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I am looking to re-power my 2004 Montauk 170. I have decided on a 90HP E-Tec. My problem is trying to decide between the 90HP and the 90HP HO (high output). The 90HP is an inline 3-cylinder vrs a v 4-cylinder in the HO. The 90HP is quite a bit lighter and has an integral oil tank. The 90 HO has an external oil tank (space issue) and is heavier and larger. The 3-cyl is probably at bit rougher running than the 4-cyl. I am leaning towards the standard 3-cyl but the dealer has been really pushing the high output model. Anyone have any comments or suggestions?
In general, I think more power is better - lets you handle heavier loads should the occasion arise. The 90HO comes in at 390 pounds, a good deal more than the eTec 90's 320 pounds, but only slightly more than the stock Merc 90, which weighs 359 pounds. So the weight wouldn't scare me, at least on a 170 which is relatively wide compared to the classic Montauk 17.
Mileage won't be all that different either with the larger motor, unless you're running at WOT - that is, when you're running the 90HO at speeds above what the 90 can achieve, you'll obviously use more fuel.
I can't say whether the triple will be less smooth than the V-4 - I doubt you'd notice much difference.
Only you can answer whether the additional power is worth the additional cost, and whether you are willing to install and maintain a separate oil tank.
What's the incremental cost of the HO over the regular 90?
I believe you will be VERY disapoointed with an E-Tec 3 cylinder 90 on a 170 Montauk. The engine is definitely not as powerful as whatever Mercury/YamaMerc you will be removing. the E-tec 90 has a very small displacement.
The boat can easily handle 115 HP, so if you want the same or more power then you already have, go for the E-tec 90HO V-4, which is basically 115 HP. But I agree the external oil tank is a real dinosaur now for this HP range, which may mean you need a 4-stroke, or a Merc 115 PRO XS Optimax with integral oil tank.
Going with Evinrude means new controls, and their huge control is unfortunate and not very pretty. If you stay with Merc, everything will hook up. Take a look at the brand new 359# 2.1 liter 4-stroke 90's and 115's. These are now going on the brand new Montauk 170's at the factory.
From the review url's below the ETEC 90 HO is a D-tuned 115. The last article indicates it tested at 99 HP.
Last week I purchased an 2014 ETEC 90 HO for a 1993 Montauk. The Dealer and I will be water testing it in a week or two. I'll let you know then more about performance. I basically decided to go this route due to my typical "heavy load" conditions. There are numerous advantages over the standard ETEC 90, less weight of course.
