Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Sea trial of new ETEC 90HP.

Posted by MDBayMontauk on 05/22/08 - 4:18 PM
#1

I put a new 2008 Blue 90HP ETEC on my 1987 17' Montauk. At the advice of some folks here I also got new binnacle control, steering, all new hoses, a new fuel filter and a new trim gauge and the ICommand main gauge.

I should mention that this was replacing a 1987 90HP Yamaha 2S.

I have been able to put a few hours on the set-up so far, following are my impressions:

1. The engine is very quiet, at 3,000 rpm I can have a conversation at normal voice levels. At idle you can barely tell it is running.

2. The hole shot is very impressive. It gets up on the plane a lot faster than my old engine. I have been able to get it to 5200 rpm at WOT with 2 aboard and 26 gal of fuel. At WOT it is fast enough to scare me! It seems like the sweet spot is between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm.

3. I was surprised at how the water kind of runs out of the back of the engine like a bathroom faucet turned on half way on. I called my tech and was assured this was normal. It definitely is not a "stream" as I was used to from my Yammie, more of a flow of water now. It doesn't seem to get above 155 degrees so I guess it is operating correctly.

4. It starts as soon as you turn the key. No more fooling with the choke, fast idle, etc., turn the key and it is on! I also can't detect any smoke or smell, which is a big plus when the "boss" is on board.

5. I like the I command gauge, I have it set up to show tach, engine temperature, and alternator volts on the same screen. It is kind of busy, but it has tons more information then I ever got before. It can also show hours, current fuel flow, and a multitude of other stuff with additional sensors.

6. I like the hose hookup for engine flushing, it seems to work well.

The shop I chose to do the work has been incredible. I think they did a fantastic job. If you are around southern Maryland and need a repower or some ERude work done PM me and I will give you contact details.

I will try to get some pictures this weekend and post them on a personal page.

Thanks for all your advice earlier in the year with my repower!

MD Bay Montauk

Posted by ioptfm on 05/22/08 - 5:07 PM
#2

I know you will love the ETEC. I put a 60 on my 15 and the first time I took off WOT the hole shot scared the hell out of me. Could not belive how fast it pops out of the hole. As you said, very quiet and odorless. As you will see to, it sips gas. I'm not sure I will ever own any other motor that is not an ETEC...............Oh, I almost forgot.................pretty good warranty too! :D

Posted by luckydog on 05/22/08 - 7:53 PM
#3

Congrats on a nice repower. My '87 Johnson 90 is still going strong, but someday I will repower with an etec. What size prop are you running and do you know what speed you hit at WOT. Just curious in comparison to my old V4. I hit 43mph on gps with a 13x19 omc stainless prop.

Posted by MDBayMontauk on 05/23/08 - 4:11 AM
#4

Luckydog,
I think it is a 15 x 19, I am not positive, but I will check tonight and correct this if I am wrong. At the moment I am running a BRP aluminum prop, but hope to switch to SS soon.

As for speed I don't know, didn't have my GPS on board. I will check it this weekend and let you know.

Thanks,
MD Bay Montauk

Posted by Tom W Clark on 05/23/08 - 7:35 AM
#5

A 15" x 19" propeller will not fit an E-TEC 90. You are most likely running the BRP 14" x 17" three blade. Your top speed is probably about 40 MPH.

The best prop for that boat is the 13-1/4" x 15" Stiletto Advantage I.

Posted by duf on 05/23/08 - 8:11 AM
#6

MD, i've had my 225 2006 ETEC for almost a year. I love the heck out of it for the same reasons you described. You really will enjoy that motor as it not only sips the gas, but only uses a dribble of oil.

Duf B)

Posted by cooperphilip on 05/23/08 - 1:57 PM
#7

I've had an E-tec 90 for approx 3 years and its performance has been spectatular. Starts immediately, quite, uses less fuel and hardly any oil. The only problem I had was the oil tank had a leak and had to be replaced under warranty.

Great running engine!!

Posted by joninnj on 05/23/08 - 5:17 PM
#8

Hey MD Bay Montauk,

There may be a few of us who would be interested in more details on performance. I also run a 90 Yamie on a 17 and its getting old. But it will still turn a 19 inch K series stainless at 5200 and easily pull big wake boarders. Gear ratio is 2 to 1 .

I will eventually re-power soon, but may go for a 115.... Your results would be interesting.

Good Luck

Posted by joninnj on 05/25/08 - 5:15 AM
#9

Just an update, 90 HP on a 17...

I splashed yesterday, and on the GPS it ran 42MPH at 5200 RPM. A second rap on the throttle got me to 5300 RPM (full tank) and it was rough and windy yesterday in NJ. I am using a 13 X 19 stainless K series.

I would think you will get better results with the new eTec. I would bet you could squeeze mid 40's out of it...

My thoughts are that a 15 pitch will be way to small... :o You may spin over 6000 RPM with 15. The eTec and Yamie gear ratio is very close....

Attached is a link to performance data on the eTec on an 18ft Stratos a bit larger and heaver than the 17 whalers... Using a 13.88 X 17inch stainless.

http://www.evinrude.com/NR/rdonlyres/.../PE611.pdf


Happy Memorial Day weekend B)

Edited by joninnj on 05/25/08 - 5:57 AM