The best bet when predicting maintenance costs before a
purchase is to estimate the number of hours you’ll place on
your engine each year, and oil costs. Then consult your local
marine mechanic or outboard dealer to discuss cost and fre-
quency of maintenance.
Weight – Depending on your boat, you might need to
consider overall weight on your transom if you’re planning
to own a four-stroke. Once an after-thought, weight has
become more of an issue, as transoms now frequently tote
two shallow-water anchors, and most tournament rigs
house four magnum batteries in the rear. Increasing your
outboard weight by 100 pounds (obviously, this could vary)
to go from a two-stroke to a four-stroke might be more than
your rig can handle. That said, manufactu