Anyone Else Prefer Older 2-Stroke Outboards Over Newer Motors?

[Honda Marine Hub]

I’ve been around boats and outboards for years, and honestly, I still think some of the older Yamaha, Mercury, and Johnson 2-strokes are some of the most reliable engines ever built.

Recently tested a clean Yamaha 90HP 2-stroke and was surprised how strong it still runs compared to many newer motors. Lightweight, easy to work on, great hole shot, and parts are still widely available.

At the same time, I understand why many boaters are switching to modern 4-strokes:

* Better fuel economy
* Quieter operation
* Cleaner emissions
* Smooth idle for trolling

So I’m curious…

If you had to choose for a fishing or offshore setup:

* Older reliable 2-stroke?
OR
* Modern EFI 4-stroke?

Also:
What’s been the most dependable outboard you’ve personally owned?

Would love to hear real experiences from everyone here — especially Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Mercury owners.

Outboard Motors

 

[Offshoreman]

4 stroke Yamaha. Period. I know, Mercury is very good, and so is Honda. Honda has come a long way to be in the top tier. But, to take me 100 miles offshore? Yamaha all day.

 

[Harper]

4 stroke Suzuki for me. Torquey, smooth, Straight 4 cyl DF- in 150, 175 and 200 HP tunes. Pretty light weight (485lbs) for the power. Never a problem in my DF150 for the 19 years I've had it. In the shop just once, for lower unit output shaft seal replacement.