2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

[sandhopper2]

A friend told me that a lot of lakes in Ca. are now banning 2 stroke motors
So my question is do I look for a used 4 stroke motor to replace the evinrude 85hp thaqt I still unable to get to fire up
Larry

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

I'm surprised that California lets anyone have a motor period.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

A friend told me that a lot of lakes in Ca. are now banning 2 stroke motors
So my question is do I look for a used 4 stroke motor to replace the evinrude 85hp thaqt I still unable to get to fire up
Larry

Not completely true. But, if your Rude isn't CARB certified, it does fall into the paperweight category on some CA lakes. Certified motors, like the Evinrude Etec and Merc Optimax 2 strokes for example, are allowed on lakes that allow gas motors.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

I prefer the 4 strokes, mostly because of the fuel economy and the quietness of the motor. Granted they are a bit heavier and a bit more complex for repairs. The exceptions would be the "new" etec and optimax style of 2 strokes. I don't miss the noise or blue smoke one bit.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

+1 ^^^ on the 2-stroke DFI technology. Clean, fuel efficient & usually lighter & cheaper to buy. Good luck !!!

 

[WaterDR]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

I know there are some much better 2 strokes out there, but I think once someone goes 4 stroke, they never look back. My Yam 4 stroke compared to my buddies new E-Tech is night and day difference in level fo noise and smoothness.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

I've owned both two and four strokes and have documented the "fuel economy" of both a long while back. The key to understanding fuel economy is to really understand the number you are looking at. You need to look at the fuel economy from a speed perspective. If you look at it from an RPM perspective the 4-stroke will always win since it is producing power on every other revolution rather than every revolution like a two stroke. The key to all of this is that a two stroke will almost always be pushing the boat faster at any given rpm than a 4-stroke.. Looking at fuel charts will show this clearly. The two stroke will typically have a higher top end as well. Of course all of this must be compared on the same identical boat. I like a 4-stroke on a pontoon because the economy edge at very low engine rpm is a plus in that application. if you are a go fast guy, then the DFI two strokes are a better choice. As for noise, again look at the charts. They are a lot closer than you think. The difference is "perceived". A two stroke makes a different noise than a four stroke.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

I have owned two strokes, carb. 4 strokes and injected 4 strokes. For a toon owner I can't image why anyone would want anything but the later. Quite, can idle all day or run at low rpms and not worry about fouling, and starts like a modern car. While two strokes have the advantage or lower price point and typically be smaller and lighter with slighter better power.

Perhaps the biggest challenge with a two stroke on a newer pontoon is resale. No one really wants them. The last toon I sold (which was a four stroke) the most common question I had from perspective buyers was "it's not a two stroke is it?" While a bit unfair to two stroke motors it would seem that the market would prefer them.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

I have owned two strokes, carb. 4 strokes and injected 4 strokes. For a toon owner I can't image why anyone would want anything but the later. Quite, can idle all day or run at low rpms and not worry about fouling, and starts like a modern car. While two strokes have the advantage or lower price point and typically be smaller and lighter with slighter better power.

You are talking about older 2 strokes. New DFI based 2 strokes are every bit as good as a 4 stroke, and in some cases, better. (quieter in some cases!)

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

You are talking about older 2 strokes. New DFI based 2 strokes are every bit as good as a 4 stroke, and in some cases, better. (quieter in some cases!)

What do I have to look for to get a 2 stroke that will be able to be used on all lakes in CA
I have been looking and 4 strokes here in the 90 hp range ( that is MAX for my toon ) are in the $4K
What I have is a project boat I'm not ready to put $4000 in a motor
I'm not in a big hurry as I have lots of other work to get this ready for the water
If I'm having to get a new motor becasue I can't seem to get the 85HP 1969 Rude running why not do it right
Larry

 

[The Rooster]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke motor

What do I have to look for to get a 2 stroke that will be able to be used on all lakes in CA
I have been looking and 4 strokes here in the 90 hp range ( that is MAX for my toon ) are in the $4K
What I have is a project boat I'm not ready to put $4000 in a motor
I'm not in a big hurry as I have lots of other work to get this ready for the water
If I'm having to get a new motor becasue I can't seem to get the 85HP 1969 Rude running why not do it right
Larry

Mercury Optimax -- 1998 thru 2014
Evinrude E-Tech -- Mid to late 2000's thru 2014
Yamaha HPDI -- Mid 2000's thru about 2011 ???

Google the different manufacturers Larry, but those are the names used for the modern DFI (direct fuel injection) engines. Good luck !!!