Two Stroke vs. Four Stroke
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.
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.
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:
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2-Stroke Outboards
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| Pros |
Cons |
- Lighter
- Accelerate Fast, In some Cases More Top End
- Purchase Price Less Expensive
- Easier to Repair
- Have Been Around For Almost 80 Years
- Very Strong Used Market
- Parts Availability
- High Resale Value, High Demand
- Simple Design Meaning Less Things To Go Wrong
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- More Pollution
- Smoke
- Must Mix Gas with Oil (Non Oil Injection Models)
- Rougher Idle than 4 strokes
- Noiser than Four Stroke Outboards
- Harder to Start (in some cases)
- Carburetors gum up if not used often
- Spark Plug Fouling
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4-Stroke Outboards
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| Pros |
Cons |
- Quiet and Smooth
- Good Fuel Economy
- Great Trolling Motors
- No Oil/Gas Mixture
- Smooth Idle
- Less Pollution
- Accepted at Any Body of Water
- Future Production will Be all 4-Stroke or Similar
- Very Reliable
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- Heavy
- Often Expensive to Repair
- Not As Many Trained Mechanics Yet (Growing Rapidly)
- Often Expensive to Purchase
- Technology Still Being Improved
- Very Limited Used Market (Although Growing Rapidly)
- More Parts to Malfunction (Technology Improving)
- Most Not as Powerful as 2-Stroke Rated At Same HP
- Harder to transport or position in storage w/o a stand
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Summary:
Both motors have their advantages and limitations, you really cannot go wrong with either choice. There are some lakes that require 4-stroke motors but the majority have not adapted these mandates yet. For the time being you are safe to purchase a 2-stroke motor in most places and not have to worry about being excluded from boating.
Choose the two stroke motor if you are looking for a acceleration. When simply trolling around a quiet lake isn't for you, choose the two stroke over the four stroke. The two stroke motor is less expensive. It is also lighter and faster.
Choose the four stroke motor if you are looking for a cleaner and smoother motor. Choose the four stroke for lakes and rivers since they usually meet the EPA requirements. The four stroke motor is also well suited for trolling. It is not light on the budget, so keep this in mind when buying a used outboard motor.
