4 or 2 Stroke

[Captain]

Wilson and I are currently deliberating the pros/cons of 4 vs. 2 strokes for our 23' Mako we are refurbishing. What say ya'll?

I like new and improved things, so I'm leaning toward a 4-stroke. I also like the fact that you damn near can't hear the things. However, does the increased weight and cost negate that upside?

[captin.kid]

I would go with the 4 if you have the money........ I know that I have had over 20 yrs exp with dirtbikes and can tell you from old 4 they will last forever and are solid. just my thought..

[Radioshop]

The weight is a killer on these older hulls that really weren't designed for them.  The flipside is like it or not, someday you'll only be able to get four strokes.  I do know that four strokes generate more torque, which is almost better than horsepower for boats.  Maybe a smaller engine, which would be lighter, might perform to acceptable level.  Thankfully I'm too poor to have this dilema.

[Wilson]

When he said 2 and 4 stroke it comes down to the New E-tec or a 4 stroke.

[oystercatcher]

There are lots of great engines out there, both 2 and 4 strokes.

IMO, the fair comparison is between a 4s and a direct injected 2 (HPDI, Etec, etc.).  both 4s and direct injection engines so far outperform carberated 2 strokes it's an apples and oranges discussion.

take a look at the performance bulletins for the engines you;re considering.  I was suprised at how small some of the differences were in noise and mileage between direct injected 2 strokes and 4s.  

4s are really quiet at idle, but wide open make almost as much noise as 2s.  4s get slightly better fuel results, but weigh more, cost more to purchase and service, (except oil), and are slower on hole shot.

get straight what features are important to you, and consider the trade offs.  As with all things boating, there are always trade offs

[Wilson]

Thanks for the input.

As far as I have read the E-tecs use VERY little oil (especially when using synthetic).  They are slightly noisier at Idle, but about the same at WOT.  The hole shot is comparable with 2 strokes as is the wieght.  The fuel economy is as good if not better than the 4 strokes.  The service is much cheaper than with a 4 stroke too.  The real kicker is E-tec = 7 YEAR WARRANTY.  

Hard to beat that.  Only place it loses is on idle noise.

[oystercatcher]

A freind bought an e-tec 90 last summer and has been very happy with it.

Most of what I have read about them has been positive.  they seem like great engines.

Gotta love that 7 yr. warantee too.

[Argo]

I lost my 250 due to the fact tht the oil injection failed on the motor.  I had the motor serviced the trip prior to it blowing.  You never know what will go wrong and where but I would like to eliminate that problem before it happens to me again and costs me my whole motor.  I will most likely go with either johnson or suzuki 140's depending on who gives me the best price late in the summer or in the fall.

[oystercatcher]

saw this post on a site I frequent.  more grist for the mill on the old 2 vs. 4 question.....

Reference: February 2005 Boating magazine

This month's "Boating" article tests a Yamaha F150 4-stroke to their HPDI 150hp on same exact boat.

The HPDI:

Accelerates 24% faster
Has better overall MPG numbers, and
Lower overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), even when the TCO calculation includes the cost of DI oil
The F150 advantages were at trolling/idling speeds and it had the overall lower noise.

[fishbonz]

Wilson-  When I get my fuel tank in, come for a ride in my 222 with a 2 stroke HPDI then compare to a couple that I know of with Hondas.  Not the same boat as your Mako, but a good comparison.  I went with the HPDI VMax 200 for lower weight, faster acceleration, and better hole shot.  The other reason is that I could not get a short shaft (you may not need this) in a 4 stroke.  I use very little fuel or oil.  I am very happy with 2 stroke performance.  I'll let Tom know when I'm done and get you out for a test run.

[Wilson]

Sounds good.  Let us know.

We went with the 4 for the reliability, quiet, and fuel efficiency.  I'm not yet convinced that the etec isn't the best.  The hole shot was pretty damn good on that suzuki when we test drove it.  Much if it is a funciton of prop pitch.  It was 60 pounds heavier than the etec, but $2000 cheaper.

[fishbonz]

Interesting data point on the price.  Within a brand, 4's are usually a lot more than even direct injection.  I think I saved around $4000 by going 2 stroke.  Now, that's compared to the 200 4stroke.  If Yamaha had the 150hp 4 when I bought, I might have gone that route.  Same weight and same price as my 200.

M.

[Wilson]

That's what Frank Chunn just put on his.  They love it, and claim it has a great hole shot.  I haven't been for a ride on it.  Some decent sized trim tabs help with that too.

[fishbonz]

I've also heard that Frank is pretty happy.  I really don't think the boat needs 200hp, but the 200 VMax weighs exactly the same as the 150 VMax and I got a deal through Yamaha, so, what the hell.

[Wilson]

200 can't hurt!

I've got him coming over tomorrow to help me install the new Porta Bracket.