Four Stroke Foursome…
The end of an era looms on the horizon. Traditional two-stroke technologies have taken us this far. With government mandated air quality and efficiency standards, most manufacturers have applied the advantages of Four-stroke technology to smaller and smaller engines.
But will four-stroke technology change our boating lives? Microskiff.com takes a look the latest 25-horsepower, four-stroke engines from Honda, Mercury, Tohatsu and Yamaha. (Suzuki declined our invitation Through Outboard Specialties of Pompano Beach Florida we have been able to test the Suzuki DF25) We'll examine the differences and similarities and try to kick the old two-stroke smoking habit.
Accordingly, the first two-stroke disadvantage to go is that blue cloud that stains that morning air as an old two-stroke-technology outboard roars to life. Then that blue sheen that an idling two stroke deposits on the water disappears. Add to this a much quieter, smoother-running and more fuel-efficient outboard and everything looks brighter… or does it?
With all the advantages we gain, one obvious disadvantage pokes it’s ugly head up, weight. That's because similarly rigged new four stroke motors in the 25 horsepower range pack on between 30-50 draft-penalizing pounds to the stern. In small skiffs this weight has to be addressed. Other heavy required items, like batteries or fuel tanks, will have to be relocated to counterbalance the added motor weight. Or, in my case, a few good weeks at the gym and lay off the imported adult beverages.
With all the advantages we gain, one obvious disadvantage rears its ugly head -- weight. Similarly rigged new four-stroke engines in the 25 horsepower range pack on between 30 to 50 draft-penalizing pounds to the stern. In small skiffs this weight issue must be addressed. You may be forced to relocate other required heavyweight items, like batteries or fuel tanks, to counterbalance the added motor weight. Or, in my case, I spent a few good weeks at the gym and laid off the imported adult beverages.
Some manufacturers go so far as to remove the 25-horsepower motor from their portable classification, and now classify them as mid-range motors. With the heaviest of these models tipping the scale at over 180 pounds, it comes as no surprise. Most manufacturers have gone to a shared platform with their 25-horsepower motors, adding a few geek-tweaks to the onboard computers effectively upping them to 30 horsepower, for those who’s USCG capacity plates allow that maximum rating.
What can we expect from these new motors? Let’s take a look.
Honda | Mercury | 
Suzuki | Tohatsu | Yamaha | Conclusion | The Skiff | Back
