Thinking about Repowering my boat

[Jack Stasney]

Currently I have an early 80's Johnson 140hp. It works fine and was rebuilt a couple of years ago. I want to repower from a fuel efficiency aspect. It would allow me to make longer runs, and also save money on gas. I've been talking to different dealers and getting a lot of mixed messages. Some say one brand is better than the next, and the next guy tells me the opposite. Also in terms of fuel efficiency some say 4-stroke is the only option. While others say e-tec and optimax would get much better gas mileage compared to what I have now. The weight of the motor is also an issue as my boat is loaded up as it is. I know I'm opening a can of worms, but tell me what you think or have experienced. I'm really curious to know what people who have repowered have seen in terms of gas consumption.

[Sonicrunch]

A direct injected two stroke will get the same fuel efficiency of the four stroke.

[Tip Up Rookie]

I went with a four stroke because i could use the big motor and still troll or I would have likely went with an optimax. I was told the direct injected 2 strokes could not idle down as low. I used to have a Johnson 2 stroke, good motor but I really love my quiet yamaha so far.

[Sonicrunch]

true, a four stroke would be better for trolling.

[Jack Stasney]

Not worried about trolling. I already have a Mercury 9.9 4-stroke for that.