2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke

[Fish On]

So I'm seriously considering repowering my Hydra-Sports 2150 WA. Currently it has a 1997 Johnson 175 Ocean Runner. I've talked to several dealers and am confinced that I am thoroughly confused. I think I need opinions from experts that don't have a vested interested in the decision I make other than perhaps pointing a fellow fisherman in the right direction.

First my situation is that I love inshore fishing but I also like to go offshore, sometimes as far as 40-50 miles if the conditions are right. So my primary reasons for the purchase are (in order): 1) reliability, not having a breakdown off shore 2) range, want to be able to go 40 miles, troll for 6 hours and come back with a hefty reserve in case coming back takes more fuel than planned (currently have 100 gal. tank) 3) cost 4) esthetics, fumes and noise have been a source of complaints from some passengers with my current power 5) resale value which I think translates into longevity of the engine for the most part. I do realize there are other significant differences such as maintenance, weight, etc which are worth considering but are really not in my top 5.

My boat is rated for 225 HP and there are a significant number of choices at that level of power so I'm pretty sure 225 is what I will go with if I pull the trigger.

The 4 stroke advocate is pushing the Yamaha 4 stroke 225 touting 35% increased fuel efficiency, 3000 hour lifetime, huge improvement in noise and no fumes. Looks like cost will be $14,500 with my engine in trade and with the cost of converting the boat's controls to 4 -stroke.

The 2 stroke advocate is pushing the Evinrude 225 HP direct inject 2-stroke saying I'll get a 15% increase in range with a significant top end speed increase. He says the 4 stroke will have trouble maintaining a cruise speed because of a lack of mid range torque. This will cause me to run the 4 stroke at higher RPM's which will negate the fuel efficiency advantage and make the range comparible for both. Looks like cost will be about $11,000 with my engine in trade. He sort of avoids the longevity question possibly becuase of the history, but other sources say Evinrude has solved earlier problems with their direct inject engines.

So what do you all think? Please give me your opinions. Which would you choose. Which do you think I should choose? Does anyone currently own one of these two engines or a similar brand/model and wish to share their experiences, good or bad?

Thanks for all the help and advice over the past few years. You guys have been great!