Hello, I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations on an outboard motor for my 1984 10' cougar cub tunnel hull. right now I have the stock 25hp merc outboard on it. I believe this motor is a 1984. I have been doing some research on outboards and can't find too much info on the positives and negatives of the new 4 strokes vs 2 strokes. any info and recommendations for me would be greatly appreciated. thank you!

There might be some here who has, but I also recomend you visit www.screamandfly.com. Those guys are much more into the smaller outboard stuff. I would look for something with as low weight as possible. The Evinrude E-Tec's are great motors and two strokes generally have much more torque and throttle response than the n/a four strokes.

Two Stroke. There is no savings on fuel economy 2 vs 4. Today's outboards are clean burning and fuel efficient. Many will have input but I like the low maintenance cost and self winterizing of the new E-Tec's. Yamaha's HPDI's seem OK as we service a few here. Good luck.

thank you

Although 4 strokes are quiet and supposedly eco-friendly, they weigh a ton compared to a similar HP 2 stroke. Besides, nothing sounds quite like a modified 2 stroke. (I should know.)

On a 10' boat, weight matters.
At a given HP level, a two stroke will always be lighter than a 4 stroke.

As far as which motor is the "best" for your little boat, it depends on what your goals are.

If you want the most power you can strap to the back of it, then the 2 cylinder OMC motors from the 1980's are the lightest and offer horsepower up to 60 in stock form (more if you want to mod them).

If you don't need big power and are looking for a quiet motor that performs good, then the newer motors might be better suited.

thanks everyone for your input

with the small engines like yours...I have had both, had both newer(before they were discontinued) 15 and 30 johnson 2 strokes, both were great, then a 25 four stoke yamaha...4 stroke heavy, but starts runs well..but does NOT have the power of the others, but sips fuel compaired...so ?? in your case with that performance little boat..I think 2 stroke....new etecs seem pretty slick....and expensive !!!

thanks ezstriper. i have heard a few good things about the new execs as well.