"bill allemann" wrote in message
. com...
Lately, marketing for 2 strokers mentions higher maintenance for 4
strokers.
Any truth to that?
Any opinions on 4 versus 2?

Thanks, Bill

Now, remember that this is strictly my opinion based on the fact that I've
always owned 2 stroke outboards but have been in several 4 stroke powered
boats.

The horsepower to weight ratio is better with a 2 stroke in most instances,
and 2 stroke outboards "rev up" quicker than 4 strokes, getting you up on
plane quicker. The 4 stroke powered boats I've been in seemed to take
forever to get on plane.

While 4 stroke technology is being touted as being more environmentally
friendly, advances in fuel delivery and emission control systems for two
stroke outboards have improved dramatically and new 2 strokes are as good,
if not better than some 4 strokes for emissions.

The same can be said for fuel economy. 4 strokes do give good "milage" but
are no longer superior to new 2 strokes.

4 stroke outboards have more moving parts and require more maintenance than
2 stroke outboards.

4 stroke outboards are quiet when operating, but I personally found the
noise that they do make to sound mechanical and annoying!

BUT, in defense of 4 stroke motors, if you do a LOT of trolling, 4 stroke
motors will run better at low rpm's without loading up than most 2 stroke
motors and they probably won't smoke as much. Oh wait, if you get a Mercury
Optimax with the Smart Gauges, you can control the rpm's too! Oh well, so
much for that.....

So, is there any significant differences, yes and no. Would I buy a 4
stroke? Maybe the Verado, but that's different, it has a supercharger,
which is high on the "Cool Factor".... Otherwise, I see no real reason to
buy a 4 stroke motor.

But remember, these are just my impressions. Your milage may vary.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com