha for 995, 2 stroke 6HP Johnson for $1200 and 2 stroke 8 HP Johnson for $1300. Also found a dealer selling a used 1994 Johnson 8HP for $900. Hope this clarifies anything. Thanks guys.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: 2 or 4 stroke for kicker motor

For portability, power per pound, less maintenance, less moving parts, less $, a two stroke may be best for your application.<br /><br />I have an Evinrude 4 hp twin cylinder and an Evinrude 15 hp , both two strokes. They troll well and are very light and compact for their power.