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

15 HP is 15 HP. The difference is that that is peak HP at max rpm ... a
2 stroke will usually have more torque at lower rpm. Means: it wioll
generate more HP at a given lower rpm...

Factors like displacement play a role too and what kind you should get
depends more on what you want to do with the motor ... On a small boat
a 2 stroke is lighter and simpler.

As a kicker on a big boat you may want to use fuel from the main tank
and opt for a 4 stroke .... Also conventional 2 strokes do not like to
idle (trolling)

All is different for direct injected 2 strokes ...


Matt