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I’ve decided to keep my Montauk and I am looking at different outboards to replace my 88SPL with. The 3 cyl 90 E-Tec seems to be a good choice and there are lots of threads with tons of info on it. I can’t find any info on the 4 cyl HO version of the 90 E-Tec. Anyone have any info on it. Can the boat even handle the extra 70 lbs? Are there any advantages the HO has over the regular E-Tec?

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The Evinrude E-Tec 90 HO offers more horsepower, but with the added weight. The EPA horsepower rating on the 90 HO is actually 112 hp. That is an awesome amount of HP for a Montauk 17 boat. Yes, the Montauk 17 hull can handle the added weight of the 90 HO; What is more important, is can the operator handle the hp? You are correct in that this website does not have much in-depth information from actual owners that have repowered their Montauk 17 boats with the Evinrude E-Tec 90 HO. I know a Montauk 17 owner that tolld me he regretted re-powering with a 90 HO over the Evinrude E-Tec 90 3 cylinder inline outboard because he feared handing over the keys to the boat to his son for use, because it was too fast for teenager use and chine-walked at WOT. Conversely, if you fish with your 3 buddies that all weigh 250 lbs plus, and you want to get somewhere on smooth water fast, then definitely go with the 90HO.

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That ETEC 90 3-cylinder is a great choice for a Montauk 17. The HO version is much heavier and I would not consider it unless there was some very compelling reason such as routine heavy loads. Even if I expected heavy loads once in a while, I'd stick with the 3-cylinder. Keeping the boat light and nimble for typical operating conditions is preferable in my opinion.

If the weight of the 90 HO doesn't bother you, shop it against the new Honda 100 and the Merc 90 Fourstroke, for comparison.

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Here is a comparison and also take a look at the Evinrude website.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...ticle_id=5

Here is a Montauk 170 which has the E-Tec 90hp HO which is a good match for that particular hull.
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...r_id=33331

See the last photo here for a Montauk 17 with the HO version
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...r_id=13252

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Asked Ron if he could pitch in.

It's his Montauk w/ E-TEC 90HO in Joe's last link.

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Thanks for the input guys!!!

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As of now i’m still between the mercury 90, and the two Etecs. There seems to be plenty of data to compare the 3cyl e tec and the Mercury, i just couldn’t find much on the HO. Seems the HO gets some pretty good reviews but I wasn’t sure how the montauk would handle it.

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Please look a the ETEC 90 HO REPOWER thread. There is much information in this thread.I've had the engine almost 5 years now and not even a hint of any problem. Although heavier, the HO version of this engine has many advantages than the standard 90. This is pointed out in the referenced thread.

I can't say enough good things about this engine, ....... quite, almost no smoke, reliable, and powerful under very loaded conditions.

Sorry I took so long to respond!

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Thanks Ron! Were you ever able to get a gps speed on it?

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Erik, I have not gotten a GPS reading. I know I should have followed up. This weekend, weather and wind conditions permitting, I do a GPS reading. They are calling for some showers and T Storms in my area, so I will do it as soon as I can. Later.

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Thanks Ron. Looks like a few of us are curious! I’ve called around and it looks to be about $1000 difference for the HO. Seriously considering it, as i like all the power i can get while still being able to insure lol.

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I can guarantee the HO won't disappoint you power wise. I have the 3 cylinder 90 and it's pretty darn quick with that. I'd expect 45 + mph GPS speeds if properly set up with the HO engine.

There may even be an advantage at low speeds with the 4 cylinder; the 3 cylinder can cause some vibration that will shake the hand rails slightly at right around 1000 rpm if I'm remembering correctly. The additional cylinder may help smooth that out. Any concern with the additional weight on the transom can be remedied at least somewhat by moving the battery into the center console.

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Forgot to mention my battery is already under the console so that is a plus. My only concern really was the transom. My transom is supposedly wet even though it is as solid as brand new. I pulled all hardware off of it as well as drain tubes and felt no dampness. Going to get a few more opinions on it before i decide what to do!

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The E-TEC 90HO produces 112hp at WOT.

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I just finished testing the boat for GPS speed at WOT. The weight of the boat is as follows:


3 ADULTS, 2 KIDS - 840
motor 390
boat (dry) 900
gas 134
back seat 60
cooler 30
anchor 25
misc 50 50
battery 50
Oil Container 25
Bimini top 60

TOTAL -2564 pounds



The engine is mounted three holes up. The Bimini top was on the boat but in the collapsed position.The wind was very calm. The water was very calm. At wide open throttle, RPMs were reading 5700. The speed was 40 mph. I’m guessing that if the Bimini top were removed the speed what increased to approximately 42 mph.

I hope this helps.

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3 holes up is ALL the way up for your engine?

http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...cle_id=106

0 <-- All the way down (bolt in first top hole)
0
0
0
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0
0 <-- One Hole Up (bolt in second hole from top)
0
0
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0
0
0 <-- Two Holes Up (bolt in third hole from top)
0
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0
0
0
0 <-- Three Holes Up (or All the way Up for most engines) (bolt in fourth hole from top)

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Yes, my engine is mounted three holes up.

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Thanks for the info Ron!!

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I just re-powered this spring and only have been out twice. But the tops speed with the 90HO with a standard aluminum 17 pitch prop was 46 mph. at 6000 rpm. I think I can get 48 out of it with he stainless tell prop I have it mounted three holes up. I also have a 19 inch aluminum to try we shall see. I will post back when i have more data on the SS and 19 inch prop.

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Almost set on the 90 HO. I have to order by Saturday to get the 8 yr warranty. They’re going to let me try out different SS BRP props. Any suggestions where to start with a prop - 3 holes up seems to be the correct mounting position.

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Ron Mazcko cited the installation of a Viper 13 7/8 x 17 on his Evinrude E-Tec 90 HO back in October 2014. You know from Ron's post he carries a heavy load.

I recommend you try the Viper V4 13.875 x 19 since the dealer is going to let you experiment with different propellers.

The sweet spot for full throttle performance on the E-Tec 90 HO will be 5500-5700 RPM.

Yes, 3 holes up mounting of the outboard is correct.

If you wanted to try a non-BRP brand stainless propeller that is highly recommended for your application, consider the 13-1/4" x 17" Turbo 1.

Do not fret too much about the 8 year warranty. When you read all the fine print, the warranty only covers up to 1500 hours of operation.

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OK I wasn’t aware of the 1500 hr limit, but that’s probably more than i’ll put on it anyway. They did tell me the warranty will cover everything including guages and controls just not the normal wear and tire items such as prop and cables. After the third year there’s a 50 dollar deductible. Seems like a pretty solid deal to me, no?

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I will share with you two little secrets. Just between you and me.

First, The warranty is the best the outboard industry has to offer.

Second, the Evinrude E-Tec 90 HO is the most efficient outboard motor (in it's rated HP rated class) you can buy.

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Per the NMMA, typical recreational use averages about 50 hrs/year. You'd have to wrack up almost four times that many hrs/year before you would have to worry about the 1500 hour warranty limit. Unless you are very atypical in your usage, you probably don't have to worry about the hours limit.

But extended warranties are built into the product price, one way or another (even if it's advertised as "free"). Considering how reliable most modern outboards are, I would rather pocket the savings and take my chances with a standard warranty. The manufacturers have run the numbers and know the odds are in their favor that they will come out ahead when a consumer purchases the extended warranty. Why bet against the odds?

What sort of price are you paying for that 90 HO ETEC package? Compare closely with a Merc 90 Fourstroke, which will weigh less, offer 24% more displacement, and likely cost quite a bit less. You can see competitive prices for the 90 Fourstroke Merc at Jacos Marine ($7,540) or Ed's MArine Superstore ($7,700):

http://jacosmarine.com/mercury-engine...e-pricing/

http://www.edsmarinesuperstore.com/--...le-mercury

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The price difference between the 90HO and the Mercury is negligible. I could go with a 3cyl etec for about 800 less but i am still leaning towards the HO as i will likely be pulling skiers and toting a decent load.

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Then it sounds like you are working a really good deal there, especially given the warranty being offered.

Other considerations are noise level and whether any of your routine pasengers are sensitive to odors.

Purely personal preference, but I’ve always felt the white G1 ETEC w/red decals looks especially sharp on a Boston Whaler.

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Yeah the White HO looks great IMO.

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The reported speeds with the 90 HO of 42-46 MPH on a Montauk are not all that great.
I would think other 112-115HP engines on that hull will walk away from it. I know mine will, and my 115 is an old carb dog that weighs 305#.

With bottom paint, it appears you may not break 45 MPH. Then again, maybe you don't need to.

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Well, it’s ordered :) The warranty will begin on the in-service date and i am locked in for 8 yrs! Can’t wait! My old Montauk will basically be a new boat when I am done.

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Congrats -- very exciting to repower. Keep the group posted on how it performs for you.

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Thanks, it is exciting. The hull is about to go under the knife though so i have to wait a few weeks unfortunately.