TAKEOFF
MOTOR SELECTION
Two-stroke motors, like the Evinrude E-TEC G2, are the most popular with FLW Tour pros due to their performance, speed and simple reliability.
TWO-STROKE OR FOUR-STROKE?
T
WEIGHING THE PROS AND CONS OF MOTOR SELECTION
wo-stroke or four? It remains a top question among
those considering the purchase of a new boat package,
or re-powering an existing model. Once dominated by
two-strokes and the need for speed, the bass boat industry
has now accepted four-strokes as a meaningful alternative
where conditions allow. So how do you choose?
The Basics
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Engine cycling periods give two- and four-stroke motors
their name, but their internal differences are the real key.
Basically, the fuel/oil mixture enters and exits a two-stroke
directly in the cylinder, whereas a valve train (including valves,
valve springs and cams) controls the same movement in
four-strokes. For that primary reason, four-strokes contain
more moving parts, are slightly more complicated to main-
tain and weigh more, overall, than comparable two-strokes.
Another major difference between the two categories lies
in their lubrication. Two-stroke motors are lubricated
through oil that is mixed in the fuel, and therefore burned
By Joe Balog
through the combustion cycle. Like automobiles, four-strokes
contain internal oiling systems. They use far less oil overall,
but it requires changing on a regular schedule.
Making the Choice
While four-strokes are gaining popularity, the best way
to choose between the two types is to evaluate your boat
and fishing style and decide what factors are most impor-
tant to you.
Consider several factors as you decide:
Top-end speed – The two-stroke easily wins this one.
With fewer parts and reduced weight, as well as a faster
response due to fewer cycles per period, a two-stroke out-
board is normally 3 to 5 mph faster than a four-stroke of the
same horsepower rating on the same hull.
Idling – The four-stroke blows this category away, and it’s
noticeable if you’re a fisherman that spends a lot of time in
speed zones or graphing structure. In addition to being
much quieter at idle, a four-stroke motor can be idled for
FLWFISHING.COM I AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2018