Posted by Mark on May 26, 1999 at 12:27:52:
In Reply to: Re: 4 stroke outboards posted by Denny R on February 27, 1999 at 15:45:09:
: : : I am "slowly" building the V-dory and am considering powering it with a 90 HP four stroke Honda outboard. Can anybody shed some light on the performance of these engines, price and fuel consumption comparisons to similar two stroke engine would be helpful. Thank you.
: :
: : While the four strokes do have exceptional fuel economy, consider the fact that there are about twice as many engine parts as a two-stroke, they are larger per given horse power, and are also heavier per HP. When using a smaller ( <18' ) boat that is more high performance or short run oriented the two-strokes excel- however, if 50 mile offshore runs are common the four-stroke gains much consideration.
: Ibuilt a 20' Tolman skiff four years ago.My engine is a 45hp Honda.Idesigned and built a cabin and lobster boat style hardtop.Total wt is approx 1200-1400 lbs.I wouldnt trade my honda for anything.Our favorite silver salmon fishing grounds are about 25-30 miles out.We can cruise out averaging 16-18 knots ,troll all day,cruise back while checking out coves and shoreline along the way and use only 6 1/2 gallons of gas.Need I say more about fuel
Honda outboards do not have a very good long term
reliability record. A friend is replacing his
twin Honda 7.5hp 4-strokes with Evinrude. He
attributes their problems to age. My 67 Evinrude
40HP still runs like a top and has never left me
stranded. While 4-strokes do get better milage,
claiming to be able to go 30 miles out (60 miles
round trip) at 18 knots, and then cruise and troll
all day on 6.5 gallons is totally absurd! A canoe
could not do that, much less a 20' 1400lb boat.
That's quite a hull to make 18 knots (about 25 mph)
on 45HP!!! (most boats this size require 120hp).
It would be more believable if you did not get
so carried away with your exaggerations.
Mark