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Let's see how these stack up... I appreciate the input any can offer... as some of you know, I suddenly find myself in the market for a new engine (UGH!!!).

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hey Mike, you got my vote :) ETEC of course, although I would like to add, I think Yammy makes a fine engine as well. I am curious about the new all aluminum block Yamaha i've heard about and wonder if anyone has any pro's or con's to bring to the table.

Duf

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Second the vote for the Etec. BTW I think the Johnson brand has been shelved.

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Darn Mike, I can't participate because there are no or very few Yamahas in my neck of the woods.

About all I can add is we used to have a joke here when comparing same size Evinrude's to Mercury's. The Mercury's always won the race to the finish line and to the trash pile.

I don't have anything against any of the major brands but my first choice would always be the OMC unless the price was a great deal apart. I am "Old School" and have to wonder if any of the newer offerings will stand the test of time as many of the older engines have. When I see the term "they just don't make them like they used to" I always have to wonder if this is just Nostalgia or honest truth. I did go fishing this morning with my 1969 6 HP Evinrude Fisherman and it has not skipped a beat yet. I suck at catching the fish but it has nothing to do with the motor!

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Lighter, simpler and American made. I don't think there is much to debate.

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May I also suggest you also go to Consumer Reports and see what they say.

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E Tec as a rule will be a great motor.
But money paid with service and guarantee will usually rule the day.

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Where's the closest dealership / type mechanic in your area?? Logistics plays a major role in engine selection.

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As stated earlier, American made and damn near bullet proof. Love my omc!

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Mike, I have a E-Tec 90 that I had mounted on my SL16. I purchased it (the salt water version}3 years ago in hopes of retiring to the Gulf of Mexico. I only used it about 20 hours in Lake Michigan but loved it compaired to the 1996 Yamaha, I do not run full tilt on Lake Michigan in a 16 foot boat but after a day of fishing and sight seeing with my wife I would use 4 to 6 gal. The first gallon of oil is still setting on the shelf in the garage.
The bad news we had a wind storm 2 weeks ago and a 100 year old, 40 inch dia. Oak tree came down accross my bow and house and crushed both. THe Insurance Co. totaled the boat and the house has about $25000. in damage. I spent the day with my chain saw and a dumpster today. The engine is still on the transom which is straped to the trailer. I plan on taking it out to Gull Lake Marina to have them check it out. I don't know if I will save the engine for a new (used) Whaler in the 18 to 19 foot range or sell it.
I think you would be happy with the E-Tec.

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From all I've read, both the E-Tec & Yamaha are good motors. If you ask, which you have, you'll always find someone who's had problems....they're mechanical devices afterall. I put a Honda BF90 4-stroke on my Classic 17' Montauk in 2007 and have had no problems with it, yet (afterall, it is a mechanical device). I believe it was about 50 lbs heavier, w/a good 5 year warranty, and I believe made in the USA (but I could be wrong on that). I have it full-serviced every spring and she runs like a champ all season. We do keep her in the water year-round and fish the Atlantic, Cape Fear River, and ICW in salt water in NC. I truly believe the key is that annual service by a reputable shop for any motor. While the hole shot is great, etc., it's not a racing boat. My #1 focus is reliability, and you don't get more reliable than Honda. Good Luck!

One Man's Opinion

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I have an E-Tec, hard to beat for reliability when Evinrude says you don't have to see your dealer until the engine hits 300 hours / 3 years and they mean it. I took my engine in last spring because i hit 3 years and had about 100 hours on it. The first question my dealer ask, is why are you here, you can put a few more hours on it before you bring it in? I had the service done anyway and my dealer's report, everything lookgs good, but please drive faster, you spend too much time trolling.

With an E-Tec the only reason to see your dealer is to purchase oil and even that can be ordered online.


From the Evinrude site:

"No inspections or adjustments, no changing gearcase lube, no spring tune-ups. For a full three years, then every three years after that. Up to an extra $1,850 in your pocket."

With that said, all engines are mechanical and can / will break down on occasion, which dealers are close to you? Do they have a good reputation, will they answer questions and above all do you like dealing with them. those are important answers as for most of us, buying a new engine is a 10 to 20 year commitment, unless you like spending cash.

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After 4 years of research, while waiting for my 1983 60HP Johnson to finally die (it never did), I purchased a new 90HP ETEC.

Could not be happier.

Much help from the members of Whaler Central with the installation.

Good luck with your decision.

Patrick

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I am not surprised at all but the results so far 16-2 in favor of the ETEC are actually better than I would have expected.