4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

S849

Cadet
Joined
Sep 26, 2004
Messages
10
I am looking at a couple new pontoons and have two priced to me. One has a 2005 50 HP Merc 4 stroke ( bigfoot) and the other a 2004 50hp Merc 2 stroke. Boats are about the same with $1800 more for the 4 stroke. Worth it?
 

stevens

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 4, 2005
Messages
799
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

The 4-strokes I have heard have been incredibly quiet compared to 2-strokes, not to mention compared to my own diesel inboard. This has also been confirmed in every test I have read in recent years. Especially at lower rpm's, 4-strokes seem whisper quiet.<br /><br />For that reason alone, the upgrade would be worth it to me.<br /><br />Others may disagree, or say that they don't need the higher weight or slower accelleration of a four-stroke. However, in a recent test of 9 different 50 hp's in a boating magazine here, the Mercury 50 4-stroke was the fastest of the lot.<br /><br />Here's a link to the test, but I am afraid it is in Norwegian...<br /><br /> http://www.batmagasinet.no/baatweb/...b40b715190aa4e32c1256ea90029c651?OpenDocument <br /><br />In this particular test, the Mercury engine gave off a 69 decibel noise level at 5 knots, 82 dB at 19 knots (WOT-2000), and 89 decibel at 33 knots (at WOT). That is really quiet!
 

AaronG

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 22, 2004
Messages
234
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

4 strokes are nice, but unless you are running it all the time, I'd save the $1800 for something else.
 

TheChad

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 29, 2005
Messages
314
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

RetroMerc,<br /><br />From my research over the last month or so, I believe for your application, the 4-stroke would be the better choice.<br /><br />Here's the basic differences:<br /><br />2-Stroke Oil Injected - Cheapest, lightest, loudest, but well proven.<br /><br />2-Stroke DFI (Optimax, E-Tec, Etc) - Usually lighter then 4-strokes (Not Much), but heavier then Oil Injected 2-stroke's, It has the power characteristics of a 2-stroke (Faster off the line starts "Holeshot", sometimes higher top speed), But has the fuel economy of a 4-stroke, and the better emissions.<br /><br />4-stroke - Usually heavier then DFI 2-strokes (Not much), QUIET. You will have to have the valves adjusted as standard maintaince, and have the oil changed. Very Fuel efficient, great emissions.<br /><br />Most people will tell you that the DFI 2-strokes, will give you better holeshot then a 4-stroke. Which may be true (though there are many with 4-strokes that say holeshot is no problem), but it doesn't matter anyway, because you are putting it on a pontoon boat, so you probably arn't worried about towing a skier.<br /><br />Alot of people will tell you a 4-stroke has huge maintaince costs, because of valve adjustments.. Though from the research I have done. Valve adjustments will need to be done, but no where NEAR as often as some people will try to say. (And if your handy, its pretty easy to do)<br /><br />Especially for a pontoon boat, a 4-stroke would be the best in my opinion because you will usually have a bunch of people, and would probably like to be able to talk to them, with out having to yell over the engine noise.<br /><br />If I was buying a Pontoon. I would get a 4-stroke hands down.<br /><br />-TheChad
 

migue

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 9, 2005
Messages
47
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

Call me old fashioned but in my opinion the simpler the better, less thing to break down in a 2 stroke, and if something breaks down it will be easier to diagnose and repair, also it is $1800 cheaper, the tought having so many parts that one day eventually will break down scares me.
 

KM2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 15, 2003
Messages
556
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

The bigfoot is a better fit for a pontoon. Gets the gearing down so you can prop it correctly, run at the right RPMs and get the best performance.
 

TheChad

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 29, 2005
Messages
314
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

Originally posted by migue:<br /> Call me old fashioned but in my opinion the simpler the better, less thing to break down in a 2 stroke, and if something breaks down it will be easier to diagnose and repair, also it is $1800 cheaper, the tought having so many parts that one day eventually will break down scares me.
So you must own a horse and buggy then right? ;) <br /><br />-TheChad
 

migue

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 9, 2005
Messages
47
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

Chad i'm talking about boats,not cars. The marine environment is a harsh one, so I prefer to keep it simple :p
 

ziemann

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
584
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

I agree on the Bigfoot....perfect for that application.
 

Richard Petersen

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 17, 2004
Messages
778
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

Pontoons need quiet engines. Lots of people always talking.
 

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

4 stroke.... No stinkin' two stroke smoke... That right there would be reason enuff for me to part with the extra $1800.00.....
 

S849

Cadet
Joined
Sep 26, 2004
Messages
10
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

I LOVE these forumns!! I appreciate all the feedback and will report here with my results. I went with the 4 stroke, for quiet and efficiency. We'll see. Thanks again..<br />Retro
 

SuzukiChopper

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 10, 2004
Messages
782
Re: 4 Stroke vs. 2 Stroke - worth the $$?

I think the 4 stroke was a good choice. There's nothing I love more than the smell of gas/oil mix first thing in the morning before fishing, but alot of lakes up here by next year are going to be banning 2-strokes because of the emissions. I have a feeling that with all the regulations the EPA is starting to put on motorcycles in the states, some lakes there won't be far behind what's happening here. Just some food for thought for the next person reading this and trying to decide :)
 
Top