Evinrude E-Tec vs Mercury OptiMax

[C-batical]

My experience and opinion for what it is worth. I currently have both a Mercury 50 HP four stroke and twin Honda 40's. I recently owned another Mercury four stroke and have had absolutely no problems with either motor. Both Mercury motors have electronic fuel injection; start immediately and run smooth. On the other hand, the twin 2004 Honda 40's 2004 are carbureted and require a lot of cranking when cold to start. The Auto Start Enrichment system simply is not a good system. These motors have been back to the dealer several times and the problem has not been corrected. Also, the power tilt send unit switches both broke and it took almost ten weeks to get replacement parts; well after the boat was stored for the winter. Multiple calls and email correspondence to Honda customer service were unsuccessful in freeing up replacement parts or resolving the the starting issue. Honda never returned any phone calls or answered my emails. Interestingly, I know of another C-Dory owner with the same engines that I have and he is experiencing same starting and part problems. This is a major concern to me because I could lose an entire boating season waiting for parts.

[oldgrowth]

Dusty

[flagold]

Just for the record -- I'm not brand loyal. I've owned all the brands (including Scott Atwater) except Suzuki. Nothing against them, just haven't owned one. As long as it meets the specs, starts, runs, and stops when I want it to, that's pretty much good for me. I do my own service, and that keeps the parts issues down.

[Peg Leg]

I can help a little on this one. I got a propaganda DVD about ETecs from a dealer in Delaware. Pretty interesting stuff. They ran certified tests against Yamaha and Mercury and there were a few notable mentions: Etec claims 1st, to have lower emissions; 2nd, it is lighter by a lot; 3rd, they do not need any dealer maintainance for 3 years; 4th, more torque and hp. If any of you can get a copy it does make good viewing. I think I would give one a try, but like everyone is saying, they are all good, or we wouldn't buy them.

[Byrdman]

So Dusty.... Help me... I forget if you are 36 or 37 this year? What wrinkles??? I thought you were just always grinning like a possuem thinking about all your fun times on and about the waters.

So today is Thusday.... Please do tell how the tug did.

Byrdman

[Sawdust]

Pat,

Looks like the weekend on the tug... Les and Bob will be playing with the t-cat for the next couple of days. I spent
about 6 hours on the Tomcat while the crew checked out all the systems... sweet machine. You WILL like it.

Dusty (37 and holding)

[Byrdman]

Well I found the delivery date of the tug and some notes from Bob and thought...wow....Les is going to have a sweet week... Bob's boat is awesome and I am too sad not to be able to be at his boat party. I will simply just have to have a toast on that day to his long pleasureable enjoyment and safety!! Here Here. And happy 37th Dusty.