02-17-2004, 10:15 PM
Predator gave the first credible response. I can only add the following...
4-strokes make great kickers because they don't require a separate tank and can draw fuel from the main tank. They're quiet, can idle all day without fouling plugs, and you're not breathing smoke all day when trolling. Boat mfg's are having to redesign their transoms to accommodate the weight of these behemoths.
2-strokes make great main/big motors because they're fast, easy to maintain, and smaller/lighter than their 4-stroke counterparts. Plus 2-stroke marine motors are a proven technology.
As for 2-strokes being outlawed in '06, what that means is that you won't be able to buy older 2-stroke technology, but you can still use grandpa's old clanker on most lakes. Though some lakes, like Lake Tahoe, have already banned 2-strokes. There are some battles going on now between environmental terrorist groups and sportsmans groups, like the ban and subsequent lifting of the ban of PWCs on Lake Powell. After they PWCs are gone, you can bet our 2-strokes are next on the list.
Another factor is that DFI motors are 2-strokes. And DFI offers pretty much the best of both worlds. They're fast, much lighter, are clean (emmisions wise), fuel-efficient, can idle low, start easy, etc. I'd rather have a DFI than a 4-stroke as my main motor. But I'd never give up my 4-stroke kicker.
4-strokes make great kickers because they don't require a separate tank and can draw fuel from the main tank. They're quiet, can idle all day without fouling plugs, and you're not breathing smoke all day when trolling. Boat mfg's are having to redesign their transoms to accommodate the weight of these behemoths.
2-strokes make great main/big motors because they're fast, easy to maintain, and smaller/lighter than their 4-stroke counterparts. Plus 2-stroke marine motors are a proven technology.
As for 2-strokes being outlawed in '06, what that means is that you won't be able to buy older 2-stroke technology, but you can still use grandpa's old clanker on most lakes. Though some lakes, like Lake Tahoe, have already banned 2-strokes. There are some battles going on now between environmental terrorist groups and sportsmans groups, like the ban and subsequent lifting of the ban of PWCs on Lake Powell. After they PWCs are gone, you can bet our 2-strokes are next on the list.
Another factor is that DFI motors are 2-strokes. And DFI offers pretty much the best of both worlds. They're fast, much lighter, are clean (emmisions wise), fuel-efficient, can idle low, start easy, etc. I'd rather have a DFI than a 4-stroke as my main motor. But I'd never give up my 4-stroke kicker.