Should I wait?(Shop Talk)(sport fishing boats)

I'm in the process of shopping for a new bass boat and have largely settled on a Triton 175 with a 115 hp of some kind. I have a 1998 Stratos 273 VR with a 115 hp now. Choosing a boat is easy compared to selecting an engine! Whether the engine is a two-stroke or four-stroke is my main concern.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Since none of the dealers nearby provide opportunities to do test drives, I am primarily relying on articles in your magazine and Trailer Boats. Your articles are very informative in terms of on-the-water performance, but they're missing one ingredient that's important to me: maintenance.

Is there an Internet resource where I can gain some insight into the differences in maintenance/required service intervals for direct-injected two-strokes and four-strokes by manufacturer? Also, I understand that Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) has announced production of a 115 hp E-Tec based on the V-4 block, but I haven't been able to find any information on the timing of production or initiation of sales. The BRP website makes no mention of this engine. I have a Johnson V-4 now, and this would be an appealing option if it's not in the too distant future.

Paul Mueller

Gainsville, Florida

I'm not aware of any website, or any other resource, where there is a comparison of maintenance/required service intervals for direct-injected two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Bombardier has certainly gone the extra mile in reducing the service intervals ...