Two stroke/Four stroke "big" motors????

[Gun Rod Bow]

A buddy just bought a new sled hull. 21 1/2' open sled. He had a Yamaha 200 hp 2 stroke on his old boat. I have a Merc 200 2 stroke as do most of my friends with open sleds.

All the talk about 4 strokes is interesting. I've had the thoughts that if I was starting today, I would look at 4 stroke motors.

It's hard to beat the weight to power ratio and the out of the hole speed of a 2 stroke. He has heard pro and con.

I know the 4 strokes are quieter and should have more life and lower fuel costs as well as cleaner burning.

The question is performance.

SO, the question is: Does anyone have a fairly new 4 stroke 200-225 hp tiller on a 20-22' open sled that would let a guy run their boat around a little? He's had a sled for 15 years and is an excellent boatman.

Thanks

[Gun Rod Bow]

Anybody?

I forgot to metion he (we) live in the Portland area, and would expect you to be there. Seemed obvious...but..you know. :blush:

I guess I also didn't clarify, jet powered tiller. :blush: :blush:

[ 02-12-2004, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: Gun Rod Bow ]

[Mojo]

GRB,
I think along the same lines as you. I've been thinking about re powering my 22' Alumaweld V-Sled. Got all the same questions you do. Hope someone answers them. If you get a ride, please post your observations. I'm really curious.

Thanks...

[slabhunter]

I don't know if they even make a four-stroke jet outboard larger than the 80(115 powerhead.)

[Gun Rod Bow]

It's a bit of a mystery to me.

In checking websites for 4 strokes, the largest Honda I can find is 90 hp jet, Yamaha 115, and Merc 115.

I also can't find larger two stroke tillers on their sites. Now we all know Merc and Yamaha make 225 hp tillers in 2 stroke.

I assume that there are 200 hp 4 strokes available in tiller.

I saw a 225 Honda jet on a Wooldridge on the Cowlitz, but as I recall it was a center console. Have also seen big jets on windshield boats with steering wheels.

Kinda makes me wonder if there are any 200 hp 4 stroke tillers around here?

[Space]

All of the 4-stroke motors that I know about will accept a pump and tiller handle. If you are planning on running the skinny then I would steer away from the 4-stroke. I have a 115hp Merc 4-stroke tiller w/pump on my 18ft sled. It's slow out of the hole. I have to go up/down stream to make sure I'm on plane before I get to the skinny. It's been fine while the water is on the high side but I'm sure it would be a problem when the river has alot more of the skinny to contend with.
On a positive note it is very quiet and fuel efficient. I don't need oil which is a huge bonus for me and it should be maintenience free for a longer period of time then the 2-stroke.

SPACE

[ 02-13-2004, 06:01 PM: Message edited by: Space Fish ]

[Hogback]

GRB
When I was ordering my boat I almost went with a pump. I won't say who I heard it from, but I was told that the big Yamaha four strokes with pumps were having problems. The guy that told me this was someone who should know. Maybe things have changed I don't know. I still think my analogy about motorcycles is good. If you want instant high rpm whoop (***) go two stroke. If you want quiet cruising power, a little better economy, (with the expected rise in gas prices might be a good Idea) no oil to buy and a quieter package go four stroke. IMHO if I was going to run a pump I would go two stroke.

[ 02-13-2004, 07:07 PM: Message edited by: Hogback ]

[wantintimetofish]

I'm too am looking into buying a new jet sled. My ? is if I get a sled no longer than 21ft do I need a 200 or 225hp motor yes I know bigger is better, but I'm not running a race out there plus I don't plan on fishing the ocean. Four strokes are more costly but you do spend money for more oil with the two stroke. Also what additional maintainance costs are there with a 4 & 2 Personally I checking out what the fishing guides use an run cause they're out there every day.

[FishinMission]

I've been told the 4 strokes are slower to hit the high rpms....ie it'll take you longer to get on a plane.

Mark