2CYCLE vs 4CYCLE

[Bob Allen]

Any of you have a take on performance differences between small 2 and 4 cycle outboards? How would a 6hp four stroke compare with an 8 hp two stroke engine?<br /> I can't seem to get straight answers from the few dealers I've talked to. I'm looking to upgrade my old 8hp two stroke with a more envrionmentally friendly 4 stroke, but the 8hp four strokes are considerably heavier.<br /> This is something of a repeat from a previous post; sorry about that. Just thought I'd see if any of you have made the switch and what your experience has been. I'm told that the performance characteristics of the two types are sufficiently different that you can't just make an across the board comparison of hp to hp.<br />Thanks much,<br />Bob

 

[JB]

Re: 2CYCLE vs 4CYCLE

Hi, Bob. HP is HP, and it doesn't mean anything on the water. What matters is an engine's torque curve vs. rpm. You are unlikely to notice power differences between 6 & 8 hp. What you will notice is what makes 4 stroke users say they will never go back to 2 strokes.<br /><br />I will never go back. I haven't talked to a 4 stroke user who would.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 2CYCLE vs 4CYCLE

It is true that everything should be considered when comparing the two. Its intended use is another factor. If it is a trolling motor, and the main motor is a four stroke, then obviously you can save weight and hassle because they can use the same fuel tank. Same is true with two strokes. Two strokes are lighter than four strokes, but four strokes have a wider powerband. You can idle a fourstroke all day with no effect, but you have another fluid to check and maintain. It would take years to make up the fuel cost savings vs more initial cost of motor that the fourstroke has over the two stroke. There are less parts to go wrong on a two stroke, but they can be more difficult to understand by a shadetree mechanic than a fourstroke. I have a 55 horse 4 stroke (yeah it an old Homelite, but a 4 stroke is a four stroke-I've compared 'em performance wise) and an 85 horse two stroke. The fuel costs have turned out to be virtually identicle because I can cruise at 3/4 throttle on the two stroke, and the same cruising speed was wide open on the four stroke. That four stroke could out troll the two stroke all day long though. In the end its a matter of what you are looking for. If its environment your thinking about, then its four stroke all the way (until there is a bad leak, and the oil leaks out). If its initial cost and you just want to get there, then the two stroke is fine.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: 2CYCLE vs 4CYCLE

In my opinion, the 4 strokes feel as though they have more low-end grunt. Could just be a seat of the pants feeling, but that's how it seems to me. If you're looking for a fishing motor, 4 strokes are hard to beat for smoothness, quietness, and excellent fuel economy. You would of course feel the "missing" 2hp in a switch, but it all depends on your priorities.

 

[my new fishmaster]

Re: 2CYCLE vs 4CYCLE

I owned a 97 honda 8hp and wow what an engine, for the extra $300 its worth it. I sold my engine for $1300 in 1hour.

 

[harrison20002]

Re: 2CYCLE vs 4CYCLE

The only experience I've had with a 4 stroke is trolling with a friend who has 10 hp. Jason, your right-on. We troll all day at idle and this motor never loads up.<br /><br />Another thing to consider is the eventual banning of 2 strokes, especially here in Ca. They already have a 2 stroke ban in Lake Tahoe. This ban was said to be due to the additives in our gas. Why then, don't they work on getting rid of the additives.<br /><br />Suppose you had a Lake front home worth between 1 to 2 mil and woke up most mornings to the sound of Jet ski's and water skiers?<br /><br />I don't think the Homeowners Ass'n. are too worried about the polution. Quite a few lakes are trying to follow suit. When I can afford a new motor it will be a 4 stroke, but for now I'll keep mixing my fuel.