I have the opportunity to add a new engine onto an older, re-built 16 ft.
flats boat with a tunnel hull. It will be a 50 h.p. according to the ratings
etc.. I've read a lot recently about the new 4 cycles not having anywhere
near the "pep" that the 2 cycles do. The weight difference is 50 lbs between
two choices of engines, and the engine will be hung on a jack-plate. As a
comparison, I'm looking at 2 and 4 cycle Yamahas, though the final choice
might be Johnson/Evinrude or Mercury. The cost difference is not the
over-riding issue this time.

The typical running pattern of this boat will be short, quick runs between
various flats. Longest run will be a few miles at a time. Getting up on
plane and racing a few hundred yards will not be unusual, with maybe a dozen
such moves over a half-day fishing. I might be working birds, which, of
course, requires getting up and "over there" as quickly as possible as an
important consideration. Any comments comparing the 2 vs. 4 strokes based on
power and pep? I know all about the discussion about pollution, banning 2
cycles, etc. and that is not part of my concerns today.

Thanks for your help. RichG