4 stroke vs 2 stroke 115 hp

[happy]

Currently running a 175 cross flow that runs like a gem and am just tickled about the performance. I have a Skimate (16’ 3” tri hull) 1 that is rated for a 115/120 or so, obviously a tad bit overpowered. What is nice: I have the power to maintain control and speeds around 35ish when it gets rough and maneuver thru 3’s to get home. Current set up is 14¼ x 24 and in the low 70’s wot on calm water. Today, my wife and I took a ride to lunch and was checked by the local law enforcement on our way out. They knew the engine looked too big, its unmarked and I have the appropriate paperwork that I own it. What they couldn’t read is a 35 year old plate that has the hp rating on it. They dang sure knew it was overpowered but couldn’t prove it.
So to the point, next season (have to save the funds up) I’m going to repower, yet want the best of both worlds. So I’m thinking 4 stroke. I’ve seen the difference between a verado 225 and the opti 225, and am impressed. (not racing, the opti would be the choice there) I read that the merc 115 4 stroke weighs in about 400lbs, The 150 on the boat now is 390 ish, so not a big deal. Has anyone had the chance to compare these engines? What are your thoughts? I'm not married to merc either, what do you think?

 

[Wide Open]

If you're going to repower with a smaller engine, you will be terribly dissapointed with the performance of a 4-stroke. Not to mention, the maintenence cost is higher. Want the best of both worlds? Evinrude E-tec 115 H.O.! They're small, light, and a real powerhouse for a 115. Couple all that with 3 years no scheduled dealer maintenence and an "owner operated" auto winterization? There's no comparison!

 

[1979checkmate]

Save the 4 stroke for BR's Pontoon. GO with the 2 stroke. I'm a fan of the e-tecs too, but you cant go wrong with Merc either.

 

[Big Red]

Save the 4 stroke for BR's Pontoon. GO with the 2 stroke. I'm a fan of the e-tecs too, but you cant go wrong with Merc either.

You cant give me one of those heavy ballless tanks for my toon

 

[lcboater]

Hey Red, you still thinkin about more power for the 'toon?

 

[Big Red]

Hey Red, you still thinkin about more power for the 'toon?

Sometimes, or just waiting on a smokin deal

 

[lcboater]

Ain't nothin' wrong with that! Can't wait til time to hit the lake.

 

[happy]

Yeah I'm sure some dissapointment will be comming on performace. Whats the etec weigh? I think the 115 pro xs is around 375lbs

 

[ezstriper]

would either do the e-tec or some "correct" decals for your engine !!

 

[happy]

I'm liking the "correct decals" idea anyone got some?

 

[john lamon]

Yeah I'm sure some dissapointment will be comming on performace. Whats the etec weigh? I think the 115 pro xs is around 375lbs

I don't think law enforcement would bother you with a 130 e-tec, the 115 weighs between 375-390 and the 130 is between 390-405 depending on which model, there a great motor, I have a 90 e-tec on my pontoon and it's had a few problems, all on warranty, but it's definitely the best motor I've owned.

 

[Gimme Fuel]

I would just put the 115 stickers on your cowl.......those 115's always looked big for the amount of power they put out

Keep the water pigs guessin!

If they take the cowl off.....what are they gonna see that tells them it is anything different? Unless they have learned to decipher serial numbers at a glance.....

 

[sim]

I would just put the 115 stickers on your cowl.......those 115's always looked big for the amount of power they put out

Keep the water pigs guessin!

If they take the cowl off.....what are they gonna see that tells them it is anything different? Unless they have learned to decipher serial numbers at a glance.....

Amen!

 

[Skybobber]

Re power with a squirrel cage

Water Patrol's nervous? Need to make Water Patrol nervous in a different way!

Go with an E-tec and Thank us later while we try to figure a way to chisel off the (Grin from Ear to Ear) it will leave on your face.

 

[ezstriper]

can make anything you want....Rob

 

[happy]

Sorry havn't been around in a bit, been hammered at work. Next time I get to storage i'll send ez stripper some pics of the cowl and see what he can design up around my bald eagle. I am still considering re-powering in the future, yet I'm not in any hurry, gonna sit back and wait for a deal.