Outboards

Submitted: Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 21:46

ThreadID: 16395 Views:3905 Replies:6 FollowUps:1

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Justin

I thought someone may be able to give me some advice RE an outboard for my boat. I have a 3.9m Bermuda v nose punt which is of heavy duty build with a false floor and casting platform (max outboard recommended 20hp). I had a 97 Marina 25Hp on it which has died and now it is time to go shopping. I am deciding between 2-strokes and a 4-stroke. Using the 25hp weight of 50kg as the benchmark the 30hp 2-strokes are the same weight and the Honda 20hp 4-stroke is also 50kg (all other 4-strokes 25hp and over are at least 70kgs). So now the question - 2stroke 30hp or 4stroke 20hp. The stroke 30hp I have been looking at is the Mercury 30hp or the Yamaha 2cyl 30hp. They are around $3300 for a manual start and the Honda I am keen on is about $4300 for an electric start with a gas-assist tilt.

Pros of the 2-stroke:
Price
Power
Rebuild Cost

Pros of the 4-stroke
Very Quiet
Trolling Speed Handling (no oiling up and slow trolling)
Don't have to add oil to fuel
Emissions (for future dam regulations?)
Gas-assist tilt.
Hondas reputation

As this boat is for fishing - mainly for gulf trips I am really keen on the 4-stroke to get closer to the Barra but I have to justify the extra $$ and less Hp.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!!!! And if anyone knows of a good marine dealer in Central Qld or Brisbane/Toowoomba area

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Reply By: tour boy - Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 08:42

Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 08:42

Personally after having a few boats all with 2 strokes, I will have a 4 stroke any day. They are fuel injected, easy starting, not temperamental, will last longer between rebuilds, smoother, quieter and infinately more reliable. IMHO better value long term.
Regards
Tour Boy

AnswerID: 77086

Reply By: Member - Crazie (VIC) - Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 09:13

Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 09:13

The 20hp Honda is a awesome motor, but your right about the $$$$ Have a look at the direct-injection 2-strokes. They provide the quietness, if not a little more quiet, weigh the same as a 2 storke, more power than a 4 stroke and better fuel economy. I am not 100% but I think the smallest is a 40hp, which is no help..

AnswerID: 77091

Reply By: TD6 - Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 11:51

Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 11:51

Justin,

My preference would be for the two stroke. Power to weight, reliability, cost of service, easy to obtain parts particularly in remote areas. Mercury have their engines down pat as do Yamaha but the Merc is more economical on parts such as impellers etc.

This question can be a bit like the Ford Holden debate but I can only speak from experience. I travel and fish all around this place and depending on comps etc I have had the opportunity to use both motors in conditions ranging from dams to the shelf. I currently own 3 boats and all of them have two strokes ranging in size from 25hp to 225hp.

I agree about the quietness and smoothness of a four stroke particularly in impoundment fishing but with the change you get out of the 2 stroke you could mount an electric Mini Kota on the bow and you'll still have the piece of mind knowing that every time you pull that start cord the 2 stroke will fire into life.

AnswerID: 77100

Reply By: tonysmc - Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 17:22

Monday, Sep 20, 2004 at 17:22

Justin, After having a 4 stroke for years now I can say I will never go back to a 2 stroke. I think you will find this to be the same with almost all 4 stroke owners. The claim that 2 stokes are more powerful is not true, 20hp is 20hp, although some will try and say they are measured from different places ie;engine or prop. I must agree with above, that power to weight ratio is better with the 2 stoke. However the extra 20kgs for the bigger engine are only a tank of fuel. 1 litre = 1 kg , I do 75 km's on 20 litres,(50hp honda). So you carry less fuel with a 4stroke.
Having said that, I agree with above and suggest you get the 30hp 2 stroke and a minncota with the change. You have had a 25hp and you would notice a big difference going back to a 20hp. Remember this is a 20% drop in power! With safety gear, supplies and a couple of mates and then running against a tide, its nice to have the extra power. I have a electric minncota and for barra fishing its fantastic! I don't troll with it, I just drift and use it to position to cast or to move silently over to where the fish are working. Good luck and have fun. As for where to buy, ring around Australia. I have freighted heaps of stuff to the NT and you can save $$$ by shopping out you local area.

AnswerID: 77153