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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!

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

Thanks JT....

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

bman wrote: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!

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 ?

Badbagger wrote: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.?

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...