2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Trolling Deathmatch...
 

Looking for opinions and real world results.

I am currently the owner of a 2009 Honda 9.9 hp four stroke short shaft.
It is a great motor all round and reliable. The issues are two fold, one it is underpowered for my inflatable (will not plane with more than one person in the boat) and two it is quite "buzzy" under 3.5mph when trolling.
It is fully tuned up and is in perfect running order. I even went so far as to add a hydrofoil but it still won't plane w/two occupants or more.

I am looking to upgrade to a 20-25hp unit and am concerned about weight. So looking at a possible jump to a 25hp 2 stroke used or a new 4 stroke in the same hp range. The 2 stroke is like new so that won't make or break my decision.

Usage will be to get to destination as well as trolling duties.
Which way would you go?

2 stroke is the way to go i find they are better overall other than mixing fuel

I've never trolled w/one, how are they 2-3.5mph? I've always heard that they are smoky, smelly etc. and don't idle well. The 2 stroke is a 2001 model.

look at he new 20 hp honda comes in at just over 100 lbs i think probably not much heavier than a lot of 9.9 4 strokes, i know what you mean about being buzzy though, most of the small 4 strokes i have been around were like that not sure why always thought they should have less vibration.

Modern 2 strokes are quite comparable in weight to 4 strokes. The older 2 strokes are the ones that are light weight. I have a 1994 30 HP Johnson 2 stroke which trolls around 1.5 mph without choking itself out. My next motor will be a 4 stroke. Trolling with a 2 stroke it LOUD!

I have the same boat and my merc 20HP 4 stroke is pretty much spot on. 115lbs. Smooth and barely noticable.

In my experience, the 4 is far superior to a 2 for low speed running.

Thanks billie, how is it at moving the boat under load (multiple people and gear)?

2 guys and gear, planes pretty much right away, 35kph by GPS. Factory prop. Seems to work pretty good and I don't have a reason to change it although when I get a spare, it will be a shorter pitch.

Just what I was looking for, thanks.

BassPro look like the best bet for picking up a new one? Price, availability wise?

Four stroke Honda
 

Hi, first thing I would suggest is changing your prop to one with slightly less pitch. I have a 2012 Honda 20 hp, changing the prop makes an unbelievable difference. It greatly increased my ability to get up on plane and lowered my trolling speed just slightly to perfect. The top speed is just a little higher but the engine is running at a higher rpm which believe it or not also decreased fuel consumption. I can get up on plane with twice the weight now as well.

Also, the Honda came with a two yr factory warranty and I purchased an additional three yrs for about 400$. That's five years of warranty for 400$ plus a engine that holds its resale and is desirable. As we all know, it doesn't take long to spend 400$ on an outboard. I would go four stroke and Honda four stroke all day long. I spent yrs and yrs fishing with a two stroke. I hesitate to say never, but I will likely never own another two stroke outboard.
Just my .02

Thanks for your feedback, it's very helpful.

Forgot
 

The Hondas are priced online INCLUDING the forward controls. Yamaha, merc and others sting you for close to a grand for the controls. Just something to keep in mind when online shopping. My Honda actually ended up cheaper than a yammie when I factored this in. Good luck!!

Good to know!

Any opinions on where to look for the best price on either a new Honda or Mercury in AB? What should a guy expect to pay for a new
20HP Manual start, Tiller Steer, Short shaft unit?

For Merc, I found that Bass Pro had the best pricing.

They used to put their stock and prices online but don't anymore.

Check at whatever dealer you choose, or if you go used on a private sale, the actual model year of what you are getting. The motor can still be sold as new, even if it has been sitting in the box for a year or 2. As long as it has not been used, it can be sold as "new". You can check the actual model year online by researching the serial #.

Thanks, that's what I figured. Not much out there in the used market right now (short shaft makes it tough) so likely give BPS a call today.

If all goes well I should have a "gently" used Honda 9.9 for sale this weekend...lol. :)

My 2005 merc 9.9 4 stroke extra long leg Bigfoot weighs 130lbs. Hard to believe they've got so light.

Put my deposit down on a 20hp MST Mercury this afternoon. Picking it up Saturday. BassPro here I come! (Let's hope I make it outta there with just the outboard...lol).

Thanks for all the input folks it is much appreciated!

Contact me if you want to see that 9.9 Honda.

Upgrade complete!...

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5beff9db.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/...ps93f720d3.jpg
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0db48a58.jpg

Thanks again for all the feedback!

That thing must haul ass!!

I'll let ya know after the breakin period...lol

But I'm countin' on it!

That looks like an awesome set up. I see only one problem...its a mercury :sHa_shakeshout:


Let us know how she works!

Lol... Will do.

I have the same motor on 380HD with standard issue prop - it goes ~22mph with me and gear and ~ 19mph with 3 adults in it. Plans with ease, trolls down to 1.5 mph with "wheels" down. Really happy with the motor.