Trolling Speed- 2 vs. 4 stroke Help!

[Amdahl]

Found what I think is a very good deal on a new boat. Always thought I wanted a 4 stroke because of the givens; better feul economy, good power, quieter... but I also thought I would get slower trolling speed as well. I was told by a marina yesterday that I would not get any slower trolling speed with a four stroke. I spend most of my time back trolling and the motor I'm looking at is a fifty Yamaha. So, will I get any slower trolling speed with the four stroke and if I do, will it be the .5 mph that I need to have to fish in some conditions? If it(4 stroke)is slower, but not slow enough, it really doesn't make that much difference because I will need to use a trolling motor anyway. Please help. I do want to cause a debate over which is better, I just need the facts. Want to close the deal on monday if it's a go :-)

Oh, one last thing... Would like opinions on what what props you're all using and why.

Thanks Folks!
Amdahl

[perchjerker]

I cant see why you would get a slower trolling speed with a 4 stroke. I mean, 700 rpm or whatever is the same rpm either way. The advantage in a 4 stroke comes with less plug fouling, smoking, etc. I would much rather have a 4 stroke given the choice. Maybe if you need to troll slower than the big motor will allow, why not get an electric for trolling at the slow speeds you require? You dont really give many details on the boat you are after, so its hard to give any more recommendations than that. Why dont you tell us more about the boat, maybe we can help you out better.

[Northern Manitoban]

I got my first 4 stroke this year a Yamaha 40.The slowest i can get it to troll is 1.5 mph.I just use my electric for walleye's.But this motor is great i troll alot for lakers.The 4 strokes don't troll as slow as the 2 strokes.But i'll keep my 4 stroke once you have one you won't go back.FISH ON.

[Amdahl]

Thanks so much for your reply. Boat is a 2001 16 ft Alumacraft Nanvigator. Biggest reason for considring the two stroke is that a four is about $1200 more. $9000 for Boat, motor,trailer, wave wackers, 55 lb. thrust stern mount trolling motor. Dealer is giving me as much for my boat (1997 15h.p. Merc, 1980 Lund S-16, basic bunk trailer)as I could hope to get selling outright ($1600). Good Deal or not???

[Phil T.]

During the chinook "season" this year, I did the obvious (heresy on this board) and mounted a really low-pitched prop. I didn't need to run 30mph to get to a fishing spot ony a couple miles from the ramp. I think my top speed (watch the tach, don't overrev!) was only about 17mph, but I trolled at less than 1mph (depthfinder paddlewheel and Loran C).

[perchjerker]

I see. I'm no expert in prices on Alumacrafts, but it sounds fair to me. You might check out nada.com for some price comparisons, although I think they are low in my region. I can tell you my new boat came with a merc 15 hp 4 stroke kicker, and I couldnt be happier. The thing runs like a sewing machine. Quiet, smooth, dont have to worry about 2 stroke oil, etc. As far as my earlier comment about a 4 stroke not trolling as slow as a 2 stroke, that was just an opinion, I see you had a post that suggested otherwise.
You are also getting an electric, I think you should be fine, then. As far as a different pitch on the prop, Phil is correct. I changed pitch on my old boat to get a slower troll at the sacrifice of top speed, but you have to be careful you dont over rev.
Since you are getting a good price for your trade in, I would invest that in the 4 stroke. It will have better resale value, too.

[PJM]

Amdahl

A friend of mine is a guide on Lake Millac in Minnesota and he runs a 90hp Yamaha tiller. He trolls all day with that motor on an 1800 Pro-V and never fouls plugs. We also turned the idle down on that motor also and it idles petty slow. A four stroke to me you would think would idle just as slow and have no adverse effect on the motor. I don't know this for a fact but because the most four strokes have and oil pump they might not want that motor to idle to slow because it's not pumping enough oil to lubricate the motor properly. And if it is lubricating enough has any on tried to turn the idle down. I run my T8 Yamaha all day and it idle very slow and I turned the idle down just a tad. A four stroke regardless of how big should be able to out idle a four stroke you would think unless they just won't idle that slow and they starts shaking and shutting . In the specifiction I notice that some of the four strokes use a different gear ratio then the two strokes that could make a difference I don't know. One more thing it is my understanding and a longer stroke four stroke motor will idle slower then a shorter stroke. But a shorter stroke four stroke motor will excel faster.

[count me in]

Deal sounds outstanding.
Am looking for similar rig and would like dealer's name if you care to share.
Thanks!

[Amdahl]

Just confirmed my order. Asked the dealer if he had any more and no luck.:-( That said, I have never been to a place where the staff was more knowledgable and willing to spend time with you without applying pressure. Stubb's Marine in Alexandria MN. Talk to Mike. (320)762-1577.
See you on the water!
Amdahl

[perchjerker]

So....what motor did you decide on.............

[perchjerker]

Forgot to say congrats on your new purchase!!!! And I was curious, what config did you get? Console or tiller?

[Wayne]

As a rule of thumb, most fourstrokes are geared higher than two strokes. There fore they troll a little faster at the same rpm. I have a Yamaha 80 hp fourstroke that at 800 rpm forward trolls at 2.9 mph. I set the idle down to 650 rpm and got the trolling speed down to 2.1 mph. however it is not as smooth!

[PJM]

Wayne

You answer one of my qustion in my post about turning down the idle and also the gear ratio. What kind of boat are you running and what size prop?

[KP]

The trolling speeds given in this list were forward trolling. Your post says your back trolling. My 30 hp 4 stroke will back troll quite easily at .5 MPH. I highly doubt you want to back troll much faster than that. Also, go with a prop that will put you at the max RPM recommended for the motor with just you, fuel, and your gear in the boat. You'll most likely be in that 1 - 1.25 MPH forward troll speed zone.

[Wayne]

PJM, I have a Skeeter 1775 tiller turning a 17 pitch prop. I have run a 15 pitch prop and slowed it down a little more but its still to fast. I just had my motor looked at and the carbs were way out of sync. The mechanic was able to get it to run smooth at 650 rpm on the muffs. Will have to wait until spring to try it now. Buy the four stroke you will love it. Also keep in mind future resale value, whos going to want a two stroke 5 or 10 years from now. Will they even be legal anymore!

[PJM]

Wayne

A buddie of mine has been looking at that boat and was wondering how it performed. He does alot of fishing on Lake Millac and how does it handle rough water and do you have Wave-Wackers on it.

[Wayne]

PJM, this is a great MilleLacs boat! It dos'nt matter if its calm or three footers, the boat will run in the mid-high thirty mph range. Very dry and very smooth and good looking complete with a custom color matched bunk trailer with a swing tongue. Yes I run Wave Wackers on mine, a must for back trolling. Whats great about this rig is the price, you can buy one brand new for about $16,000. Thats less than most aluminum boats(with four stroke power) and gives you a much better ride. I would highly recommend this boat to anyone wanting to fish MilleLacs.

[Amdahl]

Went with the two stroke. $1200 will buy a lot of bait :-)

[Amdahl]

Went with the tiller. Thanks to all for your input!!! Hope to see you all on the water.
Amdahl