Two Stroke vs Four Stroke Outboards

[@fishlips5132]

I bought a new 50 etec just before they announced they were stopping making them. Best decision ever. Its finally going in for its first service in the next month. If I bought a 4 stroke it would of cost two services easy already. It uses hardly any fuel pushing a 4.5m plate nor does it use much oil. (fuel injected and oil injected). Im only half way through a bottle and its done a decent amount of work so far. The fuel smell is comparable to a 4 stroke. On top of that it pumps out the highest amount of amps in its class by far, so charging the 80lb motorguide Lipo battery is super. Etecs are the only outboard that is rated in the EU environment standards for their lakes. The only thing is you got to start it up every few months and run it as it cant be left to sit there as the lube from the oil can potentially run dry. Hopefully someday someone will buy the rights and start manufacturing them again. They were the US military's go to outboard. To be honest I cringe at the thought of having to buy another 4 stroke after owning the tec, :(

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

I hear a lot of guys say the same thing Fish Lips. A mate of mine is a guide in the NT and used to run Etecs all the time and loved them. Other guys have had issues with them and hate them but I guess like any engine, some are lemons. You can't beat the old two stroke power and I used the Merc Optimax for years on commercial boats and loved them. So I am hoping they make a comeback as well. Thanks for the feedback mate. SBC.

[@jlo13800]

The Etec works like the sun and lightning which are all 2 stroke.

[@hydro_rebel7741]

I also have an etec 90 hp I bought new in 2019 and absolutely love it. It pretty quiet, fuel efficient and power. You almost have to double the power of a 4 stroke to get any kind of enjoyment out of it.

[@tacticaladvance]

In some cases, I would argue that there is less pollution with a 2-stroke engine. If your 4-stroke engine's tiller is lying on its side, it will create an oil slick when placed in the water, regardless of the tiller's position. This oil slick is visible. While a 2-stroke engine burns oil underwater, the environmental impact depends on how the engine is used. I have experience with both 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines CDI : the 4-stroke is better when kept upright, while the 2-stroke performs better on its side. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on this.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

G'day tacticaladvance. I am a little confused about the question. If my outboard motor is on its side, then something horrible has gone wrong. I can only assume you are talking about 2 and 4 stroke CDI motors in general such as in chainsaws and gardening equipment etc. Sticking to outboards, my concern with 2 strokes is that some of the unburnt fuel mix is pushed out of the cylinder with the exhaust fumes. It is also a dirtier burn due to the engine burning 4, 2 or 1% oil mix. This is improved dramatically with modern 2 strokes such as the ETec. Now, the simple facts are, I will release more carbon into the environment in my car, in my plane travels and getting freight moved around the country then I will ever burn running my little 30hp 2 stroke. So, for smaller engines, I am still a big fan of the 2 stroke. SBC.

[@leroymorris6036]

Great video for me since im in the learning and looking process. Thank you.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Glad you got something out of it mate. SBC

[@ncode03]

One reason that sets 4 strokes above all the other disadvantages, mileages mileages. 2 stokes drinks up much more fuel and that spare change will add up if you're out a lot

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

I agree with you there. It is not a massive difference in the smaller engines but once over 50hp, you are saving a substantial amount of money with a 4 stroke.

[@JR-ho5qm]

Good video but, no disrespect you need to do some research on how the Evinrude G2 2 stroke worked. No mixing of gas and oil anywhere it pin pointed the oil into precise positions making it the most environmentally friendly fuel operated outboard ever produced. And they still use this design in the new Rotax outboard. I really hope they bring the G2 back to market. It is a phenomenal motor 👍🏻

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Great point mate and you are right, I could have looked into it more. It is a shame you can't but them in Australia anymore. I had some mates who loved them and others that didn't but they were very good in my opinion.

[@squiddly-diddly]

My 2 stroke Merc 15 eats the 4 strokes ...despite all the promo bs.....had one of those yammy 30 3 cylinder on my 4.2m.....wish I'd never got rid of it....now just acquired a second hand mint 12 footer with the 15 ..just for harbour fishing...

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

G'day Squiddly. I couldn't agree more. I have a small rooftopper that a mate and I used to go fish a billabong last year. We could only 4WD into this spot so couldn't take a trailer. We used his 15hp 2 stroke Tohatsu and wow. Two big guys in a 3.15m tinny and it popped up on the plane and must have went along at about 30kph. Loved it. Small two strokes are gems. They should have got rid of the big two strokes and allowed the small ones to still be sold. Compared to a 150hp four stroke, they emit bugger all emissions.

[@squiddly-diddly]

@@smallboatcaptain1968 maybe this is what you need for creeking..kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYS2qJpujMh7hq8 👍

[@jbreefer148]

I own both types of engines, and I actually enjoy using the 2 stroke more.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

That's so good to hear. What size two stoke is it? I have recently sold a boat with a 40hp Yammy blue band two stroke and so many people weren't interested when they found out it was two stroke. Like I said in the video, I love the smaller ones. The bigger ones are a big heavy on fuel but you can't beat that grunt.

[@jennifervicknair7923]

I just bought a 2007 Yamaha 115 2 stroke and I think I’m going to get many years out of it

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

You will mate. They are a great engine. My concern is the fuel they use but nothing wrong with the motor at all.

[@jrbuch]

I'm in the market for a boat. I like 2 strokes for their simplicity (If well maintained). The boat isn't for super regular use, so I can deal with extra fuel consumption for those occasional uses. Plus they're quick to get into their powerband. Also, you can get some good high horsepower 2 strokes for the same money as much lower powered 4 stroke. But if I were using a boat every day or more frequently, a four-stroke would be the go. I think you'd tire of noise/fuel consumption pretty quickly.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Good point. If only used occasionally, they are great value for money. Very good point. SBC

[@jacobp7289]

2-stroke actually burns very little oil. I have a Evinrude 115 e-tec and I rarely adds oil to the oil tank. It probably burns less oil than an oil change on a 4 strike takes. One thing I dont like with it is makes more noice than a 4-stroke.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

That's right mate. The Etec burns bugger all oil due to its direct injection. The larger engines seem to burn it a bit but up to 50hp, they don't burn much at all. SBC

[@ronaldbertin9455]

Love my ETECS 60 AND 150. MY 2 STROKE IS A 15 YAMAHA KICKER,

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

You can't beat the grunt of a 2 stroke out of the hole can you. Especially that 150 Etec. Shame they aren't allowed to sell them in Australia any more.

[@hugoglenn9741]

Yamaha 50 2 stroke - 189lbs, newer Honda 60 4 stroke 217 lbs more hp/lb. More weight on the transom, most people’s guts nowadays are more than the weight difference.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Hahaha. Mine included.

[@stevestecenko7980]

Okay Capt'n, I have a question and a delema for you. I own a 5 metre 1980 Quintrex Cruiseabout...the old 70hp 2 stroke is dead, and I am looking for a replacement. The problem I see with a 4 stroke is that the extra weight of the 4 stroke and the lack of power band, essentially means I should go higher in hp...but how can I, due to the extra weight on the transom? How different is my boat likely to perform with all that extra weight in the rear, as well as lack of 2 stroke power band?? Will it effect my vessel's performance in heavy seas or when trying to cross a bar to and from the ocean??? I really don't like the lack of choice, and would prefer a 2 stroke Any day.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

G'day Steve. You're right mate. Two strokes have heaps more torque. It will be noticeable but that is not to say that the 70hp four stoke isn't going to get you through the bar or give you any major issues with power. I have a 70hp four stroke Yamaha on a plate boat that would be similar weight to the old Cruiseabout and it punches out of the hole, cruises along nicely and economically and is a great engine. Weight wise is no longer a major issue either. From memory, a 70hp four stroke is around 100kgs and the F70 four stroke is 120kgs. That's $10 more fuel in the tank. Not enough to even worry about. So my opinion remains, small two strokes such as 40hp or lower are great but anything bigger, its four stroke all the way for me. Less torque for sure but that's about it. Cruising and top end speed will be the same just at half the fuel burn. And weight is not a big issue. As much as a love the power of two strokes, upgrading to a four stoke won't be a big issue mate. SBC

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Less chance of fouling plugs on a 4 stroke?

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Very true.

[@thomask837]

Hello,looking to buy a 420 with a 2 stroke evinrude motor. The guy has had it for four years but only done 20 hours in that time with it. Anything I should look out for ? Thank you

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

G'day mate. Sorry for the late reply. The fact that it is two stroke is a good thing. It is highly unlikely to seize up in four years so I would just make sure the first tank of fuel is a little over oiled and treat it as a brand new engine and run it in. Let me know how it goes. SBC.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Yep don't buy a four stroke my dad and I never did. E-tec is still the best built outboard ever made. People just wanted to get sucker to buy a 4 stroke.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

That's a controversial statement but I know lots of blokes that love Etecs and many more that had nothing but issues with them. You have to love the grunt of a two stroke such as an Etec. What would you buy now that Etecs are no more?

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

@@smallboatcaptain1968 I would still buy a 2 stroke outboard. I never owned a e-tec but new all about them. My parents just sold there lake property with my old boat it was a 1969 Johnson 25 horsepower on a 14 ft aluminum boat. Boat was a 1962 it can hold a 40 on the back was rated for it. No boat no more. But in another year my parents plan on getting a party boat. I probably would get a Yamaha 2 stroke seem good. I mostly on that 14 ft boat that I have had since I was 17 years old. I have had mostly 60's motors on the boat except I had a 91 8 horse mercury.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

@@Kyle-bb9zp Fair enough. In those small horse power ratings I also like 2 stroke.

[@joeyslife8845]

Would u recommend a 70 2 stroke?

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

G'day mate. I think once you are getting that big it is better to go four stroke. They chew a lot of fuel that's all. Still a good engine.

[@doc2936]

You spelled lessons wrong

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

I did spot that and have since changed it. Very embarrassing.

[@iain1969]

I've got a 90hp 2 banger on my big boat and it sucks the fuel big time. I mean it drinks the stuff and there's no doubt a 4-stroke would be a better option. The kids boat has a 15hp 2-stroke and it files (alarmingly fast for teenage boys). Yes it's inefficient but it uses so little fuel so who cares.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

That's exactly right and that point that I was trying to make. Small two stroke are fantastic. But the big ones are fuel guzzling machines.

[@christopherstevens2777]

1985 johnson 50 2 stroke love the little thing doesn't make a ton of power but it's basically bulletproof

[@wardysfishing9403]

Couldn’t agree more. Bullet proof.

[@danmanthe9335]

Still have an '82 Mariner 50 2 stroke that's running great

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

That's fantastic. You look after it and it will keep going for God knows how long.

[@user-mh1wd7ps3p]

never heard so much stupid things...

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Thanks. You are more than welcome to share your knowledge on the subject. SBC.

[@crazytabletboy5369]

I agree with the video. I would say if it’s carbureted 20 hp or less then it’s two-stroke all the way, especially if you live in a tropical area. What was not mentioned is that today’s fuel is loaded with ethanol and if you don’t use your small four stroke carbureted motor on a regular basis, you will wind up cleaning the carburetors out on a regular basis. The reason for this is that the fuel sits in the carburetor bowl and decomposes. It will fool you because it will run one time, but then all that stuff sitting at the bottom and gets sucked into the carburetor so it won’t run the next time when you’re out on the water. You have to drain carb bowls every time you use it. The two strokes don’t have that problem because while the ethanol still decomposes in the float bowls, the fuel itself has oil in it, and that tends to lubricate the Jets reducing chances of it clogged carbs. I have a friend who has an identical motor to mine. His is two-stroke mine is 4 he hasn’t cleaned his carburetor out ever and I’m doing it every month. 25 hp and up with electronic fuel injection then it is four stroke all the way. It’s cleaner quieter and you get great gas mileage. And they run a lot smoother. And the EFI is a high-pressure system, which tends to eliminate the clogging issue.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Well said. I hear people talking about the ethanol issue a lot but it is something I don't have a problem with myself as we can't by E10 or any ethanol fuel where I live. Plus, we have the option of standard fuel with no ethanol or fuel with added ethanol when I am away from my home town. I will do a video on ethanol just to inform people about the issues with this type of fuel. Thanks for the feedback. Very informative. SBC.

[@Nonplused]

Well a 2-stroke is what I've got, and it would be so much money to repower the boat it just wouldn't be worth it for the amount I use it. And there is an environmental cost to scrapping old equipment before it's time as well. When it dies I'll replace it, but I'll have to drop 20 horsepower for the same weight. Lots of people like the fact that 4-strokes use less fuel, but if you already have a 2-stroke you'll never save enough on fuel to repower the boat before it's time.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

I agree mate. What size is your two stroke?

[@sijmen2670]

​@@smallboatcaptain1968 same for me! I have a Yamaha 70hp 2 stroke from 1984, I even have to mix the oil to fuel to 1:50. It works great tho, so much quality back in the day.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

The performance will all ways be there unlike a 4 stroke.

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Defiantly more power. That has to be the number one advantage.

[@gatorsaw3315]

Great vid. Cant disagree with him. But as a marine mech for 25 years I will say its time to let the 2strokes die. 4 strokes are just starting to out performing them and next someone will build a tesla boat lol so we may even see that phase of tech before its all over. The eboard

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Hahaha. I am sure you are right mate. The Tesla outboard is coming. 😂

[@AbbyNormalGarage]

I bet to differ sir! I have a few less years in the industry than you. For the common man in today’s economy to repower to a four stroke and cost to maintain breaks a lot of people. Four strokes haven’t yet met the power to weight of a carbed two stroke. Especially in the smaller horsepower ranges a four stroke 6hp even with all the plastic it weighs as much as the 9.8 two stroke and they sound like clunky pieces of crap. I don’t care about the pollution aspects compared to our elites flying private all over my weekly two-stroke usage is nothing. I guess the last point is sound two strokes just sound good they may be louder but they have a tone. The only four strokes I find pleasant are V8’s. I was around when the us govt basically forced four strokes into the market in 2001. To this day I’ve only worked on them. I’ll keep my two strokes in defiance!

[@jaguamann]

Well I have had a problem that may be unknown to most people. where I lived we had to take a boat to work every day and when the temperature drops to -20c the exhaust freezes and the exhaust pipe is blocked by ice. the solution was to leave the engine in the bathroom at night. the weight of even a small engine like 9.9 or 15 hp is very different on 4-stroke and 2-stroke

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Wow. -20 degrees is crazy. But thats a good point. If you need to move the engine around you are much better off with a light two stroke. I just can't imagine being on the water when it is that cold. I live in the tropics and intend the stay in the tropics.

[@jaguamann]

@@smallboatcaptain1968 After a week of bringing the engine in every night, my dad came up with a better solution. An early 1970's 6hp Evinrude using the entire lower unit as an exhaust pipe, it never froze

[@C9H0S]

Great segment sir, you legend. 🙂👍🏾🔥

[@smallboatcaptain1968]

Thanks mate.