Great Debate: 4 stroke vs. 2 stroke - MPG

[shine]

My story: I was looking at a 2001 OX66 with about 500 hours, in great shape and perfect compression, from a dealer who would give me a limited warranty. Cost before rigging $5000

OR

2003 F225 with 360 hours, from a dealer who would give a somewhat limited warranty. Cost before rigging $7500

Judging by fuel burn numbers from others who have the OX66 combo, I figured I only had to use the F225 for about 3 years before the gas alone paid for the upgrade. Not to mention cost of oil.

Intangibles: quietness of 4 stroke while idle/slow trolling, no smell, no dealing with oil tanks, etc.

Resale: If I decied to sell my boat in 3 years, I will be able to sell it faster and probably for more than the $2500 premium I paid for the 4 stroke.

It was a no brainer for me.

Now, if I already had a 2 stroke that was running well, then no way would I buy a new 4 stroke until the 2 stroke died or needed a lot of work.