4-Stroke outboards

[coreyc]

I'm looking for a new 4-stroke outboard in the 90 to 130 hp range. I'm wondering what kind of fuel economy I can expect from one of these models at cruising RPM. Any information would be helpful. Also if anyone has one for sale in the Washington, Oregon, Idaho or BC area I'd be interested in having a look at it.

 

[evin300]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

Have you considered the new......? nevermind! LOL

Look for postings by J.B. Cornwell as he has done a lot of research on these motors. Good Luck

 

[JB]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

G'day, Corey. What mileage you would get depends a bit on what engine/prop combo you use and a lot on what boat it is on.<br /><br />Every 4 stroke owner I have talked to claims that (s)he uses 20 to 40% as much fuel as the replaced 2 stroke (including some DFI 2 strokes!!) The engines I have tested have, unfortunately, been on different boats, but: The Yamaha 115EFI uses less fuel on a BW Dauntless 16 (1300#) than the Yamaha carbureted 100 on a Crestliner 19 (about 1200#). Not enough difference to raise cain about, but a point for EFI.<br /><br />My own boat, a Boston Whaler Montauk 17, used about 18 gallons a day running around LOTW (stop 'n' go) with a OMC cross-scavenged 1980 V4 100. This last trip it used about 6 gallons a day on the same pattern with a new Suzuki DF70 EFI 4 stroke. I actually cruised the Suzi faster, about 30, than the OMC, about 28.<br /><br />On the same trip we spent one day with a 115EFI Merc and one day with a 130 Honda. Both performed well and the Honda used more fuel than the Merc. Both used more than my Suzi, but on bigger, heavier boats.<br /><br />Bottom line? Fuel usage will be so much less than you are used to that you will triple check you tank, no matter what 4 stroke you choose.<br /><br />Red sky at night, sailor's delight.<br />Red sky at morning, sailor take warning!<br />JB

 

[Walter]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

Good grief JB... I had no idea the 4 stroke fuel economy was THAT much greater than a comparible 2 stroke. You often hear negative comments re: the extra weight of a 4 stroke, but when you take into consideration how much extra fuel load (a.k.a. weight) is required to push a 2 stroke powered boat the same distance as one powered by a four stroke...the extra weight of the engine is almost moot.<br /><br />I need to read up more on this subject...<br /><br />Thanks guys..and good luck with your new purchase Coryc.<br /><br />Walt

 

[JB]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

Now that you mention it Walt, and I hadn't thought about it before, the 12 gallons a day difference between my 70 and the old 100 weighs in at almost exactly the weight difference between my 4S 70 (335) and an OMC 2S 70 (261). I'm sure a new OMC 2S 70 would do better than the old battleship V4, but it is an important point. If one fuels up for a 12 to 18 hour cruise, the difference could be a couple of hundred pounds of fuel costing. . . EEEK!!! (not counting a couple of gallons of TC-W3 oil at . . . .EEK!!!)<br /><br />I need a lemonade.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . . <br />JB

 

[coreyc]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

Thanks guys for the information. I knew of the fuel advantages, but I didn't realize they were that good. I'll be putting one on the back of my boat here soon.<br />Coreyc

 

[evin300]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

The following are some quotes taken from Bass&Walleye Boats magazine (Oct 1998) This was a comparison test between the Honda 90 4-stroke and the Evinrude 90 2-stroke DFI (Ficht) Both motors were run on identical Starcraft Superfisherman 170 aluminum boats and both were propped for the upper end of the rated RPM range.<br /><br />"Both of these engines have a precision feel with crisp throttle response and the ability to idle smoothly. When running at speed, both engines had a tight and rattle free sound"<br /><br />"Fuel efficiency is where the Honda 90 inched ahead, but again, the difference was nearly inconsequential."<br /><br />"Noise is another concern among anglers who ply waterways lined with homes. Four-stroke outboards have been noted for their quiet operation, but testing with a decibel (db) meter doesnt always bear this out."<br /><br />"At cruising speed, both engines had an identical reading at the helm of 81 db. At wide-open throttle, the Honda sounded quieter, but the Evinrude measured quieter....87 db for the Honda and 85 db for the Evinrude."<br /><br />

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

Good comparison, but I'd feel better buying the motor from the outfit that didn't go bankrupt!

 

[JB]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

That's good info, Evin. It supports OMC's claim that FICHT engines are equal to 4 strokes in economy and performance. At least equal to Hondas. I didn't test a FICHT V4 or a Honda 90, but was impressed with the Honda 130. I found a guide's FICHT 150 loud and smelly by comparison. I also found the Merc Optimax 115 loud and smelly compared to the Merc carbureted 90's, both 2 stroke and 4 stroke. I'm old enough to have poor hearing, which could have something to do with my impressions, but my smeller still works well.<br /><br />Sounds like new owners of FICHT V4s are gonna be just as happy with their improved fuel usage as many of the new owners of 4 strokes, but I wonder why they compared an injected 2 stroke with a carbureted 4 stroke rather than injected vs. injected or carbs vs. carbs. Just timing?<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . . <br />JB

 

[evin300]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

Yes its a shame, OMC did not have a large conglomerate for a parent as did Mercury/Brunswick. Of course Bombardier owns the Evinrude/Johnson brands now and will have the financial muscle to compete. The first production run is sheduled for this fall.

 

[evin300]

Re: 4-Stroke outboards

yes J.B., At the time they were comparing 90hp to 90hp. I am sure that both motors have had improvements since this test.