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. :>)

[Blackfin26]

FatherFrank, Thanks for opening the can of worms. I'll be ready for a 250-300 single for the '79 Sceptre I'm restoring. Any opinions on the new Honda 250?? Thanks, Steve

[Fr. Frank]

Actually, I DON'T have an opinion on the Honda. Neither good nor bad. I know nothing about it. I guess I better read up on it so's I can pontificate, huh?

[Wildman]

Steve take a ride by Chatham Boat, Paul will give you ALL the info like he did for me... then handed me a credit app... To be continued.

[Old'sCool]

F.F., I'll respectfully disagree with you on "the most reliable 2 strokes" being ETec. There are other 2S that have been around longer with low pressure EFI with gaziions of hours and more years service than ETec.

[Fr. Frank]

Originally Posted by reelescape1

F.F., I'll respectfully disagree with you on "the most reliable 2 strokes" being ETec. There are other 2S that have been around longer with low pressure EFI with gaziions of hours and more years service than ETec.

Okay, you can disagree with me. I don't mind.

But I was only referring to current production. I know Tohatsu commercial 2-stroke 4cyl. motors regularly exceed 2000 hours of use, but they don't make a 250 hp.
(And I had a inline-6 Mercury 150 hp that had over 1500 hours with never a single hiccup when I sold it.)

[FishMagnet]

TWo things you didnt mention but I think are very important

1. Availability of good local service guys-there are fewer Etec and even fewer Suzuki guys so unless you happen to be near one of the few, be prepared to trailer your boat or pay them to come to you when you need them

2. If you take your boat to the Bahamas and have a problem, which engine are you more likely to get help with, a Merc or Yami or a Suzuki?

[Handful in NC]

Very good summary by Fr. Frank.

I am the happy owner of a 250 Etec and it is an amazing motor. It pushes my 23' Tsunami with a tall hard top/enclosure to 50 mph, though it does seem a bit louder than a 4 stroke. My 4 stroke friends are cursing every time they get their (required) service bills.

As I was told by a dealer, there is an incentive for dealers to push 4 strokes because they regularly bring in service dollars. It's hard to generate income on an Etec motor that has almost no maintenance, and dealers also don't like to have a large parts inventory that sits around.

And speaking of the Bahamas, I spend a lot of time in the Abacos and there are a lot of Etecs there - more by far than in coastal NC. The better boat rental companies use Etecs, if that tells you anything.