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Location: Green Bay, WI | Well, I'm a four-stroke guy--but in all fairness, you could argue that the two-stroke engines have it over the four-strokes in trolling. With a four-stroke engine, there is a concern for fuel-oil dilution, simply because it has a reservoir with oil that the engine re-uses. With a two-stroke, this isn't the case--you use the oil, and then burn it. You then replenish the oil as needed.
If you really want to read a TON about the whole two- versus four-stroke topic, go on over to The Hull Truth's forum, and search there. You'll find enough to keep you busy for the next 1-2 weeks, I'll bet. I've read much of the stuff on there over the past few years, and there have been a number of threads on the subject. It's a hot issue alright.
I can save you a lot of time though, if you want. Here's what I think is the summary of all these discussions:
1) There really isn't a BAD engine made anymore. Competition is simply too great for the sales dollar, thus no engine manufacturer can afford to make a bad product. The price of the four-stroke oil changes makes up for the cost of the two-stroke oil; although the two-stroke E-TEC has a 300-hour/3-year service schedule. So you might save some money that way. Most people agree that the E-TEC is only slightly louder than the four-stroke engines, and there are decibel charts on that forum I mentioned that will show you. But for trolling, I wouldn't think you'd notice much difference at all.
2) The overwhelming majority of *knowledgeable* people I've seen comment on the matter seem to say the same thing--go with the engine brand you can find the best and most convenient service on. You can have the best engine in the world (if there is such a thing), but if you have to drive 100 miles every time you need service, you'll be kicking yourself. And even though you might be get engine 'A' for $500-600 less than engine 'B', that savings doesn't last long without good maintenance support.
3) Many times, the particular warranty program (i.e.; incentive) is the determining factor in an engine sale--of course, if there's a choice on the engine. If you're looking at a boat that comes with an E-TEC and you want that boat, guess what... But right now I believe that Suzuki has a 6-year deal going on warranty, although I've not looked into the fine details because I am not in the market for a boat or motor. But all things being equal and if I could get service (and was happy with that dealer), I'd go with the engine of the best warranty.
Oh that reminds me--read the warranty details VERY carefully! If you are a guide and use your rig for hire, you're a "commercial operator" in the eyes of most engine manufacturers, so the warranty period is only one year in most cases. So that might be very important to you as well.
Lastly, many brokers I've seen on the THT forum seem to indicate that used boats with four-stroke engines sell faster than boats with two-stroke engines. I don't know if it's as true around these parts however--but if that sort of thing might be important to you, then you better check it out before making the purchase.
That's a great boat by the way--I owned one with a 70hp Yamaha 2-stroke several years ago.
Good luck on your decision.
TB | |
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