The future of two strokes?

This topic has 6 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 1 month ago by Flyswatter.

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May 6, 2013 at 7:16 pm #453977

Flyswatter
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Yamaha will be making their final fourstroke convergence with their 150 SHO release this June or shortly after. Also, No foreseeable 175SHOs from Yamaha (sure glad Ive got a 175HPDI on my SabreFTD). After several trips to Bass Pro Shops Im seeing Merc four strokes dominate in presence from 40 HP and up to 150HP motors in the two stores I visit. Rumor has it that 2014 is going to be Mercs potential unveiling with newer lighter four stroke technology with 200 and 250 Motors. Again, that is rumor but talked about in some circles Ive been in. Also, I dont think they will be offering a 225 HP four stroke power plant. Thats interesting sans 225 if the rumor is true. Only remaining OEM committed to two strokes after that will be BRP Evinrude Etecs. Thats not a negative or positive just an observation. They more then meet EPA requirements with clean burn technology. Humorously, if or when Merc makes that convergence I wonder if BRP will respond with more on the water tug a war commercials. Ive had both technologies and currently own a two stroke 175HPDI. It does not take a back seat in performance to a four stroke. Arguablly, a four stroke may last longer if maintenance to OEM specs. Conventional wisdom suggest that. In contrast my brothers 2003 2 stroke has 864 hours and going strong. Thats 10 years. I am very impressed with the motor. I have no issues operationally with both. Also, all things being experienced theres been no bass boat negatives regarding whole shot and WOT with my four stroke bass boat experience. In a day and age where we split hairs (tenths MPH) toward supremacy there are no short comings there. Wheres the edge with someones often not repeatable all time best WOT speeds (at most 1 mph) if youre going west and Im going east? The WOT debate is a red hearing IMO. Also, EPA has been promoted in the motor argument. Im coming around to it accepting it as more hype. However it is real for those who live in California. To be continued because two years from now we could be still be having this debate. Last edited by Flyswatter on May 7th, 2013, 11:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

May 6, 2013 at 9:02 pm #453978

RazorCat
Participant

Ive never owned a four stroke engine. The people I know that own them rave about the gas mileage, but also comment on the difference in response vs. the two stroke. I dont know from experience. But, my 07 150 Optimax is about as cheap to operate as I can imagine. I burn non-ethanol, use the Merc cocktail (1 oz Quickleen, 1 oz Quickcare per 6 gallons) and run DFI Semi-synthetic oil. No complaints about gas mileage and definitely doesnt burn any oil. And it only has a 2 Star rating vs. 3 star for a Pro XS. I would be hard pressed to buy a 4 stroke unless that was my only choice. Are they that much more fuel efficient and clean burning vs. a 2 stroke?

May 6, 2013 at 9:54 pm #453979

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Razor,Since Merc has the largest bass boat market share once they make a stronger commitment past the their current 150 four stroke the shift will gain momentum.

May 6, 2013 at 10:01 pm #453980

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Within three years more will be known about the future of the outboard market. We can say that any rumor about any Mercury product is strictly rumor as there are extremely few that have any understanding of anything they are working on. We have sat inside those cubicles and visited on new products and have not released them for any knoweldge. We do not presently know anything about any products that Mercury is presently working on. We know the initial direction they intend to take, though everything mentioned above is pure speculation on that regard. As for Yamaha, they have made their position well known and they are strongly committed to four stroke and have already presented products to that market to handle the whole realm of the needs. They have not produced the products yet, though soon they will and Mercury bridged that gap with their four stroke 150 last year, while still offering the entire two (2) stroke line as is. Yamaha will move away from the two stroke offering and in time so will Mercury, though no one knows anything about what is on the R&D plate there now except a very few who are working on products. BCB

May 7, 2013 at 12:09 am #453981

Flyswatter
Participant

Duly noted and Mercs 150 bridge is a good start.

May 7, 2013 at 2:37 am #453982

Tx76
Participant

Ill miss yamasmoke…. I can fog for mosquitos and make lots of noise at the same time.

May 7, 2013 at 11:06 am #453983

Flyswatter
Participant

Tx76 wrote:Ill miss yamasmoke…. I can fog for mosquitos and make lots of noise at the same time.Now thats a unique advantage.
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