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This new engine replaced a 1989 Yamaha 130 HP two stroke, V-4 with 1.7 liters displacement. It was long in the tooth chronologically, but had a modest 1600 hours on it. Some mild but chronic carburetor problems, a lack of competent service, modest corrosion and remote vacation dependent boating locations drove the repower decision.

That engine served me quite well, with excellent performance and 44 MPH top speeds. A performance report can be found for the combination.

Due to that satisfaction, I initially considered the now discontinued 130 HP E-TEC, an engine with identical specifications; 1.7L V-4. Having read a couple performance reports on it that weren't nearly as strong as the Yamaha it would replace, I reconsidered choosing the WEAK-TEC at same horsepower.

Limiting my choices to Wisconsin-built engines, I then looked at both the 150 HP E-TEC and the 150 HP Mercury Fourstroke. Performance reports on the E-TEC were stable and repeated by several, expect 45-47 MPH top end and magnificent performance through the range. Very similar to all the previous 18 Outrages powered by V-6 150 HP Johnsons and Evinrudes. The Mercury reports were fairly rare at that point, one Outrage that I'm aware of, and it was a well fitted out fishing boat, canvas pilothouse, etc... Performance was similar, 45-46 if I recall.

The costs rigged for both engines came to within hundreds of each other, and I had no relationships with nor preference for the local dealers. But I could buy the Mercury online from the vaunted Jaco's Marine. I had a dealer receive and hang the engine, then I rigged it and returned to the same dealer for a PDI, Predelivery Inspection to initiate the warranty. I'd guess this saved me $2-2.5K and gave me a good understanding of the boat and engine systems while replacing twin cable steering, binnacle and gauges and gauge panels.

Cost primarily drove the Mercury selection, but reduced costs were driven by an alternate purchase method that was available. Apple to apple purchasing had them priced within a couple percent, insignificant in the decision.