I'm looking to buy a nitro, skeeter, or stratos very soon. This will be my first boat purchase. Can you guys help explain to me the differences between a 2 stroke motor and a 4 stroke and help me decide which will be a better option for me? Thanks guys

In a nutshell:

 

4-Stroke - basically an automotive style engine-  no 2 cycle oil - oil changes like your car - heavier - typically makes less HP per pound - less emissions

I've never owned one but I have friends who love them

 

2-Stroke - The way outboards - dirt bikes - and weed eaters have always been make - you have to add 2 cycle oil to the gas before combustion (either direct injection or mixing in the gas)

I've always had one and if it ain't broke don't fix it

in addition to above, 2 strokes in many cases perform better, as well as have less fuel consumption. 4 strokes are quiet to operate and don't smell of exhaust fumes. My personal opinion, If you're not going to be trolling, I'd go with the 2 stroke

Hey slone,

4 stroke should get better gas mileage.

Also, a fuel injected 4 stroke will be muxh less finicky in extreme temperatures.

Jeff

A 2 stroke doesn't have a valvetrain; so in addition to producing more HP per pound they are much lighter due to the lack of a camshaft, valves, lifters, etc. Iif you're buying a new ob, your 2 stroke choices will be limited. 

Hey slone,

4 stroke should get better gas mileage.

Also, a fuel injected 4 stroke will be muxh less finicky in extreme temperatures.

Jeff

Based on my research when I bought my boat, the ProXS fuel consumption and top end was better than the Verado. That is what I based my statement on. Mercury's website has a ton of engine test data of different motors on different hulls..

 

The OP has 3 hulls listed The nitro will come with a Merc, the Skeeter with a Yammie, and I believe the Stratos will give him a choice of powertrains depending on the dealer.

 

EDIT: Here's 2 links same HP similar hulls http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/engine-tests/boat-house-bulletin/?ID=493&

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/engine-tests/boat-house-bulletin/?ID=244&

Based on my research when I bought my boat, the ProXS fuel consumption and top end was better than the Verado. That is what I based my statement on. Mercury's website has a ton of engine test data of different motors on different hulls..

 

The OP has 3 hulls listed The nitro will come with a Merc, the Skeeter with a Yammie, and I believe the Stratos will give him a choice of powertrains depending on the dealer.

 

EDIT: Here's 2 links same HP similar hulls http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/engine-tests/boat-house-bulletin/?ID=493&

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/engine-tests/boat-house-bulletin/?ID=244&

Your post reminds me of something. 

 

OP... you're most likely going to have to run 92 octane if you go with a 4 stroke, where as most of the newer 2 strokes will run fine on 87. 

Based on my research when I bought my boat, the ProXS fuel consumption and top end was better than the Verado. That is what I based my statement on. Mercury's website has a ton of engine test data of different motors on different hulls..

 

The OP has 3 hulls listed The nitro will come with a Merc, the Skeeter with a Yammie, and I believe the Stratos will give him a choice of powertrains depending on the dealer.

 

EDIT: Here's 2 links same HP similar hulls http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/engine-tests/boat-house-bulletin/?ID=493&

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/engine-tests/boat-house-bulletin/?ID=244&

 

 

Fair enough,

 

When I was looking, which I might add was several years ago, the 4-stroke had the better fuel efficiency for my application.  (same test data from Merc)  I guess that is why they make so many of both!

 

Jeff

Your post reminds me of something. 

 

OP... you're most likely going to have to run 92 octane if you go with a 4 stroke, where as most of the newer 2 strokes will run fine on 87. 

 

 

My 2011 Merc 4 stroke is rated to run off 87 with a M15 rating( which means it can handle gas with up to 15% methanol)

 

Jeff

My 2011 Merc 4 stroke is rated to run off 87 with a M15 rating( which means it can handle gas with up to 15% methanol)

 

Jeff

Well that's news to me. Most of the 4 strokes I've seen have a 92+ sticker on them.

If you go for a 2 stroke be sure to get the direct injection engine not electronic fuel injection.  They are as easy on gasoline as 4 strokes.  I have been running the same 2 stroke direct injection engine for 11 years and if I keep the rmps 4500 and below it gets very good mileage.  WOT is a whole different issue but I don't fish derbys so I rarely need WOT.

Well that's news to me. Most of the 4 strokes I've seen have a 92+ sticker on them.

FWIW, on my small 4 stroke ( 2006 Merc. 25hp) the performance and fuel consumption is noticeably better with 93 octane than with 87. IDK why, but it is. I have never noticed it being any better in any cars/trucks I have had, but it is with the outboard. I don't use 87 any more at all for the outboard.

One thing that wasn't mentioned. I'm not sure about the smaller hp motors, but when I was shopping, the 225 Verado was $2500 more than the 225 ProXS

FWIW, on my small 4 stroke ( 2006 Merc. 25hp) the performance and fuel consumption is noticeably better with 93 octane than with 87. IDK why, but it is. I have never noticed it being any better in any cars/trucks I have had, but it is with the outboard. I don't use 87 any more at all for the outboard.

Good to know. I have a '87 Merc 25hp, and haven't noticed any difference with high octane gas, so I always run 87. Do you know the weight of your engine? Mine is right around 85lbs. 

 

I have no idea what ignition system the newer 4 strokes have, or the compression ratio on them; so hard to say why it is that you have such a noticeable performance/economy boost with the higher octane. Bottom line is that higher octane fuel is actually more stable/less volatile than lower octane, so getting better performance just from the high octane fuel alone is not likely. If it's a higher compression engine, or has a a lot of advance in timing then it was probably not designed to run on the lower octane fuel.

Just went back and looked to make sure I am not ruining my engine, and the recommended for mine is 87 with 10% or less.  So I was wrong abut the 15%.

 

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/outboards/

 

Jeff

The book for both of my Hondas says to run 87, with no more than 10% ethanol.

I find it funny that when comparisons between 2 stroke and 4 stroke fuel efficiency are made, they never use a Honda as the 4 stroke being compared.

The boat I'm looking at is an 05 nitro nx882 with a Merc 150 xr6. How do you guys feel about it?

I only ask cause I heard the xr6 was one of mercurys most reliable engines

The XR6 is a good motor.  Carbed, so cold starts are a pain.

Which will last longer when maintained correctly?

I have a 2 stroke from the 60's that still runs. There are older ones as well. Maintained properly,  generally 2 strokes are pretty bullet proof. FYI carbed Mercurys hate cold starts just like J Francho said. The newer 4 strokes get great reviews as well. Finding a mechanic who can work on a 4 stroke may or may not be difficult.

The book for both of my Hondas says to run 87, with no more than 10% ethanol.

I find it funny that when comparisons between 2 stroke and 4 stroke fuel efficiency are made, they never use a Honda as the 4 stroke being compared.

 

 

They never use the Honda 2 stroke either!

Which will last longer when maintained correctly?

 

 

There have been reports of the Coast Guard having up to 10,000 hours on some of their 4-strokes.  Doubt you'll ever find a 2 stroke that will do 1/4 of that.

Which will last longer when maintained correctly?

 

You would be shocked at how FEW hours you actually put on the gas motor a year in a true fishing boat.  I have a 250 Pro XS that I fish 12-15 tourneys a year and hits the water nearly every weekend and gets less than 100 hrs on it a year.  Compare that to the trolling motor which gets probably 500 hrs a year.

 

The average life span of a well maintained marine motor is upwards of 1500 hours before a major overhaul.  It's not likely that you will keep the boat longer than the life of either motor.

Stay away from Evinrudes.

 

Check out the cost of the oil per gallon for the motor you are considering.

 

4-strokers are BIG. Like having a refrigerator following you around.

 

Check out the octane level needed for your motor.

 

If you get a Nitro try to find a professional motor service shop in your area that will service your motor and stay away from the Power Pro people.

 

Just my two cents.