Evinrude E-Tec vs Mercury OptiMax

[rcwass]

These both claim to be better then 4 Strokes with fuel economy and being quiet. Can these outboards meet these claims? Is one really better then the other? I haven't heard much about the Mercury's on these forums. Still searching for the right motor for Maine waters. Water temperatures are normally above 50 degrees when I'm out.

[Byrdman]

Well, in the for what it is worth column...if today I was putting down cash for a new motor...it would be hard fit to still not go with 4 stroke Honda or Yamaha....and then would base that call on dealership availability on where I planed on using the boat the most. They both now have a great distribution of dealers, and they both seem to have worked out all issues rather than letting the general public toss out their cash....and then start making adjustments. Have seen a lot of real good stuff of late on the new etec....but....also some more reading of other post on not only this site, but other boating sites would TODAY... yeild... not stop,,,,but yield me from buying one. No comment on the Mercury...other than go 4 stroke. My family has enjoyed many years of trouble free use of the Honda 4 strokes. We have owned 2 50hp and I still have 2 90hp on the TomCat. ZERO problems ever out of any of them. I like to buy what works...not what is proving to be ...what is being tested and worked out. Flip a coin and go with what feels right for you and your use.

[Sawdust]

This is a tough decision for either a new or old purchaser. I use several different brands, Honda, Yamaha, E-Tec, and Suzuki.

There isn't a bad one in the bunch. Honda has over one million 4-stroke outboards out there -- and rare complaints. Personally I've put several thousand hours on Hondas including 6 years on one Honda 90 - not a problem. All three of my Yamahas have been trouble free - and I presently have a 100 HP 4-stroke Yami. on a 22 C-Dory. The E-Tec 90 has been great for me too on my last 22 C-Dory. There have been isolated cases of extremely cold operating problems with the 90 E-Tec but the factory says they have that problems solved.

I liked the E-Tec 90 so well that I put one on my 19 Ft. Klamath Aluminum boat -- and I've used the 50 E-Tec on the 16 Ft. Klamath that our son owns. IMO they are great engines and no service for 3 years and a 7 year warranty make it a very attractive option. My buddy Byrdman makes the most important point IMO -- your dealer support is the key to you satisfaction with any of the makes.

HTH,

Dusty

[flagold]

I have two 90 Merc 4-strokes. Flawless -- absolutely bulletproof. The 2-stroke Optimax engines have had some problems running lean (and perhaps others too) in the beginning and quite a few burned pistons, etc. Many buyers simply won't take them. For that reason I'm with Byrdman -- 4 stroke Merc or no Merc at all.

[Sea Wolf]

Courtesy Note-

Four stroke Mercury = Yamaha 4 stroke powerhead with Mercury lower drive unit.

This combination makes for a very reliable and technologically up to date motor with proven concepts, rather than a new design with lots of unforseen complications to iron out while you, the customer, hold the bag as the the factory folks search for quick fixes to save the day/week/month/year or whenever.

My advice: stay with a motor with a proven track record and fully modern design, which drops the choices down to 4-stroke Mercurys, Yamahas, or Suzukis.

The great, proven and reliable Honda needs quite a bit of modernization: fuel injection/ECM/alternator size upgrade/ DOHC.

If you read the other thread about cold weather problems with the e-tech 90, you'd have a very hard time going after this new kid on the block, at least until after the adjustment period is over.

Joe

[Jimbo]

I ran a 2003 150 Optimax on my 18 Searay and thought it was a great motor. It started good, ran quiet, and only burned 2.5 gal per hour. The only downside was the cost of Optimax oil, $65.00 for 5 litres and we used about 20 litres per season. We just finished our Van boat show and I quizzed the Merc reps. about a 135 Optimax vs Verdaro. The Verdaro is heavier, needs it's own custom steering set up, throttle control and gauges, and will cost about 6000.00 Cdn more than the Optimax. When I repower my 1981 "Hunky Dory" I will seriously consider an Opitmax. Also I like the idea of knowing that if I have a problem while out boating, there is a pretty good chance that any marina I limp into will have a Mercury dealer near by. Can the other brands make that claim?
Jimbo

[Sea Wolf]

Jimbo-

Glad to hear you like the Mercury OptiMax! It's a good engine from what I've read elsewhere as well.

No doubt the Mercury dealer network is very stong overall, but other makes have very strong representation in some areas, and it seems to vary quite a bit from region to region.

The importance of the dealer network is unquestionable, but I'd be particularly concerned with not only my own regional area, but specifically I'd investigate the dealer from whom I was going to buy a new motor and also talk to his mechanics / technicians in person. Nothing like friendly, knowledgeable, honest, and easy to talk to folks to work with up front.

Joe.

[Sawdust]

Too old to argue with an old teacher!!!

Joe, my "modern" Yamaha doesn't get better mileage, run smoother, or give better reliability than the old Honda's I've been running. Turn the key, they start, and run, and run, and run. Ran a pair of Honda 150's yesterday for many hours. Sweet engines, modern, bigger generators, etc. And no doubt Honda will be out soon with a new "modern" series of 75/90 hp engines that will still develop their rated HP and run, and run, and run. I'm a boater, not a technician -- if they make my boat go and are reliable --- Wheeeee! Gotta put a fish in the box.

The E-Tec is a fine engine with PROVEN reliability and upgraded old technology. Considering the number of E-Tecs out there, very few complaints, and the customers that have them really like them (like me)... a 7 year warranty has got to mean the factory is serious for the long term. Every model is now back-ordered and the marketplace is the best indicator. With our great internet, there is no sweeping problems under the rug. The cold water problem is just a blip on the screen IMHO.

My original thesis - they are ALL good. Dealer support, which includes proper installation, is a major factor in user satisfaction.

My soap box is getting a little thirsty, so outahere.
Hope all goes well with Joe!!!

Duster (86 yesterday and still having fun!)

[gljjr]

Happy BDay Dusty!

I know a few people with the ETec and a few with the Merc. They are all happy with their purchases I'm just glad I don't have to sink that kind of money into a new motor! Those things are spendy!

[DodgeRam]

Amen to that Sawdust , your right any body wanted to buy a new engine these day should not be afraid of any of them, they are all good back up by some pretty good warranty. Dealer service is what make or break reputation not the factory! Has for the New E-Tec it is different but a 2 stroke is a 2 stroke! When I read that post about a charter that is not getting service ? And mad about is only 1 year warranty for commercial work , not wanted to offend is posting ,but I have been in a few charter trip , you would give me those 6 month old only engine, I personally , would not buy it ? GaRY SEARAM

[flagold]

I'm with you Dusty (Happy B-Day), as long as I can turn the key and it starts -- I'm happy! Glad they got the early Optimax problems solved, but I still wouldn't want one on our type boats or a supercharged Verado in my usage. Superchargers at put-put speeds just don't hold up well (don't get enough lubrication). I don't know what the ratio is for the Merc Verado, but the 1820 radials I used to run were 10-1 (1000 rpm supercharger is turning 10,000). In my application -- idling along, it wouldn't be practical. Said all that to say this: in picking an engine, price is only part of it -- think of how you'll use the engine as well.

[Sea Wolf]

Happy Birthday, Dusty!

Has it been a year already since the last time around, or are you having two or more B-Days each year just to justify some more "presents"s for the boat?

You're right about the four strokes all being reliable engines, of course, but we have this thing, kind of like the truck brand thing, that makes most of us stick up for the engine we've got, especially if it runs great. It's just that most of us don't have the plriviledge of owning 10 different boats and motors per decade!

Joe.

[Sawdust]

Sure seems like two b-days a year Joe. Some goon set my clock to double speed!

My formula on buying boats always works -- buy high, sell low. Oh yeah, and forget it's Valentine's day!

Fun day tomorrow. EQ is getting the new C-Ranger 21EC today and I'm going to try and get Les to check it out tomorrow. What a cool little play toy! 10 knots at .9 gal of diesel per hour! Leaves enough in the till to buy some of the beer guys' wonderful mouthwash.

Met Dave Livingston yesterday at the C-Ranger plant -- very informative trip. Surprised that Dave and I flew together in Navy A3D's out of Sanford, FL in 1963 -- how come my wrinkles hurt and he looks like a kid? Unfair, huh?

Sure understand brand loyalty! My first outboard experience was as part-owner of a Johnson dealership -- then went to Mercury for years -- then some testing for Johnson -- and along came the 4-strokes! New era, and now enjoying 2-strokes again. Young of heart, and old, and weak of wallet!!!

Dusty

[DaveS]

[Sawdust]

Dave,

If I had any sense I'd sink all the boats and just chase girls!!

Come up and visit. Les gets the tug today and that's gonna be a blast. Needs a steam whistle.

Thanks for the wishes, dear friend.

Duster