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
