What motor should I buy?

rockaway · 05-10-2009, 01:14 PM

I own a 15' Smokercraft Alaskan. I run a 9.9 two stroke right now and need more horse power. Can't deside between two stroke verses four stroke. Any help with the matter would be nice. New verses used is also a delema. Have a nice weekend.

Greg

phamf · 05-10-2009, 06:28 PM

Ran into that same dilemma 2 years ago, same situation smokercraft 15 Alaskan. I went with a new 20 hp honda and been trouble free since. It also sips about 2-3 gallons for about 6 hrs of use in the bay for crabbing and maxes out at 29 mph with 1 person on board. I would say go for 30 to 40 hp if you have the money. Four strokes are quiet and you wont have to deal with smoke. Preowned would a good route.

baitsauce · 05-10-2009, 06:48 PM

Shouldn't have a problem getting on plane with something like this:

Don't know how well it would troll though.

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phamf · 05-13-2009, 06:54 AM

I think his boat would fly to the moon with both those engines.

weekender · 05-13-2009, 07:35 AM

You troll with it? Two strokes are nice for alot of things, but if your going to troll a four stroke is the only way to go. And on a boat that size it isn't worth it to have two motors. If it's within the rating, I'd put a 40 horse Yamaha on it. If you need a smaller motor, I'd go with a 30 horse Honda.

itoofish · 05-13-2009, 08:54 AM

something to think about is the ethonal fuel seems to burn better in fuel injected motors, carbs get gumed when fuel seperates not an experate been having trouble with some small engines myself

Lurp · 05-13-2009, 09:53 AM

My advice is 4 stroke
Some lakes around the country have outlawed 2 strokes
My first three choices are Honda, Honda, or Honda
Did I mention Honda?

fishkisser · 05-13-2009, 02:43 PM

Except I like the motors that start with a Y and end with an A ...

Tinman · 05-14-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockaway

I own a 15' Smokercraft Alaskan. I run a 9.9 two stroke right now and need more horse power. Can't deside between two stroke verses four stroke. Any help with the matter would be nice. New verses used is also a delema. Have a nice weekend.

Greg

You're probably looking for a 25 hp motor.

Two Strokes: Reliable, low-maintenance, smoky, lightweight, not available new anymore. 25 horse OMCs are fairly bulletproof

Four Strokes: Reliable, needs oil changes, no smoke, weighs 30% more, better fuel economy

Weight at the transom can be a problem with the 4 strokes. If you're a big guy and you tiller-steer, a four stroke could be too much weight in the stern. Look up the weights of 2 and 4-stroke motors, then take your boat out and add the incremental weight (concrete blocks, water jugs, whatever) and see how she floats.

Four strokes will save gas, 25s use so little gas it isn't much of a factor.