Switching from 2cycle to 4cycle engine.

[Dguy]

I am contemplating changing my reliable 2002 Johnson 50hp 2cycle outboard with a quieter more fuel efficient Honda 50hp 4cycle outboard.
What is involved doing this, does the OMC throttle quadrant need to e changed as well, can the cables (electrical and lever teleflex) stay in place? Would the holes in the transom be the same? What about the instruments such as tachometer.
If not than I guess the installation-costs might be substantial.

[Spector]

You're switching brands so everything you mention (electrical, throttle, gauges) will change. Steering shouldn't require too much to adapt. Still worth it in my opinion

[Herschel]

That was my experience, too. New throttle, new tach, new engine, new reliability, new joy...it all came together as part of the deal with the purchase and installation of the new engine.

[Dguy]

A Suzuki30 hp has trigered my interest for repowering my 26X. The main advantage being that this engine can be started without the need of a battery, in case the batteries are depleted. I never go faster than 10kts., and emptying the balast is done with the boat on the trailer and on the ramp when hauling out.

[kurz]

@Dgouy
about consumption: How much gas does your actual 2stroke take for 5kn and full 80% wot?

[Dguy]

I would guestimate 2gal/hr(2500 & 5kts). I never used the motor wot , most of the time between 2000 and 2500rpm and max 3000rpm. Once or twice for a few mins.3500rpm. The motor is rated at 50hp at 5500rpm. When we just got the boat in 2013 I had it up at full throttle for a very short while and I believe 14+ kts but it was not comfortable . We use it as a sailboat. The Johnson has been reliable, but is sometimes difficult to start after he motor has been tilted for sailing. After having depleted the batteries twice while cranking, I now leave the motor in the down position when sailing. Last season I barely used the motor, just to dock in and out.
I have delayed the purchase of a motor in favor of an autopilotsince most of the sailing is single handed.

[Inquisitor]

A Suzuki30 hp ... can be started without the need of a battery, in case the batteries are depleted.

I would have thought most motors in this class can be hand started... My 60 hp Mercury 4-stroke BigFoot has a pull rope starter in a bag inside the engine cover. It'd probably take a linebacker to start it and I certainly haven't even tried.

Although the big motor was fun to pull kids on tubes, if I had it to do all over again, I'd get a smaller motor. I also primarily sail... 66 hours on the motor in 13 years. I recently got a BlueTooth interface to the motor and was starting to get gal/hr and speed versus rpm numbers. Unfortunately, I didn't write them down since (1) it was a windy day and I didn't really want to two direction runs at each rpm to do the averaging (2) was not rigged with mast or any gear inside (3) none of my heavy mods I'm adding and (4) the wrong prop.

All I remember thinking... I'm glad my cars don't get single digit miles/gallon.

[kurz]

A Suzuki30 hp ... can be started without the need of a battery, in case the batteries are depleted.

I would have thought most motors in this class can be hand started... My 60 hp Mercury 4-stroke BigFoot has a pull rope starter in a bag inside the engine cover. It'd probably take a linebacker to start it and I certainly haven't even tried.

you can pull rop start your Merc. I have the same. It works quite well. For some reason it starts all time at the second try. Knowing this... go for it.

Since you have the jump startes it is not so important anymore. But again - every backup is worth to have it!

[Inquisitor]

A Suzuki30 hp ... can be started without the need of a battery, in case the batteries are depleted.

I would have thought most motors in this class can be hand started... My 60 hp Mercury 4-stroke BigFoot has a pull rope starter in a bag inside the engine cover. It'd probably take a linebacker to start it and I certainly haven't even tried.

you can pull rop start your Merc. I have the same. It works quite well. For some reason it starts all time at the second try. Knowing this... go for it.

Since you have the jump startes it is not so important anymore. But again - every backup is worth to have it!

I hope this translates well (tongue in cheek). I once dated a Norwegian girl.... and enjoyed every moment of it.
I wont argue with any Viking heritage. I'll just take your word for it and leave the rope in the bag.