Re: Interesting discussion with marine mechanic!
OK, I'll way in with my 10 cent!<br /><br />I own a 2002 EFI 50 hp 4 stroke with about 150 hours, a 2005 DFI 115 hp 2 stroke with about 50 hours and a 1996 15 hp 2 stroke with unknown hours.<br /><br />The 4 stroke is very good for a pontoon boat, always starts at the turn of the key, is quiet at less than WOT and has been trouble free. The down side, you can smell the exhaust in a trailing wind situation, it's a pain to check the oil level and it's quiet loud at WOT.<br />Servicing is 3.5L of synthetic oil, a new filter and the regular lower unit and grease once a year. I do my own maintenance and estimate $20 per year plus an impeller and timing belt every 5 years.<br /><br />The DFI completely surprised me as it performed as well if not better than the 4 stroke, has run flawlessly and is great for a ski boat. After the 4 hours of break-in there is not a hint of blue smoke, even at start-up from cold. You can detect a faint smell at idle but it's no worse than the 4 stroke. The amazing thing is how frugal it is on gas and oil and how quiet it is even at WOT.<br />Servicing costs are higher than expected due to the need to replace an air filter (approx $25) every year, plus a belt every five years. I would estimate that operation and maintenance costs are very similar between the two motors.<br /><br />The little 2 stroke starts on the first pull, smokes like a SOB, is used and abused by all the kids and is cheap to run and maintain.<br /><br />In conclusion, I'm a believer in "fit for purpose", the 4 stroke with the right lower unit is perfect for pontoons and non performance boats and the DFI is perfect for Ski/Bass boats.
