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