Re: 4-Stroke Engine Choice... Which Engine?
Originally posted by Z-Man MT:<br />I too agree with Elvin, I tend to lean towards the 2 stroke DFI engines as well. Weight savings, minimum maintenance, and better take off power are only few of the benefits. Any of the DFI engines our there right now are going to be great engines.
I know everyone says that, but the DFI 2-strokes, are only slightly lighter.. (IE: Mercury 4-stroke 90HP 386 LBS, Mercury DFI 2-stroke 90HP 375 LBS)<br /><br />That few lbs isn't going to make my boat handle any better, and its not going to make me go any faster.<br /><br />If they were cheaper then the 4-strokes, i would more than likely go that rout, but they are the exact same price, or within $500 of an equal 4-stroke.<br /><br />EPA is getting more strict every few years, What happens on the coast eventually ends up inland, and on the coast (California) 2-strokes, weather it be Carbed, or DFI are being restricted on lakes, within 5 years will probably be completely banned from lakes. Many drinking water lakes they are already banned from, Several lakes in Navada have also banned 2-strokes of any kind, clean or not.<br /><br />I was seriously considering the DFI engine, because some of the arguments people on this forum have put forth, but when it comes down to almost the same price, I'd rather have the security of knowing I can take my boat ANYWHERE, including back to California (where I moved from), and know that i can launch my boat with out problem.<br /><br />If the Carbed 2-stroke 90HP was (Just for example) $6,000, the DFI 2-Stroke 90HP was $8,000, and the 4-Stroke 90HP was $10,000. Then i would consider the DFI very seriously. But they arn't. They are very close to, if not the same price (Depending on brand) as the 4-strokes.<br /><br />From what i've read both from the people in this post, and from some other forums, 4-strokes don't have the constant maintaince that everyone here keeps insisting about, They arn't much heavier then the DFI's, and I havent read 1 complaint from anyone with a 14-20' Aluminum fishing boat (Like the boat I am purchasing.. Lowe Fish n Ski FS175) about "Hole Shot" being a problem with a 4-stroke.<br /><br />Those are the reasons i have come to choose the 4-stroke over the DFI. I have done alot of research, and spent countless hours over the past 2 weeks on this issue.<br /><br />Thanks for the help & suggestions.<br /><br />-TheChad
