| Outboard Motors: | | | | more familiar with engine repairs, or even want a |
| The engine is one of the most necessary parts of | | | | motor that is easy to repair and can be brought |
| your boat. Without it, you are not going to go very | | | | anywhere to be fixed. If you are not required to |
| far. Outboard motors are the most common type of | | | | operate in a body of water that is for four stroke |
| propulsion used on boats today. This motor is | | | | engines only, you may want to purchase a 2-Stroke. |
| mounted to the stern end of the boat, with an | | | | If you would like the most power for weight of the |
| attached propeller in the water. There are many | | | | engine, or interested in more speed, acceleration, and |
| choices and considerations that you need to make | | | | performance; a 2-Stroke engine is for you. |
| when it comes to purchasing an outboard motor for | | | | 4-Stroke Outboard Motors: |
| your boat. The type or power of the engine you get | | | | 4-Stroke engines run quieter and idle smoother, |
| depends on the size of your boat, the speed you | | | | allowing for a more pleasurable ride. They are safer |
| want, and what the boat will be used for. | | | | for the economy with less pollution and smoke, and |
| Types of Outboard Motors: | | | | are better on fuel. They are accepted on all bodies |
| The two types of outboard motors available are | | | | of water. These engines are also very reliable. |
| 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke engines. There are positives | | | | The negative aspects of a 4 stroke engine are that |
| and negatives to each of these engine types. | | | | they are more complex, which allows for more |
| Because of the light weight, 2-Stroke engines are | | | | problems to arise. When repair is needed; it is more |
| chosen when good top end speed and acceleration is | | | | expensive, hard to find trained mechanics, and limited |
| needed. 4-Stroke engines run smoother and more | | | | parts on the market. 4-Stroke engines are also less |
| economical, and are usually chosen for use on lakes | | | | powerful 2-Stroke engines. Because they weigh more |
| and rivers. | | | | than 2-Stroke engines, they may be too heavy for |
| 2-Stroke Outboard Motors: | | | | some smaller boats. |
| 2-Stroke engines are lighter and faster, allowing for | | | | You are most likely to use a 4 stroke engine if you |
| more top end speed and acceleration. They are also | | | | are interested in trolling along on a quiet, smooth ride. |
| more affordable and have a higher resale value. | | | | These engines are better for use on bigger boats. If |
| Because 2-Stroke engines have been around for | | | | the water in your area requires a "4-Stroke only" |
| almost 80 years; necessary parts are more readily | | | | boat, it is probably a good idea to go with this engine. |
| available, making repair easier. The design on these | | | | If you would rather give up engine speed and |
| engines is less complex than that of a 4 stroke | | | | acceleration for a cleaner engine, you may want to |
| engine, which allows for fewer problems to arise. | | | | purchase a 4-Stroke. Also, if you are interested in |
| There are also some cons to buying a 2-Stroke | | | | less pollution and smoke, and don't want to have to |
| engine. These engines are not as environmentally | | | | mix oil; a 4-Stroke engine is for you. |
| friendly, and produce more pollution and smoke. In | | | | Manufacturers: |
| the non oil injection models; is necessary to mix gas | | | | 2-Stroke: Evinrude, Yamaha, Nissan and Mercury. |
| with oil. These engines are noisier, have a rougher | | | | 4-Stroke: Johnson, Honda, Mercury, Nissan, Suzuki, |
| idle, and are sometimes difficult to start. There are | | | | Tohatsu and Yamaha. |
| also some problems with spark plugs fouling. | | | | Both 2 and 4-Stroke engines have advantages and |
| Boaters who would be most likely to choose a | | | | disadvantages. You need to decide how you are |
| 2-Stroke outboard engine if they are interested in | | | | going to use your motor, and what you want it to |
| speed, performance, and acceleration. This may be | | | | do for you. Because 4-Stroke engines are newer, |
| the engine of choice if you own a smaller boat that | | | | they are continually improving to make purchase and |
| may not be able to hold the weight of a 4-Stroke | | | | repair easier on the boater. |
| engine. A 2-Stroke engine is also suitable if you are | | | | |