Going to 4 cycle O/B

The time is getting near when I will need to replace my 1985 Mariner 25 hp o/b. I have it on a 1448mv Polarcraft and it has served me well. Because everything now in that hp range is 4 cycle, I have been researching different motors, specs., hp ratings etc. The more I read the more I become confused about which motor to replace it with... I would like to list several questions/statements about the four stroke motors and ask for discussions, actual experiences or anything anyone has to say about going to a 4 cycle o/b.
-has anyone replaced a 2 cycle with a 4 cycle (same hp)on an existing boat?
-does a efi (Suzuki) offer any advantages over a carburated engine?
-is there a noticable difference in fuel consumption between the motors if they are run on identical boats/weights?
-if the boat/equipment weight is reduced to compensate for the heavier motor weight is the performance about the same?
-any other issues that I should be aware of.

I plan to get tilt and trim on a new motor and feel this should help some with performace.
Any comments and actual experiences would be appreciated

When I had my 9.9 Johnny for trolling it would use a tank a week (5 gallons). Bought a Tohatsu same size and I can go 2 weeks on 3 gallons and no oil use. No gas fumes and very quite. It's a little hevier but get better preformance from the new motor.

With the performance upgrades the have done on new 4 strokes doubt you would notice any real performance differences.
Suzuki injected motor is going to start so much easier and be so much more fuel efficient it will scare you nd the quietness of the motor is unbelievable. I don't think the weight difference will affect you at all if it is propped right. Trim and tilt really helps in that area. I would really try if buying new from dealer to get them to let me try some different props not just settle for the one they say will work. And go stainless.

I've read where the 'zuki 20 or 25 efi weighs about 100#, which is the lightest OB in that HP range. Lots of positive comments on the 'zuki's, but no 1st hand experience.

Love my zukie 90 hp have to check to see if it's still running it's so quiet and no fumes like a two stroke.

The extra weight will not bother a thing......fuel injected is so much better than carbs, easier to start, smoother running. The four strokes are very quiet and perform great. They are a lot more fuel efficent too. I am on my second one.....would not ever want to go back to a two stroke.

I'm on my second one as well. Will never go back to 2 stroke for reasons G said.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by polarcrafter

Because everything now in that hp range is 4 cycle

---

Evinrude has a 25hp fuel injected 2-stroke. Still the best in that hp range. Easy start up, sips gas and oil.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Illinois_angler

Evinrude has a 25hp fuel injected 2-stroke. Still the best in that hp range. Easy start up, sips gas and oil.

---

thought I was gonna wear out my trolling motor getting back to the ramp til I got rid of mine. kept thinking it was overheating and going into safe mode. then shutting down. 9 trips to the shop. Tohatsu has a new 25 with different gear ratio that is supposed to be strong. no more 25 etec for me.

Thanks for the replies about experiences with 4 stroke o/bs. I noticed several indicated that they were on their second motors, Was this just upgrade or did you wear the motors out. As indicated my engine is 30 years old and still runs good. Is the expected life of the 4 stokes as good???

I am on my second four stroke because I bought a new boat

I'm on my second as well (new boat).
I have a 140 Suzuki EFI on my new boat and love it. It is so quite that they actually had to add a stall indicator in the event the motor stalls.
I have also had a 40 Yamaha and have nothing bad to say about those either. I don't use very much fuel in either one. The nice part about efi (on both the Yamaha and Suzuki) no choke. Turn the key, fire it up. Every time. No cranking, no pulling, nothing.

Like others have said, they have come a long way in advancements since the first ones came out that were heavier and the HP ratings were not like the 2 strokes. I'll never own another 2 stroke

Go online and order a Tohatsu.

Sweet motor

Reasonable prices

I wont get in on the 4 stroke vs 2 stroke debate, but will say that above anything else I would base my decision on who has the nearest and best dealer/service center in your area. Have not heard anything really bad on any of the motor brands lately. Especially in the smaller motors. And there are tons of 15-50 hp motors running the flats down here, so major concerns show pretty quick. Here is a pretty good on water comparison that is a few years old but gets the point across pretty well.
Microskiff.com - Four Stroke Shootout

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Machine

Go online and order a Tohatsu.

Sweet motor

Reasonable prices

---

I ordered a 9.8 Tohatsu from Discount Outboards |Tohatsu, Suzuki, Mercury & Nissan Outboards. They gave me an excellent price and quick shipping. No problems. However, I think the largest outboard they sell online is a 20 hp.

If I am not mistaken, Tohatsu makes the small (under 50) outboards for Mercury and Nissan. They made my 2000 model 25 Mercury 2 stroke and it was solid as a rock for 13 years until I sold the boat. I don't know if they also make Suzuki but have heard that they are excellent also.