4 stroke or 2

[ralph11]

I have to replace the outboard on my 21' Dixie Walk around and am considering going to a 4stroke Merc 115. I was wondering if anyone has any info on the larger 4 stroke engines and how they compare to the 2 stroke.

 

[JB]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

Ahoy, Ralph. Generally the four strokes are heavier, smoother, easier starting, cleaner, quieter, more economical and more expensive. They seem to be more reliable, too, but it is a bit early in the game to tell.<br /><br />The EFI four strokes are likely to be more reliable and last longer than the carbureted ones.<br /><br />Some of the DFI 2 strokes can match the four strokes for mileage, but still use up expensive oil.<br /><br />I have a Suzi 4 stroke (70) on my Whaler 17 and using it is like using a car. I will probably not use another 2 stroke except, maybe, as an auxilary (sp?).<br /><br />The Merc you are looking at is reputed to use a Yamaha power head. It costs less and I think it is lighter than the Yamaha 115 EFI. As good as the Hondas are, I don't think they offer EFI and I would avoid them for that reason only. The Suzuki 115 EFI is an excellent engine, as is the Yamaha. <br /><br />In your case, I would not consider a 2 stroke unless cost was a decision maker, and I would go with the one of the three 4 strokes I mention above that had the best local dealer/service reputation.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[Jacques321]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

I've got a 90 Merc 4 stroke on the back of a Princecraft 164 and I'd have to say that for a 4 cylinder SOHC carbureted it is a great performer. I've only had it a year or so and so far I can't complain about much to be honest. <br />At first I thought that because of it's sheer size(386 lbs)that my boat wouldn't perform as well as it should, but with a SS Vengeance prop(13.25 Diameter) pitched at 16 the merc 90 pushes my boat out of the water reasonably fast. I find the 4 strokes strength in acceleration lies in the mid-range area to top end. I can consistently hit a top speed of 47 MPH at 5950 RPM. Now bear in mind my boat is rated for a 75 so I'm overpowered by 15 HP. With 4 adults in my boat i can still hit 44 MPH!<br /><br />At idle at about 20ft or so away from my boat I've sometimes wondered if my engine was still on... thats how quiet 4 strokes are.<br /><br />Gas mileage is great on her if you keep the RPM's at 4400 or lower. Between 5000-6000 rpm she'll suck a fair amount of gas albeit not much compared to a 2 stroke carbureted.<br /><br />If you fish or do a lot of sightseeing you'll love a 4 stroke engine cause the smell of burnt oil isn't part of the equation. I like to troll for lake trout with my big 90 and it's a little fast at times so when it's not windy I use my trusty Motorguide electric motor (52lbs thrust).<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[ralph11]

Re: 4 stroke or 2

Thanks for the info. iwill be talking to my local dealer over the weekend amd I'll let you know how I make out.