[USER=37130]@Cullix[/USER]: Welcome to the forum!
My perspective on 2S versus 4S: I have a 20HP 4S Merc on my 14' tinnie. I bought the outboard new in 2021. It replaced an 30 year old rope-start 30HP Johnson. The Johnson had carb issues. I looked for a kit, parts, and even a donor motor to convert mine to electric start, but no joy. I got tired of having a boat but not being able to splash it, so I bought the new outboard. Love it. Quiet, no stink, no gas-oil mixing, and my shoulders appreciate the electric start. There was a time when a growling engine and the smell of the exhaust was all part of the experience. Let's just say that as I've aged (I'm 66), my enjoyment factors have changed.
I don't think the added weight of the 4S is a primary factor for your boat. Careful loading and weight distribution will be the key.
Some things also to consider in 4S versus 2S: Conservation authorities are increasingly restricting 2S operation on some bodies of water. Is that a factor in the areas you want to operate? In my area (Iowa), there haven't been a lot of restrictions on 2S motors specifically, but some lakes are electric-only.
Reliability...one thing to note: I make annual trips to two fishing resorts every year; one is in Minnesota, and the other is in NW Ontario. I don't drag my boat as I'm part of a group of guys, and it's cheaper to just rent the resort's boats than it is to tow my boat to the resorts. Both of those resorts use 4S motors on all of their boats. The boats are reliable and while we don't abuse those motors, we do expect a lot from them. The resort in NW Ontario uses 40HP Yamahas, and none of those motors are new. To be sure, they have suffered some failures, but the resort operator has told me that his biggest issues with reliability are customers who beat the **** out of the lower units with some collateral damage into the power heads.
Just some thoughts. Again, welcome to the forum!
