Plain Two stroke or E-tec

[Kaczki]

When repowering, should I go with a regular two-stroke or an E-tec?  I am definitely going with a two stroke because I am not closing in my transom so weight is a big issue.  Thanks.

[John Jones]

I like the etec from the advertising.  Less weight, less moving parts, slightly better economy.  However I have heard they aren't that reliable.  I also hear they are pricey.  Even with a 7 year warranty, I don't want my boat in the shop all the time.  I'm thinking Yammie VMAX HPDI.  What size motor are you looking at?  It's not like there is several hundred pounds of weight difference.

[Mr. Osprey]

I see nothing wrong with going with a good johnson or evinrude 2-stroke. Of corse 4-strokes are good but a 2-stroke is easier to fix out on the water (at least for me since I have no knowledge of 4-strokes and how they run).With the exception of the ficht ram problem, johnrudes have always held their name at high standards. Whether I repower or Osprey, or sell it and repower something else, it will probably be a 2-stroke.

How come Yamaha 2-stroke or 4-stroke aren't an option?

If not a johnson or evinrude, I would go with a Yamaha.

The E-TEC is a great 2-stroke with the standards of most four strokes but can be very pricy. I went to my local outboard dealer and got quoted $7700 base price for a 90hp E-TEC.

 I can't see anyone going wrong with a 2-stroke since their lighter and are more simpler. When your out stuck on the water, simpler things are better.

[Kaczki]

My bad about leaving out Yamaha guys. Anybody know how to edit options for a poll?


I am looking at the 90 to 115 horsepower range.

I looked at the Yamaha website and it seems that both their two strokes and four strokes are the lightest on the market.  I want to keep it as light as possible because the origional 100hp motor that was on the boat weighed 252lbs.  An E-tec 115 weighs 369lbs.  A four stroke yammy weighs 402lbs.  It is not that the 4 strokes weigh that much more than a 2 stroke, I just want to keep weight to a minimum.  

I have heard that they have trouble with only certain models like the 130hp, which has already been dropped from the line.

[JimCt]

PM to Captain.  He's got the keys to this operation.

[scott_gunn]

The only reason the non-ETEC 2 strokes aren't as good is fuel efficiency.  They are thirsty.

[wisecane]

Get a Suzuki four-stroke and be done with it. It's what I run and all of the commercial guys here in Florida are going to them too.

[DEFIANT]

I run a Suzuki 2 stroke. These days that is known as a Johnson!

[Bluesbrother]

Not entirely, only the Johnson 4 strks were actually Suzuki's and this "deal ended beginning of last year.  :)