E-TEC/Mercury

[shamalex72]

I am going to be buying a new boat this spring and was planning on staying with a Mercury. But I have been talking with some people and reading some info about the E-TECS, and it sounds like they are the real deal. Does anyone have one and how do you like it. Better/worse fuel efficiency than a four stroke? How quiet? How much oil do you go through?

As of right now I am leaning towards the E-TEC, but I have been running a four stroke for 10 years and have had good luck with them. Thanks

[caseymcq]

Are Merc's and Evinrudes the only motors you are considering?

What size boat and motor are you getting? Tiller or Console?

I have an '05 Yamaha 75 hp 4-stroke on an Alumacraft Navigator 175. I love it. It is fuel injected so it starts very easy. It is quieter than an E-tec. It gets great fuel economy. Has plenty of power to push my boat. This year they improved the handle on the tillers to better intergrate the idle speed control switch (If you are looking at getting a tiller). I can't say enough good things about the motor to do it justice.

[shamalex72]

Yes.

It's going on a 1750 FishHawk with console.

[caseymcq]

There has been a rumor floating around that since Brunswick bought Gemnar that you will have to pay a fair amount more if you want something other than a Merc on a Crestliner.

A 115 Optimax would be nice on that boat. If you could get a 115 Yammy 4-stroke that would be a nice alternative. The Optimax is 6 lbs heavier than a 115 E-Tec. I don't know if 6 lbs would make much of a difference.

[PerchJerker]

I've heard a few good things and no bad things about 75 and 90 etecs from guys that have them.

I know 2 guys that run bigger etecs like 225s, and although they haven't had any problems with their motors the bigger etecs have had issues with lower units and gearing. And they are not as fast as advertised in Evinrude's commercials and infomercials.

Make sure you're researching independent results and reports and not Evinrude's marketing hype and informercials. BWB magazine and PB Reports are good places to look for independent tests and comparisons.

I don't know if this affects the 115 etec but Evinrude has had problems delivering some models, case in point is the 130 etec that is being pushed out a year and the new lower unit for the 225s that also took an extra year to get out.

I think the decision should come down to if you're comfortable going with a new motor that isn't time tested and if you trust the warranty. Etecs might be great motors but then again they may be like the FICHTs or the 225 Optis from the early 2000's. Same goes for Verados, I am not bashing Etecs here.

Personally, I would look at the Merc or Yamaha in 115. Both are proven motors with great track records. But if you want an Etec and aren't concerned about there not being much history, then I'd go with the Etec.

Not sure if this helps or not, but good luck and have fun shopping.

[Northlander]

I run a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke and love it. Quiet, great on gas and I thinkit has a good power to it. I run it on a 17' Lund Explorer and get 42mph out of it full. Thats ok with me. I have had 2 smaller Evinrudes and wont go back. Im on my second Yamaha and both were great.

[vikingmeatwad]

If I was getting a new boat I would go with an E-Tec. Not just the infomercial but these things are smooth and powerful man. I think they put the 4 strokes to shame performance wise and are also very fuel efficient.

Take one out for a test drive when you can.

[Valv]

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There has been a rumor floating around that since New Brunswick bought Gemnar that you will have to pay a fair amount more if you want something other than a Merc on a Crestliner.

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New Brunswick didn't buy Genmar.

Genmar sold Lund and Crestliner and New Brunswick bought them......

[PerchJerker]

That's another good point. Evinrude doesn't have a 4-stroke motor, and they compare their 2-stroke etec to others 4-strokes, then say their etec is faster and more powerful. Why aren't they comparing their 2-stroke to other 2-strokes like hpdi/optimax? Seems to me that would be a better comparison, just not better results for the etec??

[JohnMickish]

Evinrude carries the 2 strokes for BRP and Johnson carries the 4 strokes.

If you are having doubts on what to purchase (and it's understandable since there are so many good products out there now) and you trust your dealer go with his recomendations, if you don't trust him go with a different dealer.

[Xplorer]

Evinrude/Johnson does sell 4 stroke's, but they are suzuki's with a evvy/johnson cover.

Personally, if Merc/Evin is what you are deciding between in the 115 catagory, i would get the Merc 4 stroke or Optimax. There has been alot of folks running these motors for years and very seldom do you see anything bad about these (and the 135/150 Opti as well) having problems. At least there is a history of reliability, which there just isnt yet on the Etec.

Really look at the unbiased performance results, not what is put out by each company. The direct injects generally have better holeshot and topend, with slightly less mpg.

I run a 90 honda on a 17' lund prosport, so have no "stake" in either motor to sway my opinion. I like to see some time proven reliability in something i plan on keeping for the long term, and is a large ticket item.

Mostly, enjoy the new rig, sounds like it will be great with either color motor on it.

[marine_man]

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There has been a rumor floating around that since New Brunswick bought Gemnar that you will have to pay a fair amount more if you want something other than a Merc on a Crestliner.

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I'm about 95% certain this is the case with Lund or with Crestliner... Dealers get a good price on a motor when they order it with the boat from the boat manufacturer... and since Evinrude, Johnson and Yamaha aren't working with Brunswick at this time a dealer will have to purchase the motor seperately, tacking on some money...

Plus, the dealer will have to re-rig the controls and gauges for the boat... I heard an estimate of $1500 just to re-rig the controls and gauges...

marine_man

[kjgmh]

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Evinrude/Johnson does sell 4 stroke's, but they are suzuki's with a evvy/johnson cover.

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No more Johnson(Suzuki) four strokes for 2006, only up to 30h four strokes. Anything bigger is Etec or DFI. The 90 115 Etec from what I have heard has been a good motor. My only concern is with the uncertain feeling I get about BRP. The track record the last 5 years has me worried. Seems like they are one big problem or bad year from calling it quits, this is just my opinion.

As far as Merc, the 115 Opti has been very good. The 90 and 115 four stroke for now is Yamaha powerhead, but they are coming out with a non-subercharged version of the Verado in 90 and 115 shortly.

[PierBridge]

New Brunswick is a city in New Jersey or a province in Canada.....

My neighbor paid $2200 to have an E-Tec put on his Lund last fall.

The boat was 2 mph faster with a Suzuki 4-stroke.

[Xplorer]

Called my local dealer whom i bought my last lund/honda from (a pretty large lund/crestliner dealer) and they are receiving most of their units either not prerigged at all, or prerigged with Honda controls. He said that there is no additional charge to rig a Yamaha if that is what i wanted, at least at their shop. Last year brunswick was much more inflexible about them getting most boats not prerigged with Merc controls, but he said that they have eased up this year. BTW, they also sell Rude with no extra charges.

[shamalex72]

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There has been a rumor floating around that since New Brunswick bought Gemnar that you will have to pay a fair amount more if you want something other than a Merc on a Crestliner.

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Thanks for the replies.I did some calling around yesterday for some price quotes, 2006 boat motor and trailer.

Dealer A: 20,XXX with 115 Merc

Dealer B: 19,XXX with 115 Merc

Dealer C: 17,XXX with 115 E-tec

Because of the price difference is why I was thinking about going with the E-tec. But like some have said, it has only been out a couple of years.

[NEANGLER]

I fished with 2 guys that had etecs last year and both had the same problem. The temperture indictator(buzzer) kept going off after we had only gone like 30 - 50 ft. Would have to shut it off and start up again. After awhile it would finally quit but after starting and shuting off about 5 times. One was a 90 and the other was I believe a 225 on a New 2005 Ranger who was on their pro staff . Both said they have had problems with the electric system but when it ran it was quiet and fast. I would go for a mer until the bugs are worked out, just like waiting a few years when the completely redo a model of a car i.e. Dodge caravan. Good Luck.

[PierBridge]

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There has been a rumor floating around that since New Brunswick bought Gemnar that you will have to pay a fair amount more if you want something other than a Merc on a Crestliner.

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Thanks for the replies.I did some calling around yesterday for some price quotes, 2006 boat motor and trailer.

Dealer A: 20,XXX with 115 Merc

Dealer B: 19,XXX with 115 Merc

Dealer C: 17,XXX with 115 E-tec

Because of the price difference is why I was thinking about going with the E-tec. But like some have said, it has only been out a couple of years.

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What dealers?.....does not make sense but if it's true the E-Tec dealer can expect 100's of sales.

[Mille Lacs Guy]

I'll chime in here, I actually have a 90 E-tec on a tiller boat. The motor has been good for me. If it weren't for some issues with the dealer setting up the linkage for the shifting wrong and screwing up my lower unit twice everything would have been perfect.

I guess it depends on what you want to do with your boat as to what you get. If you want to do any trolling with your big motor I will suggest the Etec. Four strokes run at a much higher RPM than 2 strokes meaning you can't troll as slow. You can have your dealer turn the RPMs down to 450 on the Etec. Most 4 strokes runn closer to 800 rpm. The etec is also quiet, not like a 4 stroke quiet but way way quieter than a regular 2 stroke. The etec is also going to be much lighter than the 115 4 strokes and you will get better hole shot with the etec.

As far as putting an Evinrude on a Crestliner I don't see that as being a problem. You aren't going to necessarily pay a lot more for a Evinrude/Crestliner combo. They are offering discounts for Merc/Crestliner combos but it's not like they say we are going to charge you extra for getting an Evinrude. Also, BRP is not going away anytime soon. They have just started to really put their stamp on the Evinrude and Johnsons. Most of the problems were coming from when they were still OMC. Etec is not any way associated with OMC it is a BRP technology.

Good luck in whatever you choose, I don't think you will go wrong with any motor you choose it's just personal choice on what best suits your needs.

[Tom Linderholm]

Shamalex,

One more thing to note, while looking into 225's I was told that Evinrude is running a promo for a 7 year warranty as long as you make your purchase prior to March 31st. If that doesn't seal the deal then I don't know what will.

[caseymcq]

My Yamaha will troll down to 550 rpm so it is possible to get a 4-Stroke to troll down, so you could troll pretty slow with it.

[Valv]

I've been reading and listening to some people stating there has been some issues with proper cooling when motor idles very slow. If you are considering a lot of trolling at idle (or very low RPMs) be sure your water pump impeller is replaced every year.

[Lip RIPPER!]

So they aren't making 115 or 140 Johnson 4-strokes anymore? What's the scoop on that? My 140 has been flawless so far..

[marine_man]

Johnson / Evinrude never technically made the 115/140... they bought them from Suzuki...

And no, they're not offering either of those anymore...

marine_man

[Valv]

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So they aren't making 115 or 140 Johnson 4-strokes anymore? What's the scoop on that? My 140 has been flawless so far..

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Just a quick jump to evinrude.com or johnson.com will show they only have 4 strokes up to 30hp.

[shamalex72]

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What dealers?.....does not make sense but if it's true the E-Tec dealer can expect 100's of sales.

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I just ordered my boat today from Nathes Marine in Paynesville. It was a little under 19,000 after tax and $4/horse rebate. I went with 115 E-tec and not many options on the boat. I did get a full windshield which was about 900 extra. I am going to mount my own trolling motor and electronics.