Two vs Four stroke

[skeeter1264]

Looking for opinions
I currently have a Yamaha 150 four stroke that I love. It's quiet, starts everytime (knock wood) very little maintenance (no fogging etc), better for environment, Just very happy with it.
I am looking at new boats, ZX-190 or 200, and find that hardly any have four strokes on the back. My thought is that since the 2-strokes are lighter, that = more speed which = first to the "hot fishing spot". Although I like to go fast, I don't plan on going on the bassmaster tour anytime soon, so that extra mile per hour is not a deal breaker. What is it that has boat manufacturers and fisherman not using 4-strokes more?

[K.D.]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by skeeter1264 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What is it that has boat manufacturers and fisherman not using 4-strokes more?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

In years past, it's been the weight issue. But in the 150 class, the fourstroke weighs less than the 2 stroke. (4 cyclinder vs. 6 cylinder) On the bigger Yamaha 4 strokes, they weren't available in a short shaft motor so that eliminated the bassboats. They have had much acceptance in the bay boats that Skeeter builds.

Yamaha has announced a new short shaft 4 stroke 225 for later this year. Expect to see more of them in use as this one gains acceptance. From all the prelim stuff I've read they're addressed all of the negatives to using a 4 stroke on a bassboat with this one.

[macinckirk]

There going to have to do something if skeeter wants to sell anything here in Cal

Thats for SURE

[PSM207]

The new short shaft 225 four stroke is heavier than the 225 hpdi by approximately 50 lbs. This new 225 four stroke runs a couple of mph slower than the HPDI Vmax. This 225 Sport Model 4 stroke is actually built on the 250 four stroke platform, utilizing variable camshaft timing.

I wish Yamaha built a 175 hp four stroke. I'm sure it is in the works!

[Big Al]

I'm biased. I have a 4 stroke 150 on my SX190. I was out yesterday with Phippy who has a ZX 190 with a 175 HPDI. Since speed is not an issue, I still prefer the 4 stroke. The HPDI runs super but I do not like the "putt putt" of a 2 stroke at low speed, if you know what I mean, and my 4 stroke is definitely quieter and smoother. I do know that most boaters want the maximum HP on their boat and they still believe that the 2 stroke has more torque, power to weight ratio, etc. You would probably find that most of the die hard 2 stroke boaters have never been in a boat with a 4 stroke and therefore their opinions have no support.

[Jason Hale]

Four Strokes are coming around performance wise. In the early days of 4 strokes, they would not perform with the 2 strokes, but that is changing. We have 4 ZX 190's being built with the 150 4-Stroke. I have run this boat and it does great. I myself have a ZX225 on order for my demo with the new 225 4 Stroke. After speaking with the guys at the plant, it ran 68-70 MPH during their tests. I will see what we can get out of it. It is 50lbs. heavier, but you also don't have the oil tank with 2.8 gallons of oil, so the weight difference is virtually none. Will post numbers when the boat gets here. (Engines not scheduled for delevery until Nov.)

[skeeter1264]

Big Al
Thanks
You have made me proud to say I own a 4-stroke and would rather that on any new boat I get.

[PSM207]

I too, am extemely happy with my 4 stroke. Finally, we are starting to see more 4 stroke product hit the market. The new F225 Sport is quite an engine. If I were in the market for a new rig, the boat/engine combo mentioned my Jason Hale would be my choice. In my opinion, Yamaha needs to fill the 4 stroke gap between the F150 and and F225 Sport.

[jasonb01]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Big Al &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You would probably find that most of the die hard 2 stroke boaters have never been in a boat with a 4 stroke and therefore their opinions have no support. </TD></TR></TABLE>

That, I think, is so true. I love mine.