Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

[CWCW]

Looking at a 16ft alum bass boat that comes with mercury motors. Im looking at a 50hp(boat's max rating). I will be fishing in this boat anywhere from 1 to 4 weekends out of each month on lakes and rivers in TX. During summers i will go fishing every week. I may not make it to the lake very often as the weather gets cold. The differences in gas usage between the two are not enough to consern me. I know the 2-stroke is a little quicker out of the hole and has more top end speed. I am the type of person that knows how important maintance is so thats not a problem, unless the maintance is something i cant physically do with out certain equipment. Is one less troublesome to start than the other on a daily basis or when it has not been out to the lake for a couple of months? Are EFI engine to complicated and have more machanical problems that the owner cant fix himself? Which one is for me, 2 or 4 stroke?

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

One thing to remember is that certain lakes now dis-allow the older carbureted two strokes. I suppose that if you are going to buy a new two-stroke it would be EFI?

Chuck

 

[domains]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

4 stokes are quicker out of the hole ..2 strokes need RPM to obtain max hp.

 

[longshanks]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

I own a Merc 50 4-stroke. I couldn't imagine anything quicker out of the hole than this motor, but you might need to do a little tinkering to find the right prop. Starts 1st time, every time. Very quiet, no smoke, no smell. I'm sold on EFI, wouldn't ever buy another carb'd motor.

I have had major problems with this motor, but to make a long story short, it wasn't the motor's fault (previous owner). Merc has covered me 100% with warranty.

good luck.

 

[MercGuy]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

4 stokes are quicker out of the hole ..2 strokes need RPM to obtain max hp.

I think that might be a typo ?? 2 strokes are generally acknowleged as being quicker out of the hole. Twice as many power strokes = more torque at lower RPM's.

Of course, 4 strokes are getting better all the time, one way 4 strokes get more holeshot is by gearing lower so that engine is running faster for a given prop rotation. Only problem with that is that for a given MPH the 4 stroke will be running more RPM's. Tends to negate the sound & GPH advantage.

 

[domains]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

I know on dirt bikes 2 stroke need RPM to hit power band ..with 4 strokes power is right there. climbing waves or whatnot .dealer told me this.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

You are answering your own questions. Four strokes have much more maintenance and moving parts than a two stroke. They are EFI and as such require specialized tools to diagnose electrical issues. Just like your car, progress has taken engines to the point where the shade tree mechanic can't work on these things any more. Oil and filter changes and disposal, timing belt replacement, valve adjustments are just a few items to consider. Two strokes have none of that except for lower unit lub changes which you need to do on a four stroke as well. The only current small EFI two strokes are the Evinrude 40 and 50 HP E-tecs.

 

[Cornell]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

I would consider other factors as well. For instance, the 4 stroke is heavier and cost more usually. Lots of 2 strokes available at reasonable prices used. The 4 stroke seems to run smoother and idle better and seems quieter. Nice to not have to mix oil and gas. But then you do have to change oil and filter. Like you said power favors 2 stroke but if you get a 50 hp for this small boat that may not be an issue. I'd lean towards 4 stroke unless money is an issue. Cornell

 

[j_martin]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

I know on dirt bikes 2 stroke need RPM to hit power band ..with 4 strokes power is right there. climbing waves or whatnot .dealer told me this.

I had a 4 stroke bike engine once that was wimpy as hell till about 5500 rpm. Then if you weren't paying attention it would either dump you off or sprain both wrists. Red lined at 14000.

Cut to the chase. If you want to get to the hole and then fish for Bass, 2 stroke will be lighter/cheaper/faster. If you are just kidding about bass fishing, and plan to back troll for walleye, 4 stroke will be quieter, and more reliable. It all depends on the application.

hope it helps
John

 

[domains]

Re: Do i need a 2 or 4 stroke for my use?

4stroke red line 14000 nice ...was it a gsxr or r1 .

I had a 20hp 2 stroke on a 13 foot scow ...uncle had a 20hp 4 stroke on a 14 foot aluminum that beat me bad on take off...

Bigger 2 strokes you will notice less on takeoff . atvs expl 400 2 stroke 4x4 expl in a mud pit on stock tires needs RPM because they bog down if stopping in the mud pits, as my 400 4 stroke no probs spinning at all . gear ratio or what not theres a big difference.