Re: 4-Stroke VS 2-Stroke - Please Help
Hey, Mike. This subject comes up regularly so you might want to search back a few weeks or months. Here are the basics: Two strokes are ususlly lighter and less expensive than same-class 4 strokes. It is said by many that they have better low and mid-range torque than some 4 strokes, but not others. <br /><br />The DFI 2 strokes are a different class of engine: Much cleaner and more economical than the carbed engines, a bit heavier and more expensive.<br /><br />Everthing else favors the 4 strokes. They are easier to start, smoother, quieter, non-smokers that leave no oil slick on the water and behave, in general, pretty much like auto engines. They will use about 40% of the fuel used by a same-class carbed 2 stroke. If you haven' ridden in front of a 4 stroke, do so ASAP.<br /><br />Once into four strokes you need to see EFI 4 strokes as a different class of engine. They are as different from the carbed 4 strokes as EFI cars are from carbureted cars. Computer management of mixture and ignition gives you a more civilized machine than most of us ever dreamed we could hang on a transom.<br /><br />I still marvel every time I fire up my Suzuki EFI 70. Instant start, the first time every time. You have to look at the tach or the tell-tale to know it is running. Smooth and torquey at low end. A pleasant purr as she ramps up and then settles on the speed of my choice up to about 38 (Boston Whaler Montauk 17. My son's Montauk can do 38 with his Merc 90 2 stroke and a 19" prop which is down 2" from optimum to better tow toys.) Trolling at idle is electric-smooth and quiet. No smoke. No oily lower end and no oil slick to lead the British Fleet to me. In mixed cruise/run/troll use she uses less than 2 gph.<br /><br />Bottom line: Merc, Yamaha or Suzuki 115 EFI four strokes are the class of mid-range outboards by a Texas mile. Don't buy any motor until you have experienced one or two of them.<br /><br />Happy shopping.<br />JB
