Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptRory
All I can add to what has been said is it's all about the weight. Two strokes are significantly lighter...hanging on your stern rail....hanging on the transome of your dink....hanging on your arm loading and unloading.
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Early 4 strokes were heavy. They aren't as bad now. The across-the-board average difference is about 20%.
It is difficult to make comparisons because the 2 stroke and 4 stroke motors do not come in matching sizes. Let's look at Yamaha.
== Yamaha 4-stroke (USA market) ==
6hp 59 pounds
9.8hp 87 pounds
20hp 111 pounds
In the really small sizes, people get the Suzuki, because the little Yamaha isn't as good:
2.5hp 29 pounds
== Yamaha Enduro 2-stroke (Caribbean) ==
2hp 22 pounds
4hp 46 pounds
8hp 61 pounds
15hp 83 pounds
25hp 116 pounds
In both cases there are smaller HP derated motors, e.g. if you get a 4hp 4 stroke it's just the 6hp 4 stroke that's been turned down, so it still weighs just as much. Similarly the 9.9hp Enduro is just a 15 that's been turned down.
So while the 2 strokes are a little lighter overall it very much depends on size. Many people will opt for the 15hp enduro in place of the 9.8hp 4-stroke since it weighs a little less, and that's where the differences is most notable. On the other hand if 6hp is all you need the 4 stroke alternative is a little lighter just because of the way the product lines match up.
You have to look at your specific situation and the HP you need in order to see if there's a difference.
I believe the difference in product lineup is mainly due to the prevalence of
regulations on many small inland lakes in the
USA that limit outboard motor size to less than 10 HP. It is common to see 14'
aluminum boats with 9.9 HP motors on these lakes.