2 stroke or 4 stroke?

[paulgp6022]

I am considering purchasing a 2002 Starcraft Super Sport 16' aluminum. I have the option of either a 2 stroke or 4 stroke outboard. Which should I get? I know the 2 stroke is lighter, but are there any other advantages of 4 strokes? I still live in an area where 2 strokes are legal so that isn't a problem. Thanks for any input!

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Hello Paul,<br /> There are many advantages 4 strokes have over two strokes.Four strokes are cleaner burning(No Smoke like a two stroke).You don't have to worry about mixing oil and gas.They are generally quieter/smoother running and are very efficient(great on gas).They are also easier on the enviroment.If I was making your purchase I would opt for the four stroke.The extra cost and weight are worth it for a enjoyable boat.<br />Note:To make your four stroke last,change the crankcase oil/filter at regular intervals(Read the manual) .

 

[DJ]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Paul,<br /><br />If you can afford the upgrade to a 4-stroke, no question, go for it.<br /><br />Try to get an EFI model.

 

[jegervais]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Have you considered a Direct Fuel Injected 2-stroke? They are just as clean burning as a 4-stroke (some are even cleaner), they weigh significantly less, you still don't have to mix fuel & oil and, you don't have to change oil & filters (the oil is designed to be burned - it is already figured into the emissions output). Also, you don't have to deal with disposing of used crankcase oil. Because oil is not mixed with the fuel (therefore it's not diluted by fuel), they use less oil than a conventional 2-stroke and they don't smoke (just like a 4-stroke). They are just as quiet, or quieter than 4-strokes and if you read some of the independant tests done by some of the boating magazines (such as Bass & Walleye Boats), you'll see they beat the 4-strokes in fuel economy.<br /><br />-John

 

[paulgp6022]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Thanks for the replies. What is a good brand of outboard 4 strokes and 2 strokes with DI? The Starcraft Super Sport has a 50hp Merc two stroke on it. Is this one DI? Thanks

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Hi again Paul,<br /> Yes,direct injection outboards are also a good choice if that is an option.Yamaha makes some nice D.I. motors.

 

[BillP]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

I bought a Mariner 50 4-stoke new in 96 and still have it. I also have a 91 70 2-stroke johnson bought new. Both have been run enough to have a comparison. <br /><br />The 50 mariner cost the same as a 75 2-stroke merc did so figure this into your decision making. The 4-stroke burns little fuel and is clean running. It is also quiet and runs like a sewing machine. I'm also lucky to be able to change crankcase oil, adjust valves and deal with timeing belts that can break. If I use the specified Merc 10-30w oil it costs $4.50 a quart. It would be hard to justify paying the extra bucks again for the 4 stroke. <br /><br />On the otherhand, my 70 2-stroke burns about 3-1/2 gal hr at cruise and I don't have to do anything except put gas in it (vro is removed). It weighs the same as the 50 4-stroke. It also runs like a sewing machine with half the 4 stroke maintenance. Sorry I can't tell you the 4 stroke is SOOO much better but it isn't.

 

[JB]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Hi, Paul.<br /><br />You wont find any DI 2 strokes under 75hp. If you are interested in the 40 to 60 hp range, Mercury and Suzuki make EFI 4 strokes in this range. Johnson also markets EFI 4 strokes made by Suzuki.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[paulgp6022]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Isn't Johnson teamed up with Bombardier? I know that Sea-Doo PWC's are made by Bombardier and have horrible reliability issues. Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Yeah, and Mercedes Benz is "teamed up" with Chrysler and Dodge, too. Does that make MBs junk?<br /><br />Johnson is now owned by Bombardier and is making great engines. The Suzuki-made 4 strokes are as solid and reliable as the Suziki-made Suzukis.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Jacques321]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Buy the 4-stroke for the following reasons:<br /><br />It idles so quiet you'll think it's not running.<br /><br />No more stinky smoke when you start it or run slow with it.<br /><br />You're respecting the environment.<br /><br />4 stroke technology is proven and reliable.<br /><br />Contrary to popular belief they are powerful, and responsive engines.<br /><br />Take care

 

[BillP]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Something omitted from previous posts...the new breed of 2 strokes DON'T burn oil in the fuel. The oil is injected to the areas that need lube. Some oil may get through to the combustion chamber but it isn't obvious. This means a very clean exhaust (like the 4 stroke) and better lube properties than splash lube. They continue to have higher horsepower per pound and less moving parts.<br /><br />Yes, 4 strokes are politically correct in yuppidome but 2 strokes are closing the gap.

 

[JB]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Hi, BillP.<br /><br />What 2 strokes are you talking about? There is ONE DFI 2 stroke under 100hp, and that is the 300+lb 'Rude 75. <br /><br />All of the other 2 strokes in the range we are talking about are CARBURETED. They smoke, they stink, they are finicky about starting, they wont troll at 500 rpm for 8 hours, they use too much fuel and they are noisy.<br /><br />Get over your paranoia about 4 strokes.

 

[butlp]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Paul,<br />Just returned to the board after 7 great weeks at the cottage in which I spent 76 hours driving my new pontoon powered by a 2002 50 hp EFI Mercury Bigfoot. I am very impressed with its performance, fuel economy and quietness.<br />I also spent about the same number of hours in our 16' ski boat powered by a 89 90hp Yamaha. It's noisy, uses more fuel but is fast and needs very little maintenance. <br />The EFI is the big selling point for me and as JB pointed out there are no mid sized EFI 2 strokes on the market today.<br />I believe there is a place for both types of motor and you have to look at what you will be using the boat for. If it's trolling, cruising or slow running the 4 stroke is a perfect choice. If its high speed, skiing then the 2 stroke is a great motor especially a DI.<br />I have a friend who has the same boat you are looking at except a couple of years old, which he only uses for fishing on a smaller lake. He had a 50 Merc 2 Stroke which he traded for a Merc. 50 EFI 4 Stroke. He water tested the rig but felt the boat was too low in the stern and had the dealer change to a Merc 40hp 4 Stroke (3 cylinder). He is so happy with the rig and claims to be using half the fuel he did before.<br />Good luck with your choice, the Mercury's are hard to beat, great warranties and lots of dealer support.

 

[paulgp6022]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

How does that 40hp push the Super sport? Is it ample power or is it lacking?

 

[BillP]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

JB,<br />I had a long discussion last week with a friend who is also a merc dealer. He owns and operates the repair shop too. That is where I got the info on the "new breed" of 2 strokes, but I didn't ask what models were out there. Evidently, oil mixing in the gas is going away on 2 strokes. The down side is you can't mix oil in the gas if the injector goes down. <br /><br />No paranoia really. After all, I did buy one 6 years ago and had some time (longer than most folks around)with it to get first hand experience. Give it 10 years, 2000 hrs without issues and I will rate it almost even to a 2 stroke. I back that with 46 yrs of running 2 strokes.

 

[butlp]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

As someone's signature on this board says "You never have enough horsepower"! <br />I have not been in his boat since he re-powered it, but he seems to be very happy with the set up. There is usually just him or one other fishing and the lake he lives on is only 3 miles long so speed is not high on his priorities. <br />Peter

 

[P.V.]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

How much is a gallon of "RAM" oil ? gotta keep that tank full, or pretty much full !!<br />Yamaha dealers in the south ( who sell big offshore style "canyon runners") have told me that when faced with two identical boats, one with twin HPDI's or twin 4-strokes,customers migrate over to the four stroke and forget all about the DFI. And Yamaha has the best of the DFI's!!. I guess those people have just too much money and not enough sense to buy a faster, "more economical", lighter, cheaper DFI motor. What's the matter with them ???? The writing is on the wall, and Bombardier doesn't see it. Why are those 4-strokes that Bombardier buys from Suzuki in such demand???? Did I hear that Bomb is sold out of some of them already???? Try getting one from Merc or Yammy. That's why people are buying 2-strokes, they can't get a four stroke. Don't they see that the customers wants ....... OH, never mind !!

 

[BillP]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

There are no waiting lines for any brand of 2 or 4 stroke in Florida. Discounts are advertised everywhere on in stock new: Honda 75-4s with controls/prop msrp $8505 now @ $6795. Evinrude (Suzuki) 70-4S $4651, 90-4S $4995, Merc (yamaha)50-4S msrp $6425 @ $5458, 40-4S EFI msrp $4365 @ $4242, 30-4S EFI $4372 @ $3968, 30-4S EFI yada,yada.

 

[my new fishmaster]

Re: 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

I think you should buy a bigger boat like a 176 fishmaster or 196 fishmaster Starcraft boat. If you have the money go Honda outboard like a 90 should work fine. Nothing wrong with a yamaha 2 stroke or 4 stroke but I like the honda better.