Outboard Motor Buying Guide: Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Engines

Clews & Strawbridge is your local marine dealer in Pennsylvania, and we want to help you make the most out of your boating experiences. One way to do that is to get an outboard engine. But do you know whether you should pick a two-stroke model or a four-stroke one? Don’t worry—we are here to help you.

Our experts have created this guide to explain the differences between two-stroke and four-stroke outboard engines. Read on to learn more, then visit our dealership to explore a few models in person.

The Advantages of Two-Stroke Engines

Two-stroke outboard motors are used in power equipment and motorsports vehicles. Essentially, they have two strokes—an explosion stroke and a compression stroke—to give your boat the power it needs to keep working. In this type of outboard motor, the compression stroke extracts the air-fuel mixture, compresses it down, then creates an efficient explosion. On the other hand, the explosion stroke burns the fuel-air mix, pushes the crankshaft, and propels the exhaust from the cylinder.

Two-stroke engines are robust, reliable, and have fewer moving parts than four-stroke models. But remember, you’ll need to mix two-stroke oil into the fuel to keep the engine lubricated.

The Perks of Four-Stroke Engines

Four-stroke motors are more efficient at burning fuel and producing fewer emissions. Their internal combustion utilizes four piston strokes (instead of two), including intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. This way, they work more efficiently and smoothly to enable smoother rides. However, be ready for complex maintenance sessions, as more moving parts means extra work to keep them running.

Which Outboard Motor Should You Pick?

When buying an outboard motor, consider your boat, your marine activities, and the type of motor you prefer. If you want a lightweight and portable engine, get a two-stroke outboard. Conversely, you can enjoy more power and less noise on your rides with a four-stroke model.

We hope you find this guide handy when buying an outboard motor. If you have more questions or need help selecting an engine for your marine endeavors, visit Clews & Strawbridge. We are in Frazer, PA, and proud to serve those from Philadelphia and West Chester—so reach out today.