s o wrote:
Hi ,

I read that 4-stroke outboards are less powerful than 2-strokes, some
articles even suggest that they're only half as powerful. is this
true? from your experience, what is the hp equivalent of a, say 15 hp
4-stroke? thanks.

s o


An engines HP rating is just that, if it's placarded as 15HP or 250HP
then it will be within 10% of that, no matter it's a 2 stroke, a 4
stroke, a petrol OB or a diesel OB.

In the only "independent" tests carried out on the newer large 2 stroke
OBs they were more expensive to buy, heavier, used much more fuel & had
much less HP (the bombardier 15HP LESS) than the same HP 4 stroke OB. (A
Bombardier DFI 2 stroke, vs a Yamaha DFI 2 stroke vs a Merc 4 stroke)

If you're thinking of buying, then get a 4 stroke, everything with a
future in this EPA world is going 4 stroke.

The fact they are tried & proven technology which has revolutionised how
reliable over time OB engines can be, is just a side benefit.

K