which is better for a commercial fisherman. 2 or 4 stroke?

[bigrig594]

Hey guys. Just wanted to see what everyone else thinks on this. Im a commercial fisherman in florida, i harvest oysters most of the year to be exact. Ive always ran 2 strokes and love them, but now you cant buy them new. Which one is better for load, longevity and efficiency?

[Livinlinelife]

That is a great question!
I only know what people have told me, which is that 4- strokes are supposed to last longer before being rebuilt. On the other hand they are a lot heavier which is harder on your boat for the same horsepower.

In my experience 4 -strokes are more fuel efficient.

But this is something I would like to know as well!

[robert graham]

Well, I like the light weight, simplicity and dependability of the older, carbed 2 stroke outboards and plan on running my 1999 Yamaha C90 as long as possible....but I've noticed a lot of the crab, clam and oyster fishermen have gone to the 4 stroke outboards...probably due to their availability, and improved fuel efficiency.....If I made my living on the water I'd probably just bite the bullet and go to a 4 stroke motor...

[strokeracevt]

This is a loaded question! I just switched to a 4 stroke Yamaha after owning a bunch of 2 stroke outboards and one of the things most important to me is how easy is the motor to maintain and repair myself. I have been surprised at how much easier it is to work on my new 4 stroke than I expected compared to my older engines. The fuel savings are much better also. The noise is much quieter with a 4 stroke as well. I assume the resale value is much better too as evidenced by looking at any classified section, especially Yamahas. I vote for a 4 stroke unless we are talking about snowmobiles.

[countrytn]

two strokes are still available new just not yamaha

[Livinlinelife]

This is a loaded question! I just switched to a 4 stroke Yamaha after owning a bunch of 2 stroke outboards and one of the things most important to me is how easy is the motor to maintain and repair myself. I have been surprised at how much easier it is to work on my new 4 stroke than I expected compared to my older engines. The fuel savings are much better also. The noise is much quieter with a 4 stroke as well. I assume the resale value is much better too as evidenced by looking at any classified section, especially Yamahas. I vote for a 4 stroke unless we are talking about snowmobiles.

I have to agree the noise is nonexistent compared to a 2- stroke!

[Livinlinelife]

At idle I can't even tell they are running without seeing ether the tac or spitter!




(Well lately I can tell)

[georgianbaytoronto]

Hey guys. Just wanted to see what everyone else thinks on this. Im a commercial fisherman in florida, i harvest oysters most of the year to be exact. Ive always ran 2 strokes and love them, but now you cant buy them new. Which one is better for load, longevity and efficiency?

Have you checked out the Evinrude E-Tec series, they just released a second generation two stroke, they're high tech two strokes that might suit your requirements...

I see a lot of commercial use of Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki four strokes but a significant number of E-Tec applications too. That's in fresh water.

[robert graham]

And another big factor I believe is that a "run the motor every day" commercial crabber, clammer, oyster fisherman may get better over all service from his motors than many occasional now-and-then outboard users who are constantly fighting old/stale fuel issues, ethanol-related problems, etc......

[ausnoelm]

For your type of work, a 4 stroke all the way, better idle and low speed running, far better fuel consumption.