Mike the Pike

I have had both small and large.

My first was a 55hp Suzuki 2 stroke quick hole shot hard on gas smokey and noisy.

I also had an 8hp 2 stroke Yamaha yes it was a pleasure to carry compared to the 4 stroke 7.5 Honda four stroke that I had but again too noisy and too smokey.

These days I have a 50hp Honda 4 stroke as well as a 2hp now I will never go back to a 2 stroke.

Only the speed freaks will tell ya to get a 2 stroke but for you 25hp will be pleasantly quiet when trolling.

Pay the extra money and buy the fuel saving 4 stroke.

check out this article.

BTW nice boat and good luck with your purchase.

The decision to purchase an outboard engine is getting more selective as technology improves. As of now the majority of consumers are faced with several options when deciding upon what kind of outboards will best suite them. The number one factor lately is whether to purchase a new or used two stroke or four stroke engine.

When faced with this decision you must prioritize several features that are prevalent in each motor. For example, two-stroke motors are lighter, faster (in most cases) and less expensive. Four-stroke motors are cleaner, smoother, and more economical. Many people who run in lakes and rivers prefer 4 stroke boat motors because they make great trolling motors and meet the 2006 EPA mandated requirements. Others prefer 2 stroke engines when the need for top end performance and acceleration takes precedence. This is not to say that two-stroke engines cannot troll or four stroke motors are not fast. It's just a matter of preferences, features, and benefits that attract customers. Regardless of what you choose to purchase, if you use due diligence and do your research you cannot go wrong, Below is a table of pros and cons for both motors:

2-Stroke Outboards

Pros* Cons*

Lighter More Pollution

Accelerate Fast, In some Cases More Top End \ Smoke

Purchase Price Less Expensive\ Must Mix Gas with Oil (Non Oil Injection Models)

Easier to Repair Rougher Idle \than 4 strokes

Have Been Around For Almost 80 Years \Noiser than Four Stroke Outboards

Very Strong Used Market Harder to Start (in some cases)

Parts Availability\ Carburetors gum up if not used often

High Resale Value, High Demand Spark Plug Fouling

Simple Design Meaning Less Things To Go Wrong -

4-Stroke Outboards

Pros* Cons*

Quiet and Smooth \Heavy

Good Fuel Economy\ Often Expensive to Repair

Great Trolling Motors \Not As Many Trained Mechanics Yet (Growing Rapidly)

No Oil/Gas Mixture \Often Expensive to Purchase

Smooth Idle \Technology Still Being Improved

Less Pollution \Very Limited Used Market (Although Growing Rapidly)

Accepted at Any Body of Water \More Parts to Malfunction (Technology Improving)*

Future Production will Be all 4-Stroke or Similar \Most Not as Powerful as 2-Stroke Rated At Same HP*

Very Reliable \Harder to transport or position in storage w/o a stand

*These are based on AFA Marine's Comparisons. We in no way are responsible for purchasing decisions influenced by the material found on this web page. Please do your own research prior to making an outboard motor purchase. This article does not compare direct fuel injected 2 stroke models.

Summary:

What should I buy, a 4-Stroke or a 2-Stroke?

Well that really depends on your boating situation. Here is list that may help you decide which motor is appropriate for you.

Choosing a Four-Stroke Outboard Engine

When you are required to operate in a "4-Stroke Only" body of water

To use as a lake trolling motor when smooth and quiet operation is a priority

Larger budget to spend on a motor

When weight of engine is not an issue

When you feel as though noise and smoke are serious factors in your purchasing decision

To use as a kicker or emergency back up motor on your boat.

If you don't want the hassle of mixing gas and oil.

If you are dissatisfied with two stroke performance

Choosing a Two-Stroke Outboard Engine

When you are not required to operate in a "4-Stroke Only" body of water

To use as an emergency back up or kicker motor

Limited budget to spend on a motor

When weight of engine is an issue and you want the most power for the weight.

Familiarity with engine repairs

Limit budge on repair costs

Hard usage and abuse and you want something that can be modified, repaired, and adjusted easily

Speed, acceleration, top-end, and performance are issues.

Interested in finding a good deal on a used motor. There are more used 2-stroke outboards available.

If you want motor that all marine mechanics are certified to work on.

You really cannot go wrong with either choice. Both motors have their advantages and limitations. Right now you are safe to purchase a 2-stroke motor in most places and not have to worry about being excluded from boating. There are some lakes that require 4-stroke motors but the majority have not adapted these mandates yet. We suggest that you review some of the information on this page as a source of knowledge when it comes time to purchase an outboard motor.

Sincerely,

Dam you Tracy I just jumped 2 feet out of my chair.

Great report Tracy good to see a report from you since you live a busy life.

That is one nice looking perch did you happen to hear how big it really was.

Some of those shots look like you guys were on the North pole

Remember Lew your 2nd unit will be used mostly in shallow conditions and the odd dropoff.At the speed you troll you won't be using the bow mount unit.I doubt the quality is as terrible as some say.If you already have the hardware then use it.

Looks good to me.Now send us some fish pics.I know that Misfish guy likes those feathery pics

Rob looks too young to be a Granfather

Congrats again I guess its your use of the oil of olay

Oh no not again

Hey GCD did you notice that nice fish was caught from a TILLER BOAT!!!!!

Welcome aboard now never forget your camera and extra batteries.We like to see fish pics.

I won a whole whopping $4.00

My deepest sympathies Jacques.MTP

Lew go with the built in transducer BTW my image on my Lowrance is crystal clear depth is usually exactly the same as my main sonar unless I am in shallow water.

One less wire in the way I think whoever you spoke to has another technical problem.Don't forget to order the autopilot feature.

Go for it.

Excellent work,I mean play boyz.

Ah I have been down the Martin River in a canoe when I was a kid

Fine job Randy your boat seems to go pretty fast.

Where was that taken.

Congrats to you Lew what a beautiful boat I guess you will now have a roof and be much warmer and dryer when the weather gets ugly.

Now bigger boat =Bigger fish right

MTP

It's the 27th of June this year... or so I hear.

 

There's fish there... they're just insolent!!!

 

Hoping the later date this year will make it a little better on the cold fronts coming in!... maybe it'll be warmer too and I won't freeze my tucas off!!!

Well the 27th would be good for me school ends June 23rd here so could take advantage of dropping off some of my kids to Granma's

place just 20 mins from Northbay then finally attend a lakair g2g.

Glen don't give me that cold crap.You survived Quinte in November you old dog.Lakair is a heat wave compared to Quinte.

Now is it too late too book a cottage I know Steve(TroutandMuskiehunter) wants to go.

So when is it this year Roy??

MTP

Not enough fish last year Wayne?

One other advantage of staying at Disney Hotels you also get extended hours for every day that you are there. When we went our CAA agent recomended getting the meal deal and it was worth it. It was just hard to make reservations and we were 2-3 months ahead of our trip.

 

Also getting the almost all inclusive deal we didn't spend much while out there just got some souvenirs and that's it. You get full meals for lunch and dinner including desserts and you may want to look at buffets as they are all really good.

 

I also enjoyed sleeping in grabbing some breakfast and walking out the door of my resort and hoping on a bus to a park and doing the same to come back at night.

 

I think they got a deal going on right now if you book 4 days you get a couple more free.

Mazing could not have given anymore good advice.He is 100 percent right stay on site no car needed.

I took the meal package for my family of 5 all worth the $$$$.

Airconditionned buses magic hours.If you stay off site you get kicked our early.

Have a good trip

Now the perch are obese

So when is the great June gathering this year?

MTP

I find fireline has too much slippige braid is the way to go in summer no good for winter as it freezes up.

who needs a bowl of fruit when you have a bowl of fish

That'll be just about enough outa you Mike! - lol

How ya been - haven't seen ya around much?

 

Don

I have been good Don alot of renovations.Trying to finish off my Garage inside lots of work but no fishing.

Gotcha MTP

watering the garden will never be the same

Ah just steal trakers motor he has too many toys anyway