Yes! Used to live going to motocross races with my father when I was a child. 2 strokes are great if we’re the only boats out there but truth be told gas powered outboards (even 4 strokes) are polluters.
2 strokes never die Nothing can ever replace the sound and smell, a proper man's candle scent, like fresh cut grass and lumber or gasoline on concrete.
yes look at nature lightning and the sun are plasma forms of 2 strokes. Most 4 joke sheeple are too dumbed down to realize that. And any 2 stroke can be rigged up to burn off a clean buring oil and no dirty waste oil is generated! I rigged up my 8v92 detroit 2 stroke to work on XD-100 Etec oil on the bottom and then meter it with the fuel inlet to blend and burn it so i just check and add and she works better on It! You can conver any 4 joke v8 to do that anywhere, some one built a poppet valved u-loop charged v8 1UZ lexus toyota v8 into a 2 stroke that makes over 1000 HP!
Just before Evinrude was abolished the last model of Etec was just as quiet as a 4 stroke and more fuel efficient than its competitors in the same horsepower range. No smoke and sipped oil. At idle and trolling speeds it burned so little oil it was unbelievable.Not to mention the power steering technology and fly by wire throttle and shifting that was later incorporated in some 4 strokes in the same power range. In my opinion we lost out because of political and environmental activism. Not to mention these outboards outperformed any 4 stroke in the same horsepower range.
We lose out on a lot of things because of perceptions instead of data. A politician/activist (no matter the subject) will find a way to spin their story to make said subject look bad in order for them to be rid of it and have the optics of doing something. We like in a world of slacktivism and perception.
There was a deal made behind doors I bet, probably the other motor manufacturers were involved. They claimed because of production or demand with Covid at the time and shet like that. Bass boaters especially like those lighter more powerful motors. Can’t beat them on hole shot too. I think at one time I watched a video where a boat with a 150 etec pulled under same boat with the F150. That was a no brainer it did, easy to predict that one 😎.
I could not agree more! I had a 150h.o on my boat i sell with tears in my eyes but theese petrolprices in Finland kill all the fun 2.80 euros/liter not gallon. Best engine ive ever had!
New boat in 2016 and I got a 4 stroke, I don't miss my old 2 stroke. The gas mileage in the 4 stroke smashes the 2 stroke and being quiet and no smoke is a tremendous bonus.
yeah, I also agree... The noise reduction is the main benefit, its hard to hear people talk with even a 40hp 2 Stroke, let alone a 115hp or a 200hp. The fuel saving is not that much when doing WOT.
@@annoyboyPictures Yes, and that is fine on a boat that is designed for above 10 to 15 hp or even 20 HP recently! However there are TWO different specifications for boats. One is the HP rating of the transom, The second is the WEIGHT loading on the transom. A 15 to 18 ft square back canoe with an extra 25 to 60 pounds behind the transom can get Damned squirrely. There are uses that we just can not accept the loss of the 2 stroke unless tech catches up.
This happened in the dirt bike industry. Four strokes came in and took over until people realized that extra expense you speak of was within 1000 s of dollars every time they needed work. Now the 2 strokes are making a comeback.
I live and work in Indonesia and our seaweed farming business uses lots of boats. Two-strokes dominate in the work boat market here … especially Yamaha in the sub-200 HP category. I have tried 4-strokes as well, but honestly the higher purchse cost of 4-strokes and the similar overall operating costs make the 2-strokes the better choice by a fair margin for work boats.
Also the fact that in Indo, like in the Philippines, if you are out in the provinces finding a tech guy who can fix a big 4-banger is not easy. May have to fly one in from the capital, you will have down time and it wont be cheap. Not so with an Enduro which most people can learn to fix themselves - and since they are on so many boats already and have been for a long time, there will be a local mechanic who can fix most any issue with it. I am in that predicament myself these days. At some point, I will build a small craft to take me fishing, island hopping and freediving, and for the sake of the environment and milage I would like to go 4-stroke. But I will almost certainly go 2-stroke because I have to be able to fix it myself or locally and affordably.
@@AntiVaganza This is a big part of the reason I'm swapping my ancient Honda 50 4-stroke for a new Yamaha 2-stroke. Half the price to buy, much lighter than an equal 4 stroke, and every mechanic and his dog round here knows the Enduros, so parts and know-how are stellar. Also, see the vid "Are Yamaha 2 strokes tough?"...
So it is ok to poison the seaweed and sea life that you are attempting to harvest? IN California years ago. you could see the oil slick of 2 stroke oil in lakes and sometimes on the ocean near the harbors. It actually is that much with many vessels using2 strike. Then again a is mentioned earlier the weight of a 4 stroke on canoes etc is just too much.
You seemed to have compared old 2 stroke technology to 4 stroke technology. To be fair, you should have discussed efi/dfi 2 strokes as well. My 2012 Mercury Pro Xs 2 stroke is as quite as any four stroke and the fuel milage is great too!
and still much lighter, and with less moving parts etc.. **also, if capable of higher RPM's and continuing to make power into the over-rev RPM range like a whole lot of 2-strokes are, then higher top end speeds are a capability!!
This next winter it's time to rebuild my 1979 Mercury V-175 Black Max. I love that stinky motor, in fact my bass boats name is Ol' Stanky. Keep up the great content!!
Years back I had twin 4 liter V8 Johnsons (two strokes), on my 25 ft Cougar MTR Tunnel, loved those motors (modded to almost 400 H.p. each), but they burned an insane about of oil. If OMC could have figured out the reliability of making the two strokes environmentally friendly they would have been gold.
Very well done. Your editing is just as good as anything found on the net including Netflix. My father always had an outboard even when he had no boat. In the early 50’s everything was oil mix and I learned to associate the sweet smell of a two stroke with the best of times!
I have been watching your videos for a long time now and have never disagreed with you, but this time I strongly do. Besides burning oil, torque ratio and weight, all else you said does not apply to my Gen 1 Evinrude 150 etech. 558 hours. Fuel economy is great. 6.3 gph at cruising speed of 21 mph. Low noise. Low maintenance. Plugs every 300 hours and it sips oil. 1.5 gallon tank will last 4 to 5 fishing trips.
When I bought my 200 hpdi's, I was repowering my boat from old school johnson 200's. I bought my matching pair of Z motors at a boat show. At that time 4 strokes were the rage. They were giving away 2 strokes, I got two, 2 stroke hpdi yamaha motors one counter rotation, brand new left overs for 26k rigged. Twin 200 for 26k. I couldn't go wrong. Those were awesome motors.
I Charter my boat commercially. Still running a yamaha ox66. At 22 years old and 2500 hours later, I have no desire to upgrade. The cost breakdown to upgrade to a 4 stroke at which point i would break-even on the purchase puts me at 15 years give or take current fuel prices. As long as they don’t discontinue 2 stroke oil, keep on going!
It was the government that killed the two stroke. Four strokes were only developed when they knew that the government was going to kill the two stroke. The cost of the oil is nothing compared to the increased cost of the motor itself. I love the smell of a two stroke in the morning!
2 stroke outboard engine alive and well in south Pacific Island countries mostly 85hp or less. 2 stroke are cheaper than 4 stroke, cheaper to maintain, less electrical parts on 2 stroke especially for our humid climate. Parts availability and price is a big factor in our region. 4 stroke is more costly to maintain in the long run...unless someone can prove me wrong.
Two strokes are lighter per horse power than four strokes. I replaced my 25 hp 2 stroke with a 25 hp stroke on my little boat and found it was way heavier than my old engine which actually made my boat slower.
I remember all of us guides in south Texas in the early 90s firing up our outboards at the dock. There would be about 20 of us. You couldn't see the 3rd boat down 🤣 . Looked like socked in fog. I miss those days but I wouldn't ever go back to the old 2 stroke. These 4 stroke Suzys are game changers.
Remember that 70's horror movie the Fog. When you said you couldn't see the 3rd boat on a cold start lol. Brings back memories of my old man firing up a mercury 6hp before sunrise to go duck hunting in the early 80's.
I live in Wisconsin and around here most boats that are 10+ years old have a two-stroke engine on it in fact boats around here that old it’s rare to see them with a four stroke on it. But even still on newer boats around here it’s a 50-50 thing whether it’s a four stroke or two stroke
The last 2strokes made were the cleanest and best fuel economy. The big surprise is the cost of Maintence and how often. There are used boats for sale that the 4 stokes have been run up to the “big” Maintence point for people to avoid the cost. In general all the engines have their good and bad points. The big issue is the eco pressure has just double and tripled the investment and cost to discourage people from boating. New boats are the cost of small homes anymore.
I love my 2 stroke. I was going to upgrade a few years back and when I seen the prices and truthfully no more than I go onto the water, I can buy a lot of gas for the price of an upgrade. But I understand the argument between the 2.
I have a 4 stroke Merc and you are spot on in your evaluation. Temper this however with the fact that I still like the simplicity and all the quirks of the 2 strokes including the smoke.
I'm still running my 1986 Yamaha 50 DE - and mixing oil manually (no autolube). Works well and reliable. Compression pressures still > 120 PSI in all cylinders, difference under 3 %.
Had a Mercury 225 EFI 2-stroke for 20 years. Incredibly reliable outboard, but it absolutely sucked down gas and smoked like a mother on startup. My new 4-stroke sips gas (compared to the old 2-stroke), doesn't smoke, and runs quiet. Surprisingly though, the old 2-stroke never fouled plugs but the new 4-stroke fouled them before 300 hours.
I have a Merc 2.5L 200EFI. Runs like a top but it is a little on the thirsty side. I don’t mind buying 2 stroke oil to be honest when you factor in the oil and filter for a 4 stroke it’s almost the same cost as buying 2 stroke oil for the season. 5 gallons of 2 stroke oil lasts me the season.
I remember back in the early 80’s going fishing with my grandpa in his beat up trihull. The sound and smell of his 2 stroke evinrude buzzing along behind us. The sound and smell is very nostalgic to me. However I also remember the rainbow floating on the water which at the time I thought was fascinating and later realized it was oil on the water. I still love 2 strokes, I have a dirt bike have had snow mobiles, atv’s.
I have a 20 HP Mercury 2 stroke on a 15 ft aluminum boat I bought new in 1980 and still running strong. Every time I run it on a lake I put at least 20 miles on it so it's not just sitting on a pond.
Still love my old 1983 Evinrude 35. On a 16' aluminum boat I don't think a four stroke will ever beat it. 112# for 35 engine hp (around 30 prop hp) and 7 mpg at fast cruise (23 mph) and 5.7 mpg flat out (28 mph). I run premix Evinrude XD100 synthetic 50:1 and there is no smoke after startup and no carbon buildup in the engine or exhaust.
My 1972 25 johnson only weights about 79 pounds. Do you find that the XD100 is worth it on these old outboards vs regular synthetic 2 stroke oil cause I have been thinking about switching.
@@JerseyTom yea 1 gallon lasts me a few months, just hard to spend 50 when all the other oil is about 30. I think I might switch next time I buy some though
I have the G 2 etecs. the DPS and all the other electronic gear in them is a problem. I've had issues, though BRP has covered the warranty or at least the parts. It is hard to find a mechanic to work on them. ugh!! Evinrude was the gold standard when I grew up. Sad to see them go. The Japanese did it right, like with cars. My G2's are way too loud. Powerful, but loud.
@@ScoutyBoyO When they left Canada for manufacturing it definitely changed. Not saying American manufacturing is bad by any means, but there is a reason Lexus has a plant in Canada. The old OMC plant in Peterborough put out many engines that are still in use today. Where I boat there is still a huge Evinrude presence, main due to its proximity to Peterborough and the fact that most of the mechanics grew up working on them. It will be a sad day when I no longer see them on the lakes and the parts finally run out.
@@jamesbutson6347 There is such a huge following for the OMC's I feel even when BRP quits making parts there will be plenty of people making aftermarket solutions.
I own pretty much the highest maintenance 2 stroke out there, an Evinrude 150 Ficht. It’s pretty complicated, but that being said it’s really good on gas and oil. And it doesn’t smoke. So it’s a 2 stroke without the drawbacks of the 2 stroke, just requires really high quality gas and oil and you gotta really keep up on maintenance. And the EMMs fail but mine has already been done thankfully.
Ugh... I miss my 2 strokes! Did a repower last year. Lost 10 mph, gained 220lbs. Doesn't handle or manuver as well. Raised and lowered the engines can't get it to stop proposing, so forced to use tabs that I never had to use other than for listing. Lost my counter rotating (Merc decided not to make a counter 150) so had to rebuild the steering. Not a huge fan of my fat, slow 4 strokes.
My boat originally came with a 2 stroke and was changed to a 4 stroke sometime before I bought it. The drain holes on the transom where the motor mounts are in the water slightly, due to the added weight and was letting water in the access cover. I had to remove the cover flange and seal it.
I always ran 2 strokes when I was a kid. Said I’d never go 4 stroke. Wellll. That ended once I started using them. They’re super smooth and quiet. If I’m on a pond or lake. I’m good with any engine. I still love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning but on my center console I have an f300 and I would never go back to a 2-popper.
The big problems I have with 4 strokes are the extra weight and the cost. I have a single 50hp motor on my 16' boat. The lightest 50hp Honda weighs 214 lbs and costs $7,500 and my 83 Merc weighs just 170 lbs and is paid for.
My 50 Honda was paid for in 99' and has been fantastic ever since. On borrowed time at this point for sure as it gets year round use in salt. It replaced a Mariner 60 and wow was it a welcome replacement!
@@melrose9252 Not hardly. My 1983 50hp Mercury has a dry weight of 170 lbs. The lightest modern 4-stroke 50hp outboard is the Tohatsu and it weighs 209 lbs. For the math impaired that's an extra 39 lbs. So I have no idea where you got the "as light or even lighter" idea.
@@melrose9252 - that’s impossible since you know nothing about engineering and the difference between 4 cycle and 2 cycle, on a level playing field of cylinder count and number of heads. Totally impossible and therefore also impossible to ever approach cost parity. You must own them or work selling them, if not then get a job selling them.
I have a 2000 Johnson 115 V4 2 stroke on my 17ft Javelin bass boat. Great motor, never let me down yet. I use Klotz full synthetic for my pre mix oil. Sweet smell, nothing beats it.
I have a 96 40Hp Force. Obviously 2 Stroke. It still runs and fires up. I add extra oil because it's older now and because I feel like it. I like the smoke.
I have a Mercury Saltwater Optimax 150hp 2 stroke DFI. None of what you mentioned about 2 strokes apply to that engine. No smoke, no mileage issues, not more noise. Has great power and is lighter. It's a keeper!
I think many old 2-strokes are just poorly maintained. My Yamaha 40 hp gets 0,6-0,65 nautical miles per litre (measured over several years) while a new 4-stroke gets 0,5-0,55. So only about 15-30% difference at 21 knots. Given that in Sweden you cannot keep a 4-stroke more than a few years before it is stolen, the insane maintenance cost, the higher insurance and the high purchse price, its ALOT cheaper to own and operate a 2-stroke even when using the boat every week.
When I was a kid one of the major forms of daily transportation in my community was boats with outboard 2stroke engines. They were all size/weight appropriate for the 25 to 40 hp engines. With such small boats, I wanna say everybody was getting a lot more than 1 mile per gallon but I don't know the specific numbers at all
My 300 e-tech 2010 model is 3 times cheaper to use than my buddies 350 verado 2017 model. We have been compared many times in different speeds. Well E-tech is known for its fuel efficient. Sad they stopped making it 😢
First off I’ve worked on outboards for many years and belong to a club . I have NEVER fowled a plug from the mixture being to thick and I run some at 12:1 ratios ! 2nd - the weight to power difference is huge , take a 25hp -4 stroke on a pontoon where you’d be lucky to get it up on plane now put a 2 stroke 25hp on that same pontoon there’s no problem planing it out and weights much less plus the fuel economy is better ( they ALL do need to be correctly tuned and serviced ) and the cost of buying is also a big difference . Also 2 strokes did have a problem with oil injection and that gave them a big black eye . I have motor that are over 100 years old that run beautiful let’s see how the 4 strokes last ! Lol
If you baby anything it will last forever if oiled up to prevent rust. Nothing spectacular there. New four strokes are getting very close to 2 stroke power to weight ratios. And they consume way less fuel.
Oil injection over time loses its ability to meter the proper amount of oil into the gas and kills the motor due to lack of lubrication. If some additional oil is added to the gas to supplement what the oil injection is lacking the motor can be saved. Or better yet remove the oil injection and premix the fuel
Same here, Merc oil, quickleen every other tank and yearly maintenance: impeller kit, spark plugs, strainer, belt, thermostats, electric plugs clean up….awesome in fuel consumption
I still have a Mercury 50hp 2 stroke and I recently cleaned the carburetors and removed the airbox for better flow. It runs well being over 20 years old. I just keep oil in it, change the spark plugs, and keep the batteries charged. Otherwise it runs great, I'm gonna be changing the lower unit's gear oil soon though.
Seems like a bit of an unfair comparison - for the most part, you were comparing modern 4-strokes to the older carburetor model 2-strokes (like your old Ocean Pro model). My Evinrude ETEC 150 has zero smoke, zero smell, is just as fuel efficient as the Yamahas and Suzukis run by my friends, is faster up on plane because it's 70 to 100 lbs. lighter than any comparable 150 4-stroke and burns just as clean as any 4-stroke (not that I care much about the rules in California, but the ETEC has the same 3-star CARB rating as any 4-stroke - I believe Mercury is only a 2-star rating). And with that clean burn, and iridium spark plugs, I can run for 3 seasons before I need to change plugs.
@Max Black If BRP hadn't gotten into such financial trouble with their aviation business, they'd still be building ETECs. The outboard business was an easier branch of business to sacrifice.
@Max Black You'd have to ask them. I suppose they all just saw 4-stroke technology as an easier way to comply with stricter EPA regulations, whereas BRP chose to develop a more efficient 2-stroke with their ETEC technology. I don't think there is anything wrong with 4-stroke outboards - like many other comments here, I just felt this video is an unfair comparison between modern 4-strokes and the old carbureted 2-strokes, as opposed to more modern EFI or DFI 2-strokes, which are way more efficient and cleaner than the old carburetor models shown here. I've run Johnson or Evinrude 2-strokes for over 40 years now and never had any trouble with any of them, and I'll continue to run my ETEC until it dies. If it ever does, then I'll probably go with Yamaha or Suzuki. Until then, I'm comfortable with the ETEC's great fuel efficiency, clean burning, fewer moving parts to break down and lighter weight.
@Max Black I'll respectfully disagree. Just like the same old Chevy-Ford-Dodge argument, every outboard manufacturer has their share of problems but I don't think you can categorically say Evinrude is "not as reliable as modern 4-strokes". Do a search for any outboard brand "problems" and you'll find 1000's of horror stories for the 4-stroke manufacturers as well. My local outboard dealership sells and services Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury and Evinrude and they tell me as a percentage of total sales for each brand, they have just as many issues with Yamahas and Suzukis as they do Evinrudes. Same for another dealership about 50 miles up the road. No matter what motor brand you own, there is always a chance you are going to have problems. Two of my neighbors blew powerheads on their brand new Mercurys with less than 50 hours of service. Another neighbor has a Suzuki that eats starter motors - 4 new starters while under warranty. Another friend has a Yamaha that has had overheating problems since day one and they never did figure it out before he finally just got rid of it. And heaven help you if the timing belt on your Yamaha lets go (a timing BELT, really??). In 600 hours of service on my ETEC, I've had to replace a tilt-trim motor - that's it. Maybe I've been lucky. Or maybe it's just a well built motor. But hey, like the old sayings go, "whatever makes you happy" or "whatever floats your boat". I'm happy with my ETEC and I'll run it until it's dead, which might never happen before I'm dead. My old 1984 Johnson I sold years ago is still running strong and so is my 1998 Evinrude Ocean Pro I sold 5 years ago. If you are happy with whatever brand of motor you have, that's great too.
I have a 2005 Yamaha hpdi, it only lightly smokes for the first few seconds after startup. Otherwise no smoke or smell. It runs great with about 2000 plus hours.
For a small dingy, 2 stroke makes more sense to me. Reduced weight, increased speed, less maintenance (in a sense. 4 strokes have more moving parts, so there is actually more stuff to possibly go wrong). Also, with very small 2 stroke outboards they don't exactly guzzle fuel like a huge engine does. They are good for travelling short distances. 2 strokes have not died. There are still plenty of good 2 strokes available on the market.
I have in my shop 1 225 verado, 1 225 etec G1 and 1 200 etec G2 the verado it’s the most loud of those 3. And even being a 2 stroke are cleaner that the verado 4 strokes.
The nice thing is that now we’ll not only everything is going to eletric but newer two stroke oil depending on what brand, usually I only use Echo Red amor mix with is smokeless but it’s nice and thick, but super clean, it still leaves a bit of residue but it’s not terrible as most generic brands, I use it on my old evinrudes like for. The 50s-70s, and all of them run great off of the mix with some VP non-ethonal gas, 94 octane 👌, plus two strokes are easy and fun to work on and always give tons of powers
Here’s an idea for a video using this new conversational style….when to rebuild vs replace/buy new. Assuming you ship out for a rebuild so I’m curious on your thoughts on when you would pay to rebuild vs replace with new/used
The biggest problem with 2 strokes is that they usually had multiple carbs linked together on most of the bigger hp outboards...the carbs would get clogged and if for example out of 3 or 6 carbs one was clogged you can still run it and it just runs rough but since you are not getting enough fuel to the cylinder which that carb supplies you are also not getting oil which would damage that cylinder and destroy the engine...4 stokes dont have that problem even if the use carbs ..which all i have seen have injectors...also with todays gas injector work better in my opinion.
Trying to sell me on a 4-stroke because it’s quieter is like trying to sell a Harley guy a Honda motorcycle because it’s quieter. I love the Mercury black Max. Sound is amazing.
Lets not forget the simplicity of the older non efi 2 strokes. Can tolerate low battery voltage and general abuse. Good luck pricing a modern 4 stroke ecu and wiring harness after the green crusties (corrosion) on the connectors etc. Id rather burn more fuel than deal with dealer only repairs
I always loved 2 strokes. Still do on small applications for a pond or small lake. I said I’d never go 4 stroke , but I did , and on the ocean I’d never go back. New 4 strokes are super reliable, quiet and efficient. I run a single 2018 F300 yamy , I love it. My last engine was a 2007 Suzuki 200 and that engine was Awsome. Sold it with 2000 hours still runs quiet as a mouse.
I have an 01 Voyager 21ft fish and ski pontoon. Came with a 60hp Mercury Bigfoot. Injection pump has never failed. Never been rebuilt. Still hold great compression in cylinders, does not smoke much at all and imo uses moderate oil. Fires up every year, good consistent power for what it's used for. I spray carb cleaner beginning of every season. I add Stabil in Winter, and I run seafoam in the tank 1 or 2 times a season depending on how much I use it and I NEVER run anything but premium fuel in it. I also use Lucas 2 stroke oil.
I work on outboards. I would advise you to never spray carb cleaner into a two stroke while the engine is running. You can remove the carbs and take apart and spray carb cleaner. But when it’s running can lock up the engine because the carb cleaner is washing away the lubrication
@@Lordhumongus because you didn’t say I tear the carbs down and clean with carb cleaner. Sounds like your just spraying the outside the carbs with carb cleaner. Is that correct
Most two strokes dumped lots of raw gas out the exhaust without burning it. Elgins and earliest Johnson's were the only smooth two strokes. My six HP Elgin is all the size I want. Four cycle can be light, especially when you don't design for vibration and extra Jerry cans. Go faster? Trim ship, matey. Move the weight to the middle.The biggest motor I want to hand start? 10 ponies. I'm fond of air cooled.
You can't really talk about fuel efficiency when a 4 stroke costs 4x that of a 2 stroke and don't even get me started on valve adjustments, cam belt swaps, maintenance, cost of parts etc.. it's still way cheaper to own a 2 stroke, you wouldnt save the difference in fuel in a lifetime (commercial boat yes)
The 2 stroke is not dead. They sell Tons of them in Africa and Asia. Most often it’s the Tohatsu 2 stroke engines tldi. Old type 2 strokes are no longer mfd in USA. But new tech two strokes are available. The automobile and its mechanics killed the two stroke.
Stupid, tree hugging, people with way too much time on their hands rallying and getting these corrupt, dumbass traitor politician's to push their Money and time wasting agenda.. not to mention UnConstitutional..
I swapped over both of my outboards to 4 strokes, and it's an improvement in my opinion. I didn't mind the smell but it's just nice not mixing fuel and how much smoother they run
Nothing wrong with spending money for sure, that’s what’s it for. 😁 Some of us old timers demand and still fight for having a CHOICE. It’s all being taking away because no one gives a shet to speak up and demand CHOICE. It’s our earned money after all. CHOICE always breeds competition among manufacturers not just in price but development. When I listen to a big 4 stroke idle, no louder than a car with the added sound of someone peeing in the water. At speed no different to me. Don’t do idling myself, unlike in the car.
@@BD-oo6ru not likely, the batteries will be so big and heavy, the boat will sink. Unless you want to go from here to there, slow, then plug it in all night long. 200 gals of fuel in my 25 footer now. Not 22 like in my car with 400 mile range. Need different batt tech, a lot of energy it takes to push all the water out of the way. We will see.
1988 Johnson 88 spl still running strong as all on my boat. Haven't had to replace spark plugs since I've got it. Just take them out and clean them once a year!
I have a 1992 Mercury Black Max. I love it. Still runs great and I do a premix of Amsoil Marine oil. Its almost smokeless and runs like a champ since I took out the oil injection. Its also easy and fun to work on. I have taken really good care of this engine. Born Again Boating would be surprised to remove the cowl and see the condition of it. They could do a segment on the performance and condition of my engine.
Well, my two stroke 50 horse smokes very little, but I suppose it does burn some oil cause I have to keep an eye on the engine oil tank. seems it gets pretty good gas mileage too. hole shot is fantastic as well. lifts my 17.5 foot on plane in 2 or 3 seconds. maintenance is drop dead simple. lower unit oil change is less than a quart. spark plugs are usually good after three years. water pump gets changed every three years and usually looks about new. three grease fittings and done. fuel/water separator every two years and on engine fuel filter changed last year after 5 years and had no sediment but plastic had turned from clear to yellow and couldn't see through it. inexpensive parts too, except spark plugs are way overpriced. Hey, it runs pretty quiet too. I think I'll keep it!!!
Here in Sri Lanka the 2 Stroke outboard motor is King (still). You can count the number of 4 Strokes on your hands. Every Fisherman here - and there are 10s of Thousands of them all around the island, use 2 Stroke outboard Engines.... because they are easy to fix, especially if you break down at sea. Only recently in the past few years the Sri Lankan Navy switched to 4 Stroke Engines.
I have a 2002 Yamaha 150hp V6 oil injected 2 stroke on my 20ft boat. The only time it smokes is when I first start it. It gets decent gas millage and sips oil for the injectors. It runs very strong and is reliable. I will not get rid of it until it dies!
If you are running a 2 cycle right you do not foul plugs and you get verry little exoust smoke use synthetic and no exoust smoke . Regardless any engine is hazardous. Biggest problem thow is everyone runs their engine wide open for extended periods witch ain't good . You should never run any engine any faster the 2/3 throttle then they will last dam near forever .
Thanks for doing this well detailed video. In Canada you can still buy used two strokes but people generally don't want them or they fetch 1/3 the price of an equivalent 4 stroke. In the end, you are still adding oil and burning it and I don't think the fish and other wildlife have any sentimental association with it. Anyone old enough to remember "Leaded" gasoline? It had a certain smell that also happened to be a serious health risk.
The very first thing that killed the two stroke is the idea that a motor should only last for five years. The four stroke is a horrible motor for an outboard. Lower power whether you use displacement or weight, maintenance, maintenance, and maintenance. You cannot run a four stroke at wide open throttle and have it last for 50 years. It will barely last 5 years.
I'm with you. That smell of a two stroke just takes me back to fond memories and I don't mind it at all.
I love the smell of a 2 stroke in the morning.
It's a great smell
The smell of victory
Yes! Used to live going to motocross races with my father when I was a child. 2 strokes are great if we’re the only boats out there but truth be told gas powered outboards (even 4 strokes) are polluters.
@@r.williamcomm7693 True. Boating with only Electric trolling motor feels so clean and slow...
2 strokes never die
Nothing can ever replace the sound and smell, a proper man's candle scent, like fresh cut grass and lumber or gasoline on concrete.
I remember the smell of that green colored amsoil before they went to synthetic, so good!
@@billpayne8344 < Two strokes had their day but that day is gone. New 4 strokes are far better than any two strokes.
hehe, so true, I was saying the other day to a friend that I should bottle the smell and spray it in the off season
@@billpayne8344 no they dont... the Hondas do but the Suzuki and Yamaha 4 strokes are awesome. Those 2 strokes are like playing an 8 track.
yes look at nature lightning and the sun are plasma forms of 2 strokes. Most 4 joke sheeple are too dumbed down to realize that. And any 2 stroke can be rigged up to burn off a clean buring oil and no dirty waste oil is generated! I rigged up my 8v92 detroit 2 stroke to work on XD-100 Etec oil on the bottom and then meter it with the fuel inlet to blend and burn it so i just check and add and she works better on It! You can conver any 4 joke v8 to do that anywhere, some one built a poppet valved u-loop charged v8 1UZ lexus toyota v8 into a 2 stroke that makes over 1000 HP!
Just before Evinrude was abolished the last model of Etec was just as quiet as a 4 stroke and more fuel efficient than its competitors in the same horsepower range. No smoke and sipped oil. At idle and trolling speeds it burned so little oil it was unbelievable.Not to mention the power steering technology and fly by wire throttle and shifting that was later incorporated in some 4 strokes in the same power range. In my opinion we lost out because of political and environmental activism. Not to mention these outboards outperformed any 4 stroke in the same horsepower range.
We lose out on a lot of things because of perceptions instead of data. A politician/activist (no matter the subject) will find a way to spin their story to make said subject look bad in order for them to be rid of it and have the optics of doing something. We like in a world of slacktivism and perception.
The Evinrude ETEC G2 is the most advanced best performing outboard ever made.
Wrong!! They were not even close. The E techs were pieces of shit.
There was a deal made behind doors I bet, probably the other motor manufacturers were involved. They claimed because of production or demand with Covid at the time and shet like that. Bass boaters especially like those lighter more powerful motors. Can’t beat them on hole shot too. I think at one time I watched a video where a boat with a 150 etec pulled under same boat with the F150. That was a no brainer it did, easy to predict that one 😎.
I could not agree more! I had a 150h.o on my boat i sell with tears in my eyes but theese petrolprices in Finland kill all the fun 2.80 euros/liter not gallon. Best engine ive ever had!
New boat in 2016 and I got a 4 stroke, I don't miss my old 2 stroke. The gas mileage in the 4 stroke smashes the 2 stroke and being quiet and no smoke is a tremendous bonus.
yeah, I also agree... The noise reduction is the main benefit, its hard to hear people talk with even a 40hp 2 Stroke, let alone a 115hp or a 200hp. The fuel saving is not that much when doing WOT.
I disagree when you can pick up a mercury six horse for $250 runs beautiful
@@annoyboyPictures Yes, and that is fine on a boat that is designed for above 10 to 15 hp or even 20 HP recently! However there are TWO different specifications for boats. One is the HP rating of the transom, The second is the WEIGHT loading on the transom. A 15 to 18 ft square back canoe with an extra 25 to 60 pounds behind the transom can get Damned squirrely. There are uses that we just can not accept the loss of the 2 stroke unless tech catches up.
This happened in the dirt bike industry. Four strokes came in and took over until people realized that extra expense you speak of was within 1000 s of dollars every time they needed work. Now the 2 strokes are making a comeback.
Ktm
Keep Taking Money
Obviously you never raced in any competitions and know the expenses of staying competitive
Obviously you don’t know were you are on the subject. My point was towards maintenance not fuel economy.
@Robert Parker 5 dollars a gallon, in the uk we pay 3 times that.
I live and work in Indonesia and our seaweed farming business uses lots of boats. Two-strokes dominate in the work boat market here … especially Yamaha in the sub-200 HP category. I have tried 4-strokes as well, but honestly the higher purchse cost of 4-strokes and the similar overall operating costs make the 2-strokes the better choice by a fair margin for work boats.
Also the fact that in Indo, like in the Philippines, if you are out in the provinces finding a tech guy who can fix a big 4-banger is not easy. May have to fly one in from the capital, you will have down time and it wont be cheap. Not so with an Enduro which most people can learn to fix themselves - and since they are on so many boats already and have been for a long time, there will be a local mechanic who can fix most any issue with it.
I am in that predicament myself these days. At some point, I will build a small craft to take me fishing, island hopping and freediving, and for the sake of the environment and milage I would like to go 4-stroke. But I will almost certainly go 2-stroke because I have to be able to fix it myself or locally and affordably.
@@AntiVaganza This is a big part of the reason I'm swapping my ancient Honda 50 4-stroke for a new Yamaha 2-stroke. Half the price to buy, much lighter than an equal 4 stroke, and every mechanic and his dog round here knows the Enduros, so parts and know-how are stellar. Also, see the vid "Are Yamaha 2 strokes tough?"...
So it is ok to poison the seaweed and sea life that you are attempting to harvest? IN California years ago. you could see the oil slick of 2 stroke oil in lakes and sometimes on the ocean near the harbors. It actually is that much with many vessels using2 strike. Then again a is mentioned earlier the weight of a 4 stroke on canoes etc is just too much.
It all makes sense now! I knew mosquitoes were getting much worse over the last 10 or so years. It's because everyone has switched over to 4 stroke
Pffft hahaha not me i still run a 2 stroke and mix 32:1
You seemed to have compared old 2 stroke technology to 4 stroke technology. To be fair, you should have discussed efi/dfi 2 strokes as well. My 2012 Mercury Pro Xs 2 stroke is as quite as any four stroke and the fuel milage is great too!
and still much lighter, and with less moving parts etc..
**also, if capable of higher RPM's and continuing to make power into the over-rev RPM range like a whole lot of 2-strokes are, then higher top end speeds are a capability!!
Direct Injected 2-Strokes are a totally different animal. They had four stroke economy, but 2-stroke get up and go.
Yeap, I agree with you folks. Not a fair comparison in my opinion. 😆
@@musntang1 direct injected 2 strokes were a handful though
Direct 2 stroke, oh yes those super reliable Opti-Pops. They were great engines until you needed them.
This next winter it's time to rebuild my 1979 Mercury V-175 Black Max. I love that stinky motor, in fact my bass boats name is Ol' Stanky. Keep up the great content!!
Years back I had twin 4 liter V8 Johnsons (two strokes), on my 25 ft Cougar MTR Tunnel, loved those motors (modded to almost 400 H.p. each), but they burned an insane about of oil. If OMC could have figured out the reliability of making the two strokes environmentally friendly they would have been gold.
Very well done. Your editing is just as good as anything found on the net including Netflix. My father always had an outboard even when he had no boat. In the early 50’s everything was oil mix and I learned to associate the sweet smell of a two stroke with the best of times!
I have been watching your videos for a long time now and have never disagreed with you, but this time I strongly do.
Besides burning oil, torque ratio and weight, all else you said does not apply to my Gen 1 Evinrude 150 etech. 558 hours.
Fuel economy is great. 6.3 gph at cruising speed of 21 mph.
Low noise. Low maintenance. Plugs every 300 hours and it sips oil. 1.5 gallon tank will last 4 to 5 fishing trips.
When I bought my 200 hpdi's, I was repowering my boat from old school johnson 200's. I bought my matching pair of Z motors at a boat show. At that time 4 strokes were the rage. They were giving away 2 strokes, I got two, 2 stroke hpdi yamaha motors one counter rotation, brand new left overs for 26k rigged. Twin 200 for 26k. I couldn't go wrong. Those were awesome motors.
I Charter my boat commercially. Still running a yamaha ox66. At 22 years old and 2500 hours later, I have no desire to upgrade. The cost breakdown to upgrade to a 4 stroke at which point i would break-even on the purchase puts me at 15 years give or take current fuel prices. As long as they don’t discontinue 2 stroke oil, keep on going!
It was the government that killed the two stroke. Four strokes were only developed when they knew that the government was going to kill the two stroke. The cost of the oil is nothing compared to the increased cost of the motor itself. I love the smell of a two stroke in the morning!
2 stroke outboard engine alive and well in south Pacific Island countries mostly 85hp or less.
2 stroke are cheaper than 4 stroke, cheaper to maintain, less electrical parts on 2 stroke especially for our humid climate. Parts availability and price is a big factor in our region. 4 stroke is more costly to maintain in the long run...unless someone can prove me wrong.
From a weekend Mercruiser mechanic, I'll take a 2-stroke any day of the week. 2-stroke will outlive you.
Two strokes are lighter per horse power than four strokes. I replaced my 25 hp 2 stroke with a 25 hp stroke on my little boat and found it was way heavier than my old engine which actually made my boat slower.
I remember all of us guides in south Texas in the early 90s firing up our outboards at the dock. There would be about 20 of us. You couldn't see the 3rd boat down 🤣 . Looked like socked in fog. I miss those days but I wouldn't ever go back to the old 2 stroke. These 4 stroke Suzys are game changers.
Remember that 70's horror movie the Fog. When you said you couldn't see the 3rd boat on a cold start lol. Brings back memories of my old man firing up a mercury 6hp before sunrise to go duck hunting in the early 80's.
I live in Wisconsin and around here most boats that are 10+ years old have a two-stroke engine on it in fact boats around here that old it’s rare to see them with a four stroke on it. But even still on newer boats around here it’s a 50-50 thing whether it’s a four stroke or two stroke
The last 2strokes made were the cleanest and best fuel economy. The big surprise is the cost of Maintence and how often. There are used boats for sale that the 4 stokes have been run up to the “big” Maintence point for people to avoid the cost. In general all the engines have their good and bad points. The big issue is the eco pressure has just double and tripled the investment and cost to discourage people from boating. New boats are the cost of small homes anymore.
Never went away up here in Canada. Most guys up here run 2 strokes mostly because most guys up here want a boat that’s paid for..lol.
I love my 2 stroke. I was going to upgrade a few years back and when I seen the prices and truthfully no more than I go onto the water, I can buy a lot of gas for the price of an upgrade. But I understand the argument between the 2.
I have a 4 stroke Merc and you are spot on in your evaluation. Temper this however with the fact that I still like the simplicity and all the quirks of the 2 strokes including the smoke.
I'm still running my 1986 Yamaha 50 DE - and mixing oil manually (no autolube). Works well and reliable. Compression pressures still > 120 PSI in all cylinders, difference under 3 %.
Love my 2-stroke Evinrude 130. Nothing beats that torque and instant power.
I like the holeshot that a 2 stroke gives.
Had a Mercury 225 EFI 2-stroke for 20 years. Incredibly reliable outboard, but it absolutely sucked down gas and smoked like a mother on startup. My new 4-stroke sips gas (compared to the old 2-stroke), doesn't smoke, and runs quiet. Surprisingly though, the old 2-stroke never fouled plugs but the new 4-stroke fouled them before 300 hours.
Any newer 2 stroke outboard does NOT smoke, the Mercury Optimax for example is as emission compliant as their 4 stroke replacement
I have a Merc 2.5L 200EFI. Runs like a top but it is a little on the thirsty side. I don’t mind buying 2 stroke oil to be honest when you factor in the oil and filter for a 4 stroke it’s almost the same cost as buying 2 stroke oil for the season. 5 gallons of 2 stroke oil lasts me the season.
The answer is Democrats, that’s what forced us out the 2-strokes.
I'm glad other people see it
I remember back in the early 80’s going fishing with my grandpa in his beat up trihull. The sound and smell of his 2 stroke evinrude buzzing along behind us. The sound and smell is very nostalgic to me. However I also remember the rainbow floating on the water which at the time I thought was fascinating and later realized it was oil on the water. I still love 2 strokes, I have a dirt bike have had snow mobiles, atv’s.
I have a 20 HP Mercury 2 stroke on a 15 ft aluminum boat I bought new in 1980 and still running strong. Every time I run it on a lake I put at least 20 miles on it so it's not just sitting on a pond.
Still love my old 1983 Evinrude 35. On a 16' aluminum boat I don't think a four stroke will ever beat it. 112# for 35 engine hp (around 30 prop hp) and 7 mpg at fast cruise (23 mph) and 5.7 mpg flat out (28 mph). I run premix Evinrude XD100 synthetic 50:1 and there is no smoke after startup and no carbon buildup in the engine or exhaust.
My 1972 25 johnson only weights about 79 pounds. Do you find that the XD100 is worth it on these old outboards vs regular synthetic 2 stroke oil cause I have been thinking about switching.
@@Hensleytheultimatehoundsman IMO, absolutely yes. with the small amount the smaller engines use, the cost is really negligible.
@@JerseyTom yea 1 gallon lasts me a few months, just hard to spend 50 when all the other oil is about 30. I think I might switch next time I buy some though
cant beat the smell and sound of the optimax its what got me into the industry
E-Tec two strokes burned cleaner and more efficiently than four strokes. It wasn't environmental pressures that killed them.
I have the G 2 etecs. the DPS and all the other electronic gear in them is a problem. I've had issues, though BRP has covered the warranty or at least the parts. It is hard to find a mechanic to work on them. ugh!! Evinrude was the gold standard when I grew up. Sad to see them go. The Japanese did it right, like with cars. My G2's are way too loud. Powerful, but loud.
@@ScoutyBoyO They never had the chance to really develop this motor. I think the big Guys just decided to eliminate the threatening competition.
@@ScoutyBoyO When they left Canada for manufacturing it definitely changed. Not saying American manufacturing is bad by any means, but there is a reason Lexus has a plant in Canada. The old OMC plant in Peterborough put out many engines that are still in use today. Where I boat there is still a huge Evinrude presence, main due to its proximity to Peterborough and the fact that most of the mechanics grew up working on them. It will be a sad day when I no longer see them on the lakes and the parts finally run out.
@@jamesbutson6347 There is such a huge following for the OMC's I feel even when BRP quits making parts there will be plenty of people making aftermarket solutions.
@@Hensleytheultimatehoundsman I sure hope so.
The modern day 2 stroke was as good as if not better then the 4 stroke in emissions.
Politics - that's what killed the 2 stroke and Evinrude.
This^^^^^^^^
Politics is usually the downfall of good things.
100% correct sir
I will have to disagree, Sure they were better than the old ones but not cleaner than a four stroke.
I own pretty much the highest maintenance 2 stroke out there, an Evinrude 150 Ficht. It’s pretty complicated, but that being said it’s really good on gas and oil. And it doesn’t smoke. So it’s a 2 stroke without the drawbacks of the 2 stroke, just requires really high quality gas and oil and you gotta really keep up on maintenance. And the EMMs fail but mine has already been done thankfully.
Ugh... I miss my 2 strokes! Did a repower last year. Lost 10 mph, gained 220lbs. Doesn't handle or manuver as well. Raised and lowered the engines can't get it to stop proposing, so forced to use tabs that I never had to use other than for listing. Lost my counter rotating (Merc decided not to make a counter 150) so had to rebuild the steering. Not a huge fan of my fat, slow 4 strokes.
My boat originally came with a 2 stroke and was changed to a 4 stroke sometime before I bought it. The drain holes on the transom where the motor mounts are in the water slightly, due to the added weight and was letting water in the access cover. I had to remove the cover flange and seal it.
I always ran 2 strokes when I was a kid. Said I’d never go 4 stroke. Wellll. That ended once I started using them. They’re super smooth and quiet. If I’m on a pond or lake. I’m good with any engine. I still love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning but on my center console I have an f300 and I would never go back to a 2-popper.
Lets just admit it, everyone that grew up before 4-strokes still loves that 2-stroke smoke smell in the morning. Yeah, baby! Thats the good stuff
The big problems I have with 4 strokes are the extra weight and the cost. I have a single 50hp motor on my 16' boat.
The lightest 50hp Honda weighs 214 lbs and costs $7,500 and my 83 Merc weighs just 170 lbs and is paid for.
My 50 Honda was paid for in 99' and has been fantastic ever since. On borrowed time at this point for sure as it gets year round use in salt. It replaced a Mariner 60 and wow was it a welcome replacement!
Valvetrain
Newer 4 strokes are as light and even lighter that the 2 strokes they replaced.
@@melrose9252 Not hardly. My 1983 50hp Mercury has a dry weight of 170 lbs.
The lightest modern 4-stroke 50hp outboard is the Tohatsu and it weighs 209 lbs. For the math impaired that's an extra 39 lbs. So I have no idea where you got the "as light or even lighter" idea.
@@melrose9252 - that’s impossible since you know nothing about engineering and the difference between 4 cycle and 2 cycle, on a level playing field of cylinder count and number of heads. Totally impossible and therefore also impossible to ever approach cost parity. You must own them or work selling them, if not then get a job selling them.
I have a 2000 Johnson 115 V4 2 stroke on my 17ft Javelin bass boat. Great motor, never let me down yet. I use Klotz full synthetic for my pre mix oil. Sweet smell, nothing beats it.
I have a 96 40Hp Force. Obviously 2 Stroke. It still runs and fires up. I add extra oil because it's older now and because I feel like it. I like the smoke.
I still have an 1985 120 Evinrude vro on a 1984 17’5 pro craft competitor. Only been in fresh water.
Are interested.
I have a Mercury Saltwater Optimax 150hp 2 stroke DFI. None of what you mentioned about 2 strokes apply to that engine. No smoke, no mileage issues, not more noise. Has great power and is lighter. It's a keeper!
I think many old 2-strokes are just poorly maintained. My Yamaha 40 hp gets 0,6-0,65 nautical miles per litre (measured over several years) while a new 4-stroke gets 0,5-0,55. So only about 15-30% difference at 21 knots. Given that in Sweden you cannot keep a 4-stroke more than a few years before it is stolen, the insane maintenance cost, the higher insurance and the high purchse price, its ALOT cheaper to own and operate a 2-stroke even when using the boat every week.
When I was a kid one of the major forms of daily transportation in my community was boats with outboard 2stroke engines. They were all size/weight appropriate for the 25 to 40 hp engines. With such small boats, I wanna say everybody was getting a lot more than 1 mile per gallon but I don't know the specific numbers at all
Getting ready to install a pair of GT 200 on a new boat! That Blue Fog will be a sight to behold!
My 300 e-tech 2010 model is 3 times cheaper to use than my buddies 350 verado 2017 model. We have been compared many times in different speeds.
Well E-tech is known for its fuel efficient. Sad they stopped making it 😢
Good luck finding parts in the future.
@@malekodesouza7255 I have no problems finding parts for my 1983 Evinrude 75 hp. Complete rebuild this spring and all parts readily available.
@@malekodesouza7255 lol there will be no issue getting parts for any of the ETEC line For decades to come
@@malekodesouza7255 Parts will be available for many years
@@malekodesouza7255 exactly and bombardier is very proud of any parts they sell so price is rediculous
First off I’ve worked on outboards for many years and belong to a club . I have NEVER fowled a plug from the mixture being to thick and I run some at 12:1 ratios ! 2nd - the weight to power difference is huge , take a 25hp -4 stroke on a pontoon where you’d be lucky to get it up on plane now put a 2 stroke 25hp on that same pontoon there’s no problem planing it out and weights much less plus the fuel economy is better ( they ALL do need to be correctly tuned and serviced ) and the cost of buying is also a big difference . Also 2 strokes did have a problem with oil injection and that gave them a big black eye . I have motor that are over 100 years old that run beautiful let’s see how the 4 strokes last ! Lol
If you baby anything it will last forever if oiled up to prevent rust. Nothing spectacular there.
New four strokes are getting very close to 2 stroke power to weight ratios. And they consume way less fuel.
Oil injection over time loses its ability to meter the proper amount of oil into the gas and kills the motor due to lack of lubrication. If some additional oil is added to the gas to supplement what the oil injection is lacking the motor can be saved. Or better yet remove the oil injection and premix the fuel
@@terrorofdemons1168 Or better yet, use an engine that has seperate fuel and lubrication systems ;)
I just gave up my 125 2 stroke for a 175 Verado only thing I miss is the smell, got a lot of memories in that 2 stroke smoke!
Love my Optimax. The fuel economy and power is unbelievable.
Same here, Merc oil, quickleen every other tank and yearly maintenance: impeller kit, spark plugs, strainer, belt, thermostats, electric plugs clean up….awesome in fuel consumption
The EPA killed it.
I still have a Mercury 50hp 2 stroke and I recently cleaned the carburetors and removed the airbox for better flow. It runs well being over 20 years old. I just keep oil in it, change the spark plugs, and keep the batteries charged. Otherwise it runs great, I'm gonna be changing the lower unit's gear oil soon though.
Good to see ya mate !! stick with it !!!
Always!
My 2 stroke never went away. Still run the 1986 Johnson 50hp will great hole shot.
I'm the fan that hollered at you coming out of key colony channel, keep the content coming 👌
Seems like a bit of an unfair comparison - for the most part, you were comparing modern 4-strokes to the older carburetor model 2-strokes (like your old Ocean Pro model). My Evinrude ETEC 150 has zero smoke, zero smell, is just as fuel efficient as the Yamahas and Suzukis run by my friends, is faster up on plane because it's 70 to 100 lbs. lighter than any comparable 150 4-stroke and burns just as clean as any 4-stroke (not that I care much about the rules in California, but the ETEC has the same 3-star CARB rating as any 4-stroke - I believe Mercury is only a 2-star rating). And with that clean burn, and iridium spark plugs, I can run for 3 seasons before I need to change plugs.
@Max Black If BRP hadn't gotten into such financial trouble with their aviation business, they'd still be building ETECs. The outboard business was an easier branch of business to sacrifice.
@Max Black You'd have to ask them. I suppose they all just saw 4-stroke technology as an easier way to comply with stricter EPA regulations, whereas BRP chose to develop a more efficient 2-stroke with their ETEC technology. I don't think there is anything wrong with 4-stroke outboards - like many other comments here, I just felt this video is an unfair comparison between modern 4-strokes and the old carbureted 2-strokes, as opposed to more modern EFI or DFI 2-strokes, which are way more efficient and cleaner than the old carburetor models shown here. I've run Johnson or Evinrude 2-strokes for over 40 years now and never had any trouble with any of them, and I'll continue to run my ETEC until it dies. If it ever does, then I'll probably go with Yamaha or Suzuki. Until then, I'm comfortable with the ETEC's great fuel efficiency, clean burning, fewer moving parts to break down and lighter weight.
@Max Black I'll respectfully disagree. Just like the same old Chevy-Ford-Dodge argument, every outboard manufacturer has their share of problems but I don't think you can categorically say Evinrude is "not as reliable as modern 4-strokes". Do a search for any outboard brand "problems" and you'll find 1000's of horror stories for the 4-stroke manufacturers as well. My local outboard dealership sells and services Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury and Evinrude and they tell me as a percentage of total sales for each brand, they have just as many issues with Yamahas and Suzukis as they do Evinrudes. Same for another dealership about 50 miles up the road.
No matter what motor brand you own, there is always a chance you are going to have problems. Two of my neighbors blew powerheads on their brand new Mercurys with less than 50 hours of service. Another neighbor has a Suzuki that eats starter motors - 4 new starters while under warranty. Another friend has a Yamaha that has had overheating problems since day one and they never did figure it out before he finally just got rid of it. And heaven help you if the timing belt on your Yamaha lets go (a timing BELT, really??). In 600 hours of service on my ETEC, I've had to replace a tilt-trim motor - that's it. Maybe I've been lucky. Or maybe it's just a well built motor.
But hey, like the old sayings go, "whatever makes you happy" or "whatever floats your boat". I'm happy with my ETEC and I'll run it until it's dead, which might never happen before I'm dead. My old 1984 Johnson I sold years ago is still running strong and so is my 1998 Evinrude Ocean Pro I sold 5 years ago. If you are happy with whatever brand of motor you have, that's great too.
lol etec do have smoke and smell, it just hard to see, you do get little bit of smell at the right condition, like u have a enclosed cabin trolling.
Your 'I did that' sticker on the gas pump is painfully hilarious! (and so true)
ETEC G2 IS LIFE!!!!! Stop comparing a modern 4 stroke to a old dinosaur 2 stroke. Appels to Oranges. ( 25' Robalo with 250 HO Etec g2 )
I have a 2005 Yamaha hpdi, it only lightly smokes for the first few seconds after startup. Otherwise no smoke or smell. It runs great with about 2000 plus hours.
For a small dingy, 2 stroke makes more sense to me. Reduced weight, increased speed, less maintenance (in a sense. 4 strokes have more moving parts, so there is actually more stuff to possibly go wrong). Also, with very small 2 stroke outboards they don't exactly guzzle fuel like a huge engine does. They are good for travelling short distances. 2 strokes have not died. There are still plenty of good 2 strokes available on the market.
My Mariner 200 is awesome and is 30 plus years old.
I have in my shop 1 225 verado, 1 225 etec G1 and 1 200 etec G2 the verado it’s the most loud of those 3. And even being a 2 stroke are cleaner that the verado 4 strokes.
The nice thing is that now we’ll not only everything is going to eletric but newer two stroke oil depending on what brand, usually I only use Echo Red amor mix with is smokeless but it’s nice and thick, but super clean, it still leaves a bit of residue but it’s not terrible as most generic brands, I use it on my old evinrudes like for. The 50s-70s, and all of them run great off of the mix with some VP non-ethonal gas, 94 octane 👌, plus two strokes are easy and fun to work on and always give tons of powers
plus two strokes are easy and fun to work on and always give tons of powers
Here’s an idea for a video using this new conversational style….when to rebuild vs replace/buy new. Assuming you ship out for a rebuild so I’m curious on your thoughts on when you would pay to rebuild vs replace with new/used
The biggest problem with 2 strokes is that they usually had multiple carbs linked together on most of the bigger hp outboards...the carbs would get clogged and if for example out of 3 or 6 carbs one was clogged you can still run it and it just runs rough but since you are not getting enough fuel to the cylinder which that carb supplies you are also not getting oil which would damage that cylinder and destroy the engine...4 stokes dont have that problem even if the use carbs ..which all i have seen have injectors...also with todays gas injector work better in my opinion.
2-3 MPG!?!? I get about 20 with my 20+ year old Suzuki 55 ... 1-2 MPG and I'd be filling up twice every fishing trip.
Trying to sell me on a 4-stroke because it’s quieter is like trying to sell a Harley guy a Honda motorcycle because it’s quieter. I love the Mercury black Max. Sound is amazing.
I'm stuck with my 03 yamaha 200 66 it's all I can afford, but I love the 4 stroke
Lets not forget the simplicity of the older non efi 2 strokes. Can tolerate low battery voltage and general abuse. Good luck pricing a modern 4 stroke ecu and wiring harness after the green crusties (corrosion) on the connectors etc. Id rather burn more fuel than deal with dealer only repairs
I always loved 2 strokes. Still do on small applications for a pond or small lake. I said I’d never go 4 stroke , but I did , and on the ocean I’d never go back. New 4 strokes are super reliable, quiet and efficient. I run a single 2018 F300 yamy , I love it. My last engine was a 2007 Suzuki 200 and that engine was Awsome. Sold it with 2000 hours still runs quiet as a mouse.
I have an 01 Voyager 21ft fish and ski pontoon. Came with a 60hp Mercury Bigfoot. Injection pump has never failed. Never been rebuilt. Still hold great compression in cylinders, does not smoke much at all and imo uses moderate oil. Fires up every year, good consistent power for what it's used for. I spray carb cleaner beginning of every season. I add Stabil in Winter, and I run seafoam in the tank 1 or 2 times a season depending on how much I use it and I NEVER run anything but premium fuel in it. I also use Lucas 2 stroke oil.
I work on outboards. I would advise you to never spray carb cleaner into a two stroke while the engine is running. You can remove the carbs and take apart and spray carb cleaner. But when it’s running can lock up the engine because the carb cleaner is washing away the lubrication
@@terrorofdemons1168 ok. Thanks for the tip. Just curious what made you think I was doing it while running it?
@@Lordhumongus because you didn’t say I tear the carbs down and clean with carb cleaner. Sounds like your just spraying the outside the carbs with carb cleaner. Is that correct
@@terrorofdemons1168 no sir. I spray it in the gugenheim valve after thoroughly rheeming the posterior orifice.
Love where your taking the channel let’s rock it’s about time some one starts putting out this smart content
I run a 1972 Johnson 20 hp on my 14' Lund. A great combination
Most two strokes dumped lots of raw gas out the exhaust without burning it. Elgins and earliest Johnson's were the only smooth two strokes. My six HP Elgin is all the size I want. Four cycle can be light, especially when you don't design for vibration and extra Jerry cans. Go faster? Trim ship, matey. Move the weight to the middle.The biggest motor I want to hand start? 10 ponies. I'm fond of air cooled.
You can't really talk about fuel efficiency when a 4 stroke costs 4x that of a 2 stroke and don't even get me started on valve adjustments, cam belt swaps, maintenance, cost of parts etc.. it's still way cheaper to own a 2 stroke, you wouldnt save the difference in fuel in a lifetime (commercial boat yes)
The 2 stroke is not dead. They sell Tons of them in Africa and Asia. Most often it’s the Tohatsu 2 stroke engines tldi.
Old type 2 strokes are no longer mfd in USA. But new tech two strokes are available. The automobile and its mechanics killed the two stroke.
KTM has direct injection 2 stroke bikes
Stupid, tree hugging, people with way too much time on their hands rallying and getting these corrupt, dumbass traitor politician's to push their Money and time wasting agenda.. not to mention UnConstitutional..
And 2 stroke snowmobiles are still being made
I swapped over both of my outboards to 4 strokes, and it's an improvement in my opinion. I didn't mind the smell but it's just nice not mixing fuel and how much smoother they run
Nothing wrong with spending money for sure, that’s what’s it for. 😁 Some of us old timers demand and still fight for having a CHOICE. It’s all being taking away because no one gives a shet to speak up and demand CHOICE. It’s our earned money after all. CHOICE always breeds competition among manufacturers not just in price but development. When I listen to a big 4 stroke idle, no louder than a car with the added sound of someone peeing in the water. At speed no different to me. Don’t do idling myself, unlike in the car.
@@robertp7209 I'd give it a few more years and then you'll have the choice of an electric outboard too! Even less maintenance!
@@BD-oo6ru not likely, the batteries will be so big and heavy, the boat will sink. Unless you want to go from here to there, slow, then plug it in all night long. 200 gals of fuel in my 25 footer now. Not 22 like in my car with 400 mile range. Need different batt tech, a lot of energy it takes to push all the water out of the way. We will see.
@@robertp7209 I suspect the battery tech will improve, may cost more though but then again gas is also up. Guess we will see
Smoother? Have you ever run a 4 stroke with a tiller handle compared to a good 2 stroke. The 2 stroke is way smoother
It is all about "Budget" my friend, as usual excellent content, man I love this channel !
1988 Johnson 88 spl still running strong as all on my boat. Haven't had to replace spark plugs since I've got it. Just take them out and clean them once a year!
I just bought a Hangkai 6hp 2 stroke on eBay for my 12' fishing boat. Arizona lakes and river. 👍
I have a 1992 Mercury Black Max. I love it. Still runs great and I do a premix of Amsoil Marine oil. Its almost smokeless and runs like a champ since I took out the oil injection. Its also easy and fun to work on. I have taken really good care of this engine. Born Again Boating would be surprised to remove the cowl and see the condition of it. They could do a segment on the performance and condition of my engine.
Well, my two stroke 50 horse smokes very little, but I suppose it does burn some oil cause I have to keep an eye on the engine oil tank. seems it gets pretty good gas mileage too. hole shot is fantastic as well. lifts my 17.5 foot on plane in 2 or 3 seconds. maintenance is drop dead simple. lower unit oil change is less than a quart. spark plugs are usually good after three years. water pump gets changed every three years and usually looks about new. three grease fittings and done. fuel/water separator every two years and on engine fuel filter changed last year after 5 years and had no sediment but plastic had turned from clear to yellow and couldn't see through it. inexpensive parts too, except spark plugs are way overpriced. Hey, it runs pretty quiet too. I think I'll keep it!!!
Anyone that doesn't like the smell of a smoker is a FN bender. If they bottled it in a cologne I'd wear it.
Here in Sri Lanka the 2 Stroke outboard motor is King (still). You can count the number of 4 Strokes on your hands. Every Fisherman here - and there are 10s of Thousands of them all around the island, use 2 Stroke outboard Engines.... because they are easy to fix, especially if you break down at sea. Only recently in the past few years the Sri Lankan Navy switched to 4 Stroke Engines.
Can you make a video of how to chose a amp and speakers? Been a little confusing! Love the videos!!
Mid 80's Evinrude on my boat. Only the impeller and plugs replaced. Runs like a top.
100% agreed with Riverakers, I will only add that 2 stroke engines can be fuel and oil injected, outperforming 4 stroke engine with much less weight.
I have a 2002 Yamaha 150hp V6 oil injected 2 stroke on my 20ft boat. The only time it smokes is when I first start it. It gets decent gas millage and sips oil for the injectors. It runs very strong and is reliable. I will not get rid of it until it dies!
Thanks for the vid. Good to put a face to the voice. Enjoy and teach others with your vids. Keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
Awesome video Aaron!! I'm proud to say that I own 6 outboards 5 of which are 2 strokes! 💨
I only ride 2 stroke pre mix jet skis and if you tune them right and get the appropriate temperature spark plug they last as long as a 4 stroke plug.
And lower the engine life by 4 times, yupp.
If you are running a 2 cycle right you do not foul plugs and you get verry little exoust smoke use synthetic and no exoust smoke . Regardless any engine is hazardous. Biggest problem thow is everyone runs their engine wide open for extended periods witch ain't good . You should never run any engine any faster the 2/3 throttle then they will last dam near forever .
Great videos -- Keep them coming.
Have 2 ETEC MOTORS 60 TILLER AND A 150 REMOTE . LOVE THEM BOTH NO SMOKE AND EASY ON OIL AND PLUGS
Thanks for doing this well detailed video. In Canada you can still buy used two strokes but people generally don't want them or they fetch 1/3 the price of an equivalent 4 stroke. In the end, you are still adding oil and burning it and I don't think the fish and other wildlife have any sentimental association with it. Anyone old enough to remember "Leaded" gasoline? It had a certain smell that also happened to be a serious health risk.
The very first thing that killed the two stroke is the idea that a motor should only last for five years. The four stroke is a horrible motor for an outboard. Lower power whether you use displacement or weight, maintenance, maintenance, and maintenance. You cannot run a four stroke at wide open throttle and have it last for 50 years. It will barely last 5 years.