I raced with a buddy in identical ribs. The dinghy I was in had an 8HP 2 stroke Johnson (it might have even been a 7hp). My buddy had a 9.9 Merc 4 stroke.
Off the line the 2 stroke was on plane and clearly had the hole-shot. I was able to very quickly pull away. Within minutes I had the 4 stroke merc by a HUGE lead (50+ boat lengths). So much so, I dind't bother looking back again. The race was about 1-1.5 miles (We were travelling from point A to Point B and decided to race for fun). About half-way there, the 4stroke merc passed me. I eventually lost sight of him.
The two-stroke definitely had the hole-shot and over short distances was a sprinter. The top end on the 4stroke was much higher and over time and distance crushed the 2 stroke.
I do think there are variables at play. However, not enough to change such a lopsided outcome.
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