2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Trolling Deathmatch...

[bwackwabbit]

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?

[Pikecrazed]

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

[bwackwabbit]

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.

[saskpikeman]

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.

[JohnnyD]

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!

[billie]

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.