23 cc twin vs single outboard

[Fr. Frank]

Single is absolutely the way to go. I also recommend SeaTow highly. (I've been a member since 1984)

As for which single, that's a whole 'nother can of worms, which I'm gonna open right now.

FIRST: TWO-STROKES
The most fuel efficient 250-300 hp outboard currently made is the Mercury Optimax 250. But the very thing that makes it so efficient is also it's weak point. It is functionally a supercharged DFI 2-stroke, and the roots-driven air compressor has a high failure rate of over 7%. That means that 7 out of every 100 Opti motors WILL have a compressor failure, generally within the first 50 hours. The good news is that motors that exceed 200 hours without compressor failure have only a .3% chance of such failure.

The most reliable is the Evinrude Etec 250 (NOT the 300). At 524 lbs, it's only 20 lbs heavier than the Optimax, and only about 4% less fuel efficient than the Opti, which is really an insignificant difference.

Both the Etec and the Optimax are more fuel efficient that the four-strokes, and discounting repairs, have much lower regular maintenance costs. Also with both these two-strokes, you need to calculate in the cost of oil into your fuel expenses, raising fuel costs by approximately 25 to 40 cents per gallon, depending on the brand of oil you buy, and the quantity in which you buy it.

FOUR-STROKES
Mercury Pro and Verado four-stroke 250's both weigh in at about 670 lbs for a 30" motor. They are both supercharged, and have amazing throttle response. They also have amazing repair costs when they break down. The Pro series four strokes are really small gearcase versions of the Verado, and designed for bass and flats boats. If I was a sponsored fisherman, and someone else was paying for my maintenance and repair costs, I'd pick the Verado. All the Verados have a recommended minimum fuel octane of 92, but running 87 octane will not void the warranty, as they are 87 octane "compatible".

Yamaha's newer 3.3 liter 250 four-stroke weighs in at 608 lbs for a 25" version, as compared to only 571 lbs for a 30" Yamaha 4.2 liter 250. The 4.2 liter has the lightest weight of the four-stroke 250's.

None of the Yamaha V6 four-strokes run on 87-octane gas. They require 89-octane fuel (mid-grade or higher). The dealer will tell you that they will run on "regular 89 octane gas", but I've never seen "regular" 89 octane gas. I've seen 85 and 87 regular octane, though. Here's the catch: Yamaha will void your warranty for a second failure due to lower than 89 octane fuel.

The Suzuki DF250 3.6 liter weighs in at 580 lbs, just 9 lbs more than the 4.2 liter Yammie. The Suzuki is notable for having the lowest overall maintenance and repair costs of all the 6 cyl. four-strokes. It uses a self-adjusting timing chain instead of a belt; the valves are shim and bucket adjustable, so that there's no problem with finding a specialized service center as with the Verado. Also, the 'Zuke will run on 87 octane fuel, period.

The fuel efficiency of all the four-strokes is as close as to make no difference.

Want a two-stroke? Buy the Evinrude Etec. Want a four-stroke? Buy the Suzuki DF250.

Just my humble opinion. :>)