2-stroke vs. 4-stroke

I’m sure this topic has been beat to death in the past…

I’m looking at powering a new boat with and Evinrude 150 G2. I like the extra torque, 10-yr/15,000-hr warranty, efficiency, reduced maintenance, lighter weight, and self-winterizing capability.

A dealer more or less questioned my sanity. He said the resale on them sucks, “noboby buys 2-strokes anymore,” the maintenance is not any more difficult, and $50 for a gallon of oil is ridiculously expensive. He stated the pros get their motors for half price and trade annually anyway so they are going to say Evinrude is the way to go.

Ok, the oil is expensive (I thought it was $80 a gallon), but what about his other points? I understand Brunswick wants to sell Brunswick, and may have incentives to do so, but it’s worth asking around before buying a $15k motor.

I run an Optimax and have no reservations about recommending them to anyone. I’ve never owned an Etec but have been in boats with them. I run AMSOIL Synthetic Oil (~$35 per gallon when on-sale) with great results.

There are very few dealers I would trust further than I could throw. They are looking to make money, plain and simple. I’d weigh my decision more on the characteristics of the motor itself and what your intended uses are than the voice of someone who is solely talking to you in an attempt to make $.

Ive ran both. Traded in the E Tech for a Yamaha. Only regret was not doing this sooner. If e tech was the only choice on a boat I wanted to buy it would be a deal breaker. Would much rather own a reliable motor than one with a extended warranty and a lot of hype marketing.

Mike W wrote:

Would much rather own a reliable motor than one with a extended warranty and a lot of hype marketing.

Reliability is one reason for the new rig, so that’s an important mention. What reliability issues do the G2 Etecs have?

The G2’s did have issues with the power steering when they first came out, but from what I have heard it was that they didn’t know the proper way to bleed the system. I only know one guy that that runs one, and he did have issues with the steering, but all is good now and no other issues. I have, and had standard e-tec. I had a injector go bad on my present motor. My first e-tec I had to have the computer reflashed. That is it as far as issues I have had in a little over 800 hours. I ran a 225 yamaha 4 stroke and never had an issue, other that is was a complete turd out of the hole. That was an 05 and I am told they have improved the low end now. I am guessing when I buy my next new boat I will go again with a 2 stroke.

Chris wrote:

I’m sure this topic has been beat to death in the past…

I’m looking at powering a new boat with and Evinrude 150 G2. I like the extra torque, 10-yr/15,000-hr warranty, efficiency, reduced maintenance, lighter weight, and self-winterizing capability.

A dealer more or less questioned my sanity. He said the resale on them sucks, “noboby buys 2-strokes anymore,” the maintenance is not any more difficult, and $50 for a gallon of oil is ridiculously expensive. He stated the pros get their motors for half price and trade annually anyway so they are going to say Evinrude is the way to go.

Ok, the oil is expensive (I thought it was $80 a gallon), but what about his other points? I understand Brunswick wants to sell Brunswick, and may have incentives to do so, but it’s worth asking around before buying a $15k motor.

He just wants to get you on the winterization costs. Winterize your Etec with the turn of a key. Personally myself I prefer 2 strokes but in this day an age any modern outboard is going to treat you well.

I agree the resale for 2-strokes on walleye boats is a downfall. The bass guys still seem to like them. Personally, I haven’t ran a 2-stroke since 2000 and wouldn’t go back.

Chris wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Mike W wrote:</div>
Would much rather own a reliable motor than one with a extended warranty and a lot of hype marketing.

Reliability is one reason for the new rig, so that’s an important mention. What reliability issues do the G2 Etecs have?

multiple new starters, multiple new plugs, new tiller arm, new side cover. Even after all this the motor would not start or run well in cold weather. The dealers I took this to had no idea what to do with it. Atleast 6 trips to the dealer in two years. In the end was told the motor should not be run during temps below 45 degrees and sell the motor to someone I didnt know. Its been 10 years since dumping that motor. For a company to put a terd of a motor like that on the market and then advise me to “sell to someone I dont know”. Tough to say anything good.

I do believe E tech might have the best warranty on the market. Used it over and over again. My Yamaha’s warranty was worthless. It expired and I never got to use it once.

Have a friend with a two year old 250 etec that just blew up. The things move when they run though, if speed is an important part of your fishing.

Run away from any dealer who tells you what you want. It’s your boat and if they sell Evinrude they should hang one on the boat you pick out.

FWIW Domo Online has XD 100 for $37 a gallon.

I sold my last ranger with a 250proxs 2 stroke no problem , if I were to buy a 20′ boat I would have no issues with a 250 hp 2 stroke (merc)
BRP makes a decent product, the old evenrudes had problems
The G2 are better from what I have or haven’t heard.
Yamaha’s are bullet proof , the older ones were heavy and lacked power IMO.

I have been running a Yamaha 4-stroke for 15 years. Couldn’t be happier. No issues, easy on the fuel, plenty of power and idles down so I can troll leadcore with it.

Winterizing is easy, change engine and lower unit oil, fog and stabilize.

Next one will be a Yamaha 4-stroke too!

Personally I have run Yammie on my last 3 boats and they start and run EVERY time you turn the key. Never had to go back for warranty. If you look on Walleye Central and compare used rigs the cheapest ones and most leftovers have Etec or G2’s hanging on the back.

mxskeeter wrote:

Personally I have run Yammie on my last 3 boats and they start and run EVERY time you turn the key. Never had to go back for warranty. If you look on <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>Walleye Central and compare used rigs the cheapest ones and most leftovers have Etec or G2’s hanging on the back.

Correct, I bought a boat listed on WC this winter after watching it daily. The ones with E-tecs were the cheapest yet stayed on there the longest.

Typically people who own boats always LOVE their boat and motor. Unless they have an Evinrude….Ive seen numerous boats being towed back to shore over the years and the only time it’s ever been on a fairly new boat, was when an Evinrude was on the back. I was talking to the dealer I had bought my boat from and a Evinrude Rep had just been in trying to get him to carry the new G2’s. One of his selling points was that Evinrude would pay 1.5x his shop rate for all the maintenance he performed on the motors. When I was shopping for my last boat, anything with an Evinrude was ignored. I don’t care about the 10yr warranty they offer, I want a warranty that I won’t have to use. Mercury and Yamaha both make great 150 4 strokes.

Mike W wrote:

Would much rather own a reliable motor than one with a extended warranty and a lot of hype marketing.

I’ve always wondered if the 10 year warranty requires servicing at the dealer?

I really like my 2001 Merc 90 2 stroke….and I’m still running Klotz oil in it @ $25.00 a gallon.

However I love the 4 stroke Yammi 150 SHO. I’ve only had it for a year so I personally can’t comment on reliability except it starts with a quick turn of the key…every time.

Thank you all for your responses. I’ll research more as a result.

One main reason for the new rig is reliability, and I’m beginning to have concerns about the reliability of an Etec, even if the concerns stem from older models.

There is a video of a 2016/newer 115 merc 4 stroke out performing a 125 optimax 2 stroke on the exact same boat and setup. 3rd party test. Even hole shot was better with the 4 stroke.

The 4 strokes have made leaks and bounds in recent years. Merc maintenance is super easy.

Mike W wrote:

Its been 10 years since dumping that motor.

Then it is not a G2, they are a 100% different motor. It’s fine to be dissatisfied with a specific motor, but to put the entire brand in the trashcan because of one motor is wrong. It would be like if I said my pre-2002 Yamaha was bad, so they must all be and I wouldn’t recommend any Yamaha, even though I’ve never tried a newer one.

I’ve been in 2 different boats with G2’s. They are fast, quiet and efficient. Neither have had any issues either. I have no problems owning a 2-stroke motor.

Since we’re talking about motors, the only one I ever had a problem with was a 2004 4-stroke 140 Johnson (Suzuki). Now that thing was a turd, but I don’t say “don’t buy any Suzuki”…I have heard many good things about them, I just happened to have a bad one.

TripleA wrote:

There is a video of a 2016/newer 115 merc 4 stroke out performing a 125 optimax 2 stroke on the exact same boat and setup. 3rd party test. Even hole shot was better with the 4 stroke.

The 4 strokes have made leaks and bounds in recent years. Merc maintenance is super easy.

Here is a video of a Evinrude 150 G2 HO outperforming a Yamaha 200. I won’t ever be operating in the same scenario, but it’s interesting to watch knowing I’m in the market for a 150.

http://www.boattest.com/engine-review/Evinrude/40500162_E-TEC-G2-150-H-O–vs–Yamaha-F200-4-Stroke_2018

404 ERROR wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Mike W wrote:</div>
Its been 10 years since dumping that motor.

Then it is not a G2, they are a 100% different motor. It’s fine to be dissatisfied with a specific motor, but to put the entire brand in the trashcan because of one motor is wrong. It would be like if I said my pre-2002 Yamaha was bad, so they must all be and I wouldn’t recommend any Yamaha, even though I’ve never tried a newer one.

I’ve been in 2 different boats with G2’s. They are fast, quiet and efficient. Neither have had any issues either. I have no problems owning a 2-stroke motor.

Since we’re talking about motors, the only one I ever had a problem with was a 2004 4-stroke 140 Johnson (Suzuki). Now that thing was a turd, but I don’t say “don’t buy any Suzuki”…I have heard many good things about them, I just happened to have a bad one.

Happy to hear they got it right on their second try. It sure sounded like they had it right on the 1st try.

Great topic.

I’m researching used tillers now. Am looking for a newer 90 hp 4 stroke with whatever I end up with. Hadn’t considered etecs but in stopping by my local dealer yesterday he insisted the newer etecs are great. And can troll down (for cranks) just as well as 4 stroke. I have no idea so am glad too see your perspectives here.

I’m also nervous about reliability.

When I was in the market for a new to me tiller boat, I talked to my marine mechanic (not a dealer) that I know well and asked him what brand motor would he buy if he was buying a boat. This is what he told me; first would be a Yamaha or a Suzuki since he very seldom sees them in his shop, then it would be a Honda after that Mercury. He said there was a large time frame where Evinrude had issues with water pumps going out and blowing the motor, he wouldn’t take one if it was given to him.

My dad has ran the same Yamaha on his boat since ’89 and never winterized it and never had it into a shop until 3 years ago he had the lower unit replaced.

I ended up waiting, watching for months until finding the boat I wanted with a Yamaha on it and have never had a problem with it.

broth82 wrote:

When I was in the market for a new to me tiller boat, I talked to my marine mechanic (not a dealer) that I know well and asked him what brand motor would he buy if he was buying a boat. This is what he told me; first would be a Yamaha or a Suzuki since he very seldom sees them in his shop, then it would be a Honda after that Mercury. He said there was a large time frame where Evinrude had issues with water pumps going out and blowing the motor, he wouldn’t take one if it was given to him.

The problem with that kind of advice is that it’s so blanket. There were many known problems with Mercurys in in the past. It’s one of the reasons why many people are still reluctant to go with one today, even though today’s Mercury has zero resemblance to those in the past. Before taking that kind of advice, you need to ask him what age ranges of motors he is talking about. Of course he has seen a lot of Mercurys because not only have they been in existence longer than the Yamaha and Suzuki, they also had known issues in the past. But how many of the 2000s Mercurys does he see?

That is true I didn’t ask about new motors since I wasn’t getting a new boat. I asked about motors in the mid ’90 till about late 2000’s range since that’s what I could afford. I sounds you like Mercury and there’s no problem with that, I was just pointing out what he said and what I’ve seen.

404 ERROR wrote:

Since we’re talking about motors, the only one I ever had a problem with was a 2004 4-stroke 140 Johnson (Suzuki). Now that thing was a turd, but I don’t say “don’t buy any Suzuki”…I have heard many good things about them, I just happened to have a bad one.

To that point, I got a 2004 Johnson(Suzuki) 4 stroke 115hp in 2004. Basically the same motor as you. I am still running it and have a ton of hours on it. It has been a phenomenal motor for me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. FWIW

fishingchallenged wrote:

Winterizing is easy, change engine and lower unit oil, fog and stabilize.

Next one will be a Yamaha 4-stroke too!

I agree winterizing a 4 stroke is no big deal. I don’t fog mine. I have a Suzuki 150 and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, except maybe another Suzuki. It is so quiet, runs so smooth, gets great fuel economy. I troll with my 150 all the time for crankbaits. It goes just under 2MPH, I wish it was a bit slower, but I just shift in and out of gear a few times to maintain my desired speed.
Change the oil once per year vs going through gallons of the stuff per season.
Head’s up, regardless of how cheap you can get that 2 stroke oil for Etecs, during break-in they use extra oil and one guy I talked to last year used 2 gallons of oil in the first month of use. So that $40 per gallon really adds up. Once broke it that is not the case anymore, but I believe its a timed thing based on # of hours.

sticker wrote:

To that point, I got a 2004 Johnson(Suzuki) 4 stroke 115hp in 2004. Basically the same motor as you. I am still running it and have a ton of hours on it. It has been a phenomenal motor for me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. FWIW

Yup. You win some, you lose some. At the end of the day, you just hope you’re in the black.

It’s true that if you ask just about any outboard mechanic, they will say avoid Ficht and early E-tec motors. I challenge someone to find a mechanic who has worked on the G2 motors and still says to avoid them. Multiple other boating forums speak wonders of the new units. Many 200-300hp motors pushing big tuna boats have thousands of hours on them already with very little issues. I have no skin in this debate, nor do I plan on buying a G2 any time soon. I just wanted to state REAL experience with G2 motors.

I’m old enough that hole shot and top speed are no longer a selling point. I’m not racing to spots. I mostly fish ML or Vermilion so a 20 minute cruise to a spot isn’t uncommon. A 4 stroke works great for me cruising under 4k rpm getting 5mpg. If I really feel like lolly gagin’ I can stretch it to 6mpg.

On my second Merc 4 stroke and would have a hard time ever buying a 2 stroke again. I’d take a Merc, Yammy, or Suzuki 4 stroke any day and want a large discount to put up with a 2 stroke again.

Fuel, spark, and air. That’s how we roll in the 2 stroke world