What Buyers Should Know

2 Stroke vs. 4 Stroke Outboard Motors: What Buyers Should Know

Boat owners considering purchasing a new outboard motor often have questions about the difference between a two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motor. Many people immediately assume that a two-stroke is less powerful and, therefore, less desirable. This isn’t necessarily true. While both two- and four-stroke motors have their advantages and disadvantages, it is the potential buyer’s interests, intentions and boating style that will determine which outboard motor is a better choice. Keep this list of advantage and disadvantages in mind while you prepare to purchase your next outboard motor:

Two-Stroke Outboard Motors:

A two-stroke engine works by featuring a compression stroke followed by an explosion stroke, which uses the previously compressed fuel. Since two-stroke engines do not include valves, their construction is simpler and many mechanics argue that they are easier to work on. Additionally, two-stroke engines offer double the power for their size due to the fact that there are twice as many strokes for each revolution. Finally, two-stroke outboard motors are significantly lighter and cost far less to make.

The main disadvantage of the two-stroke outboard motor is that it does not have the same longevity as a four-stroke. Two-stroke motors require a mixture of oil and gas to lubricate all of the moving parts, which can be expensive and somewhat difficult to formulate. Additionally, two-stroke engines are less fuel-efficient, get fewer miles per gallon and produce more emissions than four-stroke outboard motors.

Four-Stroke Outboard Motors:

A four-stroke engine works by running one compression stroke followed by an exhaust stroke. Each stroke is followed quickly by a return stroke. Most four-stroke outboard motors on the market today feature high-tech computer management systems to keep the motor running smoothly, which grants them great performance. Additionally, four-stroke outboard motors put out few emissions and are amazingly fuel-efficient.

The main disadvantage of a four-stroke motor is its size. Larger and heavier than its two-stroke counterpart, four-strokes are more expensive to build, although manufacturers are now building more space-efficient models. Additionally, four-stroke motors require regular oil changes and may be more difficult to fix in the event of motor trouble or worn parts. At the end of the day, the decision between a two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motor comes down to intended use.

A tournament angler who needs to get to the middle of the lake quickly might appreciate a powerful and zippy two-stroke while a leisure fisherman who values fuel economy may choose an efficient four-stroke. No matter what you do, purchase your new outboard from a reputable source such as Seawalker Marine, which features a wide variety of both two- and four-stroke outboard options.