The Two-Stroke v. Four-Stroke Debate
After dealing with motor vehicles for the better part of my life, this question is one of the most consistent and polarizing that I encounter. Many people simply think that four is better than two, while others assume that a two-stroke must be more efficient. The truth of the matter is that the type of engine that you choose is dependent upon your particular needs and wants.
There are two types of two-strokes: the old-fashioned gas guzzling models and newer direct-injection (DI) engines that are extremely fuel efficient. For the most part, these DI engines are the lightest models on the market. Four-strokes run quieter than their two-stroke counterparts and generally provide a smoother overall experience. One of the main disparities is that with a four-stroke motor the outboard motor oil goes directly in the engine, whereas in a two-stroke it is mixed in with the gas-which can be a hassle.
Even the if you think that your baby is indestructible, all boats need primo care. With winter upon us, it is time to start winterizing your boat and reading up on the precautions you need to take to ensure a long life for your craft. Below is a step-by-step guide to winterizing your boat, but before you begin, drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture in the motor.
I can’t think of anything that reminds me more of summer than cruising around the lake on a fishing boat with my dad. He owned a beautiful Eagle 190, one of many G-3 boats in the Yamaha line. Before hitting the lake every year, we would set aside a day to do some basic tune-ups and maintenance, like flushing the engine and replacing the 
Whether you are an avid boater or just occasionally go out for recreation, it is important to understand the basics of boat maintenance. While the task of performing repairs on your craft may seem daunting, most preventative measures and basic maintenance is easy for anyone with a set of tools. By taking a little time to inspect your boat after every outing, you can avoid having to dole out big bucks later.
As most people can deduce, the most important aspect of achieving longevity from your watercraft is proper maintenance. Not only will this add years to the life of your boat, but it will also improve the performance when it’s in use. How you care for your boat will largely depend on where you keep it, whether that is tied to the dock or safely ashore.
In a perfect world, we would all be able to afford precisely what our hearts desire. There wouldn’t be much diversity in the boating world, as we’d all be cruising past each other in top-of-the line boats with high-end outboard motors attached to the transom. Just think of all the luxury and convenience we would experience on a daily basis. Unfortunately, we would also miss out on many of the great stories that make boating so much fun. Old, well-worn boats have a certain character that their new counterparts lack. To an extent, the same could be said for outboards themselves.
For most fishermen and fans of recreational water sports, a boat represents one of the most serious investments in one’s life. It generally comes down to a house, a car, and then a boat – in that order. So, assuming your boat is the third biggest financial investment in your life, doesn’t it deserve the sort of time and energy you put into your other prized possessions? After all, your home might be remodeled, repainted or at least cleaned each spring. And you wouldn’t think of driving your car much more than 3,000 miles without an oil change, would you?
Now that winter is on the way and likely to stay in parts of America for the next several months, many boaters enter a planning stage. Since they cannot get out on the lake to go fishing or just to cruise around aimlessly, a number of thoughts begin to enter their heads. Foremost among these is the question of whether to buy a new boat. Every spring like clockwork, thousands of people show up at marinas and dealerships ready to make such a purchase.
Since their introduction in the early 1900s, outboard motors have revolutionized the way in which we think about boating. Prior to that, boaters and fishermen were largely dependent on the direction of wind or – for those who felt like using oars – brute force. Outboards have taken the focus of our attentions of locomotion, allowing us to think about catching fish or just enjoy the scenery.