A boat engine is a basic essential. You cannot get very far without it. Outboard motors are the most common type of propulsion used on boats today. Mounted on the stern end of the boat, it has an attached propeller in the water. The type or power of the engine you choose depends on the size of the boat, the speed needed, and what the boat is used for.

Types of Outboard Motor: two types of outboard motors available are either 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke engines. There are positives and negatives to each of these engine types. Because of the light weight, 2-Stroke engines are chosen when good top end speed and acceleration is needed. 4-Stroke engines run smoother and more economically, usually chosen for use on lakes and rivers.

2-Stroke Outboards: 2-Stroke engines are lighter and faster, allowing for more top end speed and acceleration. More affordable, they have a higher resale value. Because 2-Stroke engines have been around for almost 80 years, parts are more readily available, making repair easier. The design on these engines is less complex than that of a 4-stroke engine, allowing fewer problems to arise.

There are disadvantages to 2-Stroke engines. They are not as environmentally friendly, and produce more pollution and smoke. In the non-oil injection models, you have to mix fuel with oil. They are noisier, have a rougher idle, and are sometimes difficult to start. Sometimes, there are problems with spark plugs fouling.

You would be most likely to choose a 2-Stroke outboard engine if you are interested in speed, performance, and acceleration. This may be the engine of choice if you own a smaller boat that may not be able to hold the weight of a 4-Stroke engine. A 2-Stroke engine is also suitable if you are more likely to do your own engine repairs. Sometimes waterway regulations determine four stroke engines only. If you would like the most power for weight of the engine, or are interested in more speed, acceleration, and performance; a 2-Stroke engine is for you.

4-Stroke Outboard Motors:
4-Stroke engines run more quietly and idle more smoothly, allowing for a more pleasurable ride. They produce less pollution and smoke, and have better fuel consumption. They are accepted on all waterways. They are also very reliable.

The negative aspects of 4-stroke engines are that they are more complex, which allows more problems to arise. Repair is more expensive, trained mechanics harder to find, and parts scarcer. 4-Stroke engines are also less powerful than 2-Stroke engines. Because they weigh more than 2-Stroke engines, they may be too heavy for some smaller boats.

You are most likely to use a 4-stroke engine if you are interested in trolling along on a quiet, smooth ride. These engines are better for use on bigger boats. If the water in your area requires a "4-Stroke only" boat, it is probably a good idea to go with this engine. If you would rather give up engine speed and acceleration for a cleaner engine, you may want to purchase a 4-Stroke. Also, if you are interested in less pollution and smoke, and don't want to have to mix oil, you should choose a 4-Stroke engine.

Some manufacturers are as follows
2-Stroke: Evinrude, Yamaha, Nissan and Mercury.
4-Stroke: Johnson, Honda, Mercury, Nissan, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Yamaha

As in so much of life, both 2 and 4-Stroke engines have advantages and disadvantages. In general though, because 4-Stroke engines are newer, they are improving at a greater rate.