2stroke vs 4stroke

[jbridges09]

I've got a 86 2 stroke mercury 15 it's a good motor but have been thinking about upgrading to a 15 4stroke how much speed will I lose are they better than the old 2 strokes any advise will be greatly appreciated

[davidees]

I don't know about a 15, but I have a mercury 25 EFI 4 stroke and I love it. It runs 27-30 mph GPS with just me and my gear in the boat (1548 Tracker Grizzly) and about 25-26 with me and two other men. The only downside that I have noticed is the hole shot is not quite as good, but good enough.

[Kealhofer]

If you take it on and off the boat keep the 2-stroke. It is lighter and you are not suppose to lay the 4-stroke down.

[jbridges09]

Ok thanks for the info

[Wingman]

I went from a 90 Johnson 2 stroke to a 90 Mercury 4 stroke. Went from 4.5-5 mpg to 7-8. Didn't notice a change in speed or performance. The 4 stroke will idle all day long where the 2 wouldn't and the 4 is super quiet. The 4 is considerably heavier.

[davidees]

I went from a 90 Johnson 2 stroke to a 90 Mercury 4 stroke. Went from 4.5-5 mpg to 7-8. Didn't notice a change in speed or performance. The 4 stroke will idle all day long where the 2 wouldn't and the 4 is super quiet. The 4 is considerably heavier.

All these things are true, I forgot about mpg. They are heavy, but like you said, much quieter and smoother running. People complain about maintenance, but all I ever do is keep the oil changed and a few little things here and there. I honestly couldn't be happier with mine. I do kinda miss the smell of that 2 cycle oil burning though. Lots of good memories associated with that smell.

[davidees]

Another thing too, I don't know if they are all this way, but mine is always ready to roll, no matter if its 95 degrees or -5. The elements don't seem to affect it at all. I think that's because it's fuel injected?

[redneckduck]

If you are looking for speed in a small boat Id go with 2 stroke, same hp lighter weight = faster. and you can carry more cargo safely because the boat has less weigt totally empty. = shallower draft. just my opinion, but ive seen 2strokes outrun 4s of equal hp with what appeared to be more weight fat girls. ha

[wingman21]

i havent't had one in a 15hp but I will say having had a long list of boat motors over the years. I love the 4 stroke that I have now. The noise level( or lack of noise really) is absolutely amazing. The maintenance seems easier to me, as others have mentioned it also is less fickle about cranking in different temps. I am not in a hurry so a couple mph doesn't matter to me, I am tight though so i like the fuel cost savings.

I saw where one gentleman mention missing the smell. I am guilty of missing that 2 stroke smell. It triggers the mind to remember fishing trips with my grandfather as a small child. Now my grand father does not realize my 4 stroke is running.

either way you choose you will be fine. Ultimately we are discussing something that probably doesn't make a lick of difference when you crunch all the numbers

[Trip]

I wouldn't take a four stroke if you gave it to me in the 25hp and below class. Step up to 40hp and above its a different ball game.