Trolling with large 2 stroke outboard

[ebijack]

Your trolling speed will be a bit high for some crankbaits using the big engine, guessing just under 3 MPH as is at idle. Yes you can troll using the big 2 stroke engine. BUT, the oil you use and type spark plugs is critical to insure the plugs won't fowl and help control coking. Like mentioned, a kicker would allow better speed control which also allows other baits to be ran. As far as a 4 stroke having no fumes. Yes you don't smell the carbon monoxide of a 4 stroke ( but it is there just the same), the 2 stroke you can smell the burnt oil mixed into the carbon monoxide when trolling down wind letting you know your inhaling carbon monoxide. You will also save a lot on fuel using a kicker to troll. As far as experience, I've owned 2 stroke outboards for 30+ yrs. But I also have hundreds of hours of 2 stroke and 4 stroke dyno development experience. Actually the now Opti fuel system and injectors were designed at GM for GM's own 2 stroke engines, also adjustable exhaust port technology/timing that ended up being sold to Honda. Back in the late 80's into the early 90's the big 3 had plans to put 2 strokes into vehicles. 200lbs less weight, lower hood design and great mileage. 1991, GM's 6 cyl and 3 cyl ( GM design and castings etc) 2 strokes met 1996's vehicle emission standards. Just could not get past the government's 100,000 mile emission control parts requirements without having to replacing the catalytic converter at 50,000 miles. EPA turned down the requests to allow replacement at the vehicle manufactures expense. They would start to clog after 50,000 miles. Everything was scrapped and sold. Merc continued their own testing and development to come out with their Opti with GM's information. Mercury did help in the early stages with 2 stroke information and GM traded 4 stroke information to Merc. Lots of testing and development and lessons learned. Oil, type and control of and spark plugs make a huge difference in the life and running of a 2 stroke. Sorry for the crappy photos. But they were taken from a 1991 video. But it gives you the idea.