Optimax or E-tec

[Brad Y]

Hey guys.

Im upgrading my outboard as im getting annoyed with all the bits and pieces of warranty work that have had to be done to my motor, plus after trying to start it regularly on the weekends team challenge comp, I want something that starts first time every time.

Im going for 75hp direct injection two stroke. Fuel economy and oil economy are obviously going to be bonuses as well as the reduced noise. However I want the torque of the standard two stroke plus a good power to weight ratio. Please dont go suggesting a four stroke as its not what im looking at.

Looked at the new tohatsu DI's but the lack of dealership support in my area is a big factor in not going that option.

So its down to the 75hp E-tec or the 75hp Optimax. Have been quoted prices for each, with the optimax $17 cheaper. However after the poor performance of my current mercury Im not sure if I should try them again...

Taking into regard the lighter etec and the 3yr no service feature, it seems the choice is obvious. It also has cool features like the no oil get home mode and self winterisation.

Then again I have heard a rumour today that the 3 year no service feature doesnt apply if the motor is used in saltwater. Mercury has now got a 5 year warranty on the optimax.

So Im really looking forward to hearing peoples opinions to one over the other. For what its worth Im leaning towards the e-tec option.

Yatesy

[cleetus]

I take it the trackers off the market then Brad?

[Brad Y]

haha yeah mate, I only got one offer and it was a stupid one at that. Seen the light and its staying. But the outboard was an issue. Better to do it now while i still have a bit of trade in value on it. Got a flash new sounder/gps to go on it too.

[Brad Y]

Somebody better stop me if im making the wrong decision, Im committing to the etec tomorrow as I got an offer that beats all of the rest, hands down.

[PETER_S]

will be inretesting to see you and Dave O'Rielly go head to head once fitted

[Brad Y]

Im looking forward to it too mate, but to have a motor that starts first time every time and to not have a little niggling suspicion that something will go wrong soon... gee I cant wait.

BTW I should have your rod done by mid next week.

[donk]

gday brad

ive got an E-tec myself after having a honda and im very happy with it.it does everything as good as the honda which surprised me.i reckon your made the right choice and will be very happy and without the reliability problems of your other motor

onya donk

[Rosie]

As much as I hate to admit it Evinrude finally seem to be onto a winner with those e-Tecs. I have hardly heard a bad review yet and have only heard good from those who own them.

Good luck with it

[pike bream]

i was going to go for etec too
my transom max weight is 95kgs, boat is only a 4.15 mt aluminum
the 50 etec is over that transom weight,
thats why i went for a yamaha, only 88kgs,
happy with the yamaha, starts first go all the time too
cheers ben

[craig scott]

Hi Brad,

I have had a 40 e-tec for a couple of years and I'm completely satisfied.
Starts instantly, uses very little fuel and boogies like something that boogies a lot.....and boogies very well also.

Biggest smile is when my 2 buddies with top end 4 strokes tell me how much their services cost, and how frequent they're expected to do it. Straight away it makes the evinrude cheaper.

Side note, I know a dude with twin 75 mercs (2st injected) on a 'berg at Augusta, and they go beutifully and use fuel sparingly.... sound nice too.

Both good choices.

Cheers, Craig.

[mind games]

think long and hard before buying a e tec.buyer beware after going to the bream gf an e tec would be the last thing i would buy

[Brad Y]

What happened concerning the etec at the grand final?

Every motor has its bad reports, I have heard bad about etecs and doing powerheads, then again I have heard of electronics going on optimax. Electronics seems to be a main thing with mercury as thats what my current merc has troubles with.

In fact the only motor i havent heard bad things about is yamaha. Shame they dont do a 75hp Vmax or I would be very tempted.

[yeungy]

my 75 etec is just gone 2 yrs old and 1 of the cyclinder blow up but no worries the warrenty gav me a brand new inside of the motor which is preety sweet.

[Gary Fooks]

Brad

The rumour you suggest about the 300hrs - that it does not apply to salt water conditions, is incorrect. Salt and fresh is the same.

The no scheduled maintenace must be a signifant cost saving ( and hassle saving).. You should still do basic maintenance yourself

Both of the engines you are considering are 3 star emissions rating. (the lowest)

Gary

(All ETecs are 3 star as are Optimax 75 - 115hp. All other Di 2 strokes are 2 star)

[Rod]

Originally Posted by Gary Fooks

Brad

The rumour you suggest about the 300hrs - that it does not apply to salt water conditions, is incorrect. Salt and fresh is the same.

The no scheduled maintenace must be a signifant cost saving ( and hassle saving).. You should still do basic maintenance yourself

Gary

(All ETecs are 3 star as are Optimax 75 - 115hp. All other Di 2 strokes are 2 star)

I'm yet to find anywere that the ETECS don't have to be serviced when used in saltwater conditions but i have been led to believe this is the case, From the some verry well connected industry people ?

Also one last question what do you consider Basic maintenance?