Fourstroke ?

[Rivernut]

Looking to upgrade from a 2 stroke to a 4. My boat is rated for a 50 horse. It's a '96. Does it matter if it is a 2 or4 stroke? Is the extra weight of a 4 figured in, or is it more of a power issue vs. weight. Thank's for any and all responses. Mike

[iffy]

The difference in motor weight is minimal. Either motor will work fine and be in compliance with your plate.

[Kyle Sandberg]

Personally, I would go with a four stroke. I just don't like messing around with the two stroke oil and always having to add it, not to mention it's expensive. If you like to troll with your motor, use a four for quietness and I believe more reliability.

[kslipsinker]

I made the switch from 2 to 4 stoke on my 96 boat a few years ago. Best thing I ever did. I absolutely love the 4 stroke. I have an injected 40 Merc, which has been perfect for four years. Make sure you properly break it in if you are buying new.

[fishermn]

Like other have said the weight difference for that size motor isnt all that much. If you are really interested, look at a site like nadaguides and look up a couple newer 4 strokes and 2 strokes, they list the engine weight in the specs.

For smaller motors, like 10 - 25 hp, there is a significant weight difference, the 4 strokes are about 20 - 35% heavier.

[pakrat]

I also have switched last summer on my 96 - 17 ft . My boat was pretty well under powered having a 25 merc 2 stroke since new . It is rated for 45 hp , I don't know why I waited this long but now I'm loving my 40 hp merc 4 stroke EFI .

[harvey lee]

I purchased a new 50 Merc, 4-stroke this year and its quiet, trolls down very slow and is great on fuel economy.

I would not go back after buying this motor.