2 strokes are pound for pound a superior
engine in almost every catergory EXCEPT the category that has led to it's demise, emissions. The
2 stroke is lighter, makes more
power from off idle to wide open,has far fewer moving
parts which in itself leads to an advantage of fewer
parts to break less weight, less friction, less maintenence... I read an article in one of the fl
fishing magazines comparing all 25 h.p. outboards. The test was not done I in a lab but controls were in place using different boats, drivers into the
wind, with the
wind slick calm and rough. The overall winner was the 25 2stroke merc which was fastest out of the hole and top speed, used less
fuel, weighed less and cost considerably less. The 4stroke merc was 1 of the heaviest and most expensive and with every company that had both 2&4 strokes the 2 strokes cost less went faster and used less
fuel. Like I said if not for EPA mandates there wouldn't be very many 4 strokes. Even lawn
equipment will have to pass tough emission tests in a couple years so that is why many company's are building heavy ass blowers and weedeaters that cost more... I have a
2 stroke 4wheeler and none, not one of the same sized 4 strokes will run with it but not to worry, EPA will equal things out...hahaha.even 2stroke diesels that make mega
power compared to
4 stroke of equal
displacement are doomed even though they last many more hours over other engines that must push the envelope of endurance to equal the power of 2stroke diesels... If I needed an
outboard, I'd buy a good used 2stroke long before I'd buy a heavy overpriced underpowered
4 stroke. I'll let you buy the clean
engine to make up for my 2 stroke. Thank you and I hope I didn't offend anyone....