Two and four stroke outboards are more similar in terms of performance and efficiency than ever before. Four strokes have become far more lightweight with more power than before. Two strokes have become far more fuel efficient while keeping their excellent power to weight ratio. Some companies such as mercury marine have produced four stroke engines with supercharging and intercooling to increase power with minimal increase in weight. Many other companies such as johnson stand firm in the belief that two strokes are still the best engine configuration to use. Most companies still offer two strokes while newer models are four stroke. All outboard companies accept the fact that the four strokes weigh slightly more. Most consumers don’t seem to mind having a little extra weight for four stroke technology that is far more common in today’s engines. Unfortunately with lightweight four stroke technology comes a hefty price tag also. People that have businesses of chartering fishing trips or that log high amounts of hours on their engines may see an advantage using a slightly more fuel efficient motor. Most boaters will never see enough of an advantage to regain the cost difference of a four stroke engine or possibly even a direct injection two stroke. The alternative being fuel injected two strokes or possibly old model carbureted engines, which are considerably cheaper initially and possibly overall.
