2 vs 4 stroke

[Griggs]

Just curious, I'm getting a new boat with a 50hp 2-stroke Yamaha. I was just looking around and I see the 4-strokes are $1500+ more expensive. Just wondering what the big difference is.

[kslipsinker]

They are smooth, quiet, and dependable. Made the change three years ago, and will never go back. NO SMOKE!

[buzzsaw]

Ditto Ditto Ditto!!! No comparison in my opinion.

[Ole #1]

There have been a lot of posts about this topic, it's a good one.

If you can afford it, 4 stroke all the way. Your tank of gas will last a weekend vs an afternoon. They make no noise, and run like a car engine. You don't burn oil, oil lubricates the motor. Turn the key and start it, no choke or messing around. You will NEVER regret spending the extra $ for a 4 stroke, you'll actually save it in gas and oil.

[marine_man]

The other thing to consider is resale value... which you'll likely increase if you go with the 4 stroke.

marine_man

[Griggs]

well thats all too bad. because my new boat is a done deal. maybe down the road i'll upgrade

[gunflint]

Griggs,

I'm in the minority here but I still like 2 strokes. We have both and for me the weight vs power vs speed equation keeps me in the 2 stroke camp. I don't think the resale issue is a factor at least for the original owner because of the hit they take on depreciation. I think it would take years to make up a $1500 price difference in gas savings unless you fish everyday. Besides a little smoke keeps the bugs down.

[Superduty]

I'm a 2 stroke guy also. Nobody mentioned the extra weight and slower performance of the 4 strokes-both hole shot and top end. I don't know how often you guys fish. Let's say you pump 200 gallons of gas per year into a 2 stroke.(40 gallons per month from May-September) At $2/gallon thats $400 per year in boat fuel. If 4 stroke saves %50 on fuel economy thats $200 per year. Takes almost 8 years to get the $1500 back in original motor cost. I bet most fishermen aren't using this much fuel, stretching out the time needed to recoup costs. If speed isn't a priority and you like a quiet motor, the 4 stroke is the way to go. You will pay for the silence.

[Ely Lake Expert]

Personally I like the 2 stroke also in most cases. For the torque I think it is worth it. I think 4 strokes are good for quiet things, for example I have a 15 horse yamaha 4 stroke on my duck boat and it works excellent for that. Also, if you have a big boat and want to use a small 4 stroke for a kicker/trolling motor.

[Griggs]

thanks everyone. I was starting to look down upon my 2-stroke, but I feel better about it now.

[blacksheep]

4 strokes are dogs, i have owned a 25 horse and used a 115 horse, both yammie 4 strokes, they are dogs, i will never own a 4 stroke ever agian. i am looking at the e - tec's for my salvation......i would be happy you got in a on a yammie 2 stroke before they are all gone, best 2 stroke of its time IMO.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Has anyone run a Virado? I'm curious as to if you'll get the best of both worlds. Of course, I can't afford one, so I guess I'll just keep dreaming:)

[river-rat4]

Griggs-

I believe it's TWO STROKE or sail, take your pick.

I'm just kidding. I think there is a place and preference for both of them. Four stroke on a pontoon is wonderful. You can actualy have a conversation. Two stroke does seen to have a better hole shot, if sized/prop pitched correctly.

You shouldn't be diappointed. Take care- RR4

[Superduty]

I agree. 4 strokes and pontoons are a perfect match: quiet, great idleing, and no smoke.

The new Verados seem like the best of both worlds for big fast boats, but at $18-$20,000 they are not priced for us regular guys. You can buy a lot of boat, motor, and trailer for $20,000 when sticking with a 2 stroke.

[gilby]

I bought a johnson 40hp four stroke last spring and really like it. I have trim and tilt on my four stoke, something I didn't have on my old evinrude 40hp two stroke. I found out by just haveing the trim on my johny that I get the same top end speed as I did with my old motor and even the hole shot is pretty good, better than I expected. I had also looked into the e-tech but stayed away just because of the new technology, My next boat could very well have a two stroke e-tech pushing it from fishing hole to fishing hole.

[Griggs]

well, I think I'll be happy with my 2-stroke. The power is something I didnt expect. Looking at the speed difference, I would've thought the 4-strokes would've been faster

[Guest]

I think a guy would be hard pressed to beat a Yamaha 2 stroke compared to all the other regular 2

stroke motors. You will troll down slower with the 2 stroke.

That being said, I dont miss the noise, oil slick and all the smoke of the 2 stroke I used to own.