Evinrude Etech Engines ?

[Badbagger]

Just looking for input. I've found a boat which I'm going to make an offer on this afternoon. It's a 2007 1872 SeaArk with a center console. The boat is rated for a 140 outboard which is a whole LOT of engine for that boat. None the less, it is IMHO way underpowered as it has a 2009 Etech 40 on with at best 25 hours on it. I am confident I can buy the whole package for right around $6k. How are Etec engines? Who in Tally works on them? My thought process is if I can buy the boat at the right number and I think I can, I'd sell the Etech and move up to a larger engine. FWIW, nada has the engine booked at right around $4k... not that it's overly accurate. Even getting $3500 for it would mean the hull and trailer set me back $2500 give or take. Motor is extremely clean and not a nick on the original prop.

Depending on the site, I have read anything from they are horrible to they're the best thing since sliced bread. Way back when, I ran Evinrudes and they were a great engine. Pretty much would buy this boat based on reasonable speculation that I could sell the Etech for a reasonable price and repower with something larger. My last 3 engines have been Yamahas and a GREAT engine but they are HEAVY.

Thoughts and or speculation welcomed and Happy Sunday!

[Jumptrout51]

Shields sells and services Etec.
Waviel Porter services Etec.
The 4 people I know with Etec like them.

[Badbagger]

Thanks JT....

[fishinfool]

I have no personal experience with the E-tecs. I have heard the same as you, good and bad. On the other hand, the Yamaha 90 and 115 are the work horses of the line and I have had nothing but good service from my 2 in the past. They may be a little heavier, but have good power, fuel economy, AND reliability.

[littlejohn]

I have run a 150 ETECH for seven years now with no significant problems. I'm sold on them. My next motor will be an ETECH.

Shield's Marina has given me exllent service when needed.

[BeachRum1962]

Shell Island Fish Camp also services them, but Shields is the official Evinrude dealer for the Tallahassee area (I think). I recently repowered my 18 foot bowrider with a 130 E-tec. I had a couple of minor issues that required a couple of trips back to the shop. First fouled plugs then false no oil alarm likely due to air bubble in oil line. Nothing serious but a PIA anyway just working out the post rigging kinks. Otherwise, the thing flies, it is quiet and much lighter and more fuel efficient than my 150 Johnson. Sounds like a 130 is the size you might need. I got lucky and found mine used, there are just not many used e-tecs out there. Good luck.

[RHTFISH]

A little over a year now with my 90 ETEC and I am one happy camper. Much more power and speed and better gas mileage than my old Yamaha 90 (RIP)!

Only complaint I have is that it hits rocks and bars just like every other motor and I am now replacing my first prop.....my wife is going to love getting one for Christmas!

Jack's in Perry installed mine and provides service work!

[Badbagger]

Thanks for all of the good input and with a 130, the boat would move out of it's own way.

[bman]

BBG runs one and likes it...
I think you should upgrade and donate the old motor to me

[ced0412]

You want the 115HO not the 130. It's pretty much the same in power but the 115HO has an improved foot.

I think the only downside is you cannot set the HO to the less oil (xd-100 only) mode, but I'm not 100% sure.

[kikstand454]

My step pa in law was the warranty mechanic for evinrude for the last forever years.
He said while the white, saltwater etechs are fine engines..... the freshwater/bass ones were the only thing keeping him employed for the last 4 years.
*shrug*
Ymmv.

[Badbagger]

BBG runs one and likes it...
I think you should upgrade and donate the old motor to me

But it doesn't have a tiller!

[Badbagger]

Well it's getting near decision time. I got a really good price from Parkway Marine on a new F115 Yammie and I can get a new Etec for a pretty decent number. About $1k difference between the 2. I can do a LOT with $1k. But it's a four stroke world and thinking resale, I'm inclined to go with the Yamaha. 2 strokes got a bad rap from the "old days" even though those days are gone. The Etec is lighter and will get me up and going faster. I'd say the Yamaha is a bit quieter but not by much. Really kind of at a loss lol and don't know what to do aside from flip a quarter. As long as I buy and complete sale by March 31, 5 year warranty on either engine. Both are good engines and BOTH will break down. I think the maintenance costs will be less on the Etec in looking at their schedule. I know that you need a 20 hour oil change on the Yamaha pretty fast and that's a few hundred bucks. Not so with the Etec.

Give me some HONEST input here folks lol.. Yamaha or Etec, what would YOU buy ?

[reelbad]

Well it's getting near decision time. I got a really good price from Parkway Marine on a new F115 Yammie and I can get a new Etec for a pretty decent number. About $1k difference between the 2. I can do a LOT with $1k. But it's a four stroke world and thinking resale, I'm inclined to go with the Yamaha. 2 strokes got a bad rap from the "old days" even though those days are gone. The Etec is lighter and will get me up and going faster. I'd say the Yamaha is a bit quieter but not by much. Really kind of at a loss lol and don't know what to do aside from flip a quarter. As long as I buy and complete sale by March 31, 5 year warranty on either engine. Both are good engines and BOTH will break down. I think the maintenance costs will be less on the Etec in looking at their schedule. I know that you need a 20 hour oil change on the Yamaha pretty fast and that's a few hundred bucks. Not so with the Etec.

Give me some HONEST input here folks lol.. Yamaha or Etec, what would YOU buy ?

I like my F115 Yamaha 2005. As far as the oil goes, if you can change your car oil, you can change your Yamaha oil. Not sure why it would be a few hundred dollars just to change oil.?

[Flint River Pirate]

Some of the ETEC folks are sold on them but I've had 2 friends that both had 60hp ETEC motors and hated them. But I am a bias Yamaha man...