Amazing E-Tec's

[Flying Ant]

While most were taking advantage of the great weather today and heading out to drop a line, I took off for a different reason. I met up with the team from BoatScene to take part in their on-water day at Yorkeys knob- Cairns.
After a quick intoroduction to everyone there, we jumped into one of the Alison boats and shot over to the markers at the inlet. Can I just say that first impressions of both the boat (Allison 195) and motor (175 E-Tec) were fantastic. When the throttle was opened up, I was nearly thrown out the back of the boat.
We headed over to watch the ski racing which started at 10am. Out of the nine boats that were competing, only two had E-tec motors. Guess which two won the race? Yep. E-Tec first and second and by a long shot may I add.

I have been a fan of these motors for some time and have tested a few boats with them fitted, but after today, I am sold.

Here are a few pics- keep in mind it is pretty hard to catch a boat doing over 90mile on the water.

[Adam Royle]

Looks like fun Ant!

I too would probably go for an E-tec (or atleast one of the new breed 2-strokes) over a 4-stroke at this stage, when I can bloody aford it!

I've heard a few issues with the grunt needed to get some boats out of the water with the 4's.

Fuel economy and noise reduction has never been questioned but the extra HP required to get up on the plane under load apparently is a problem?

Love to here from anyone who actually owns one, better still who has owned a 4-stroke and new breed 2-stroke!

Catch Ya!
Adam

[Shane Wallace]

I have a 4 yamaha and i can hardly tell the difference not much sense in going two stroke when the price of fuel is what it is.....send you broke.

[Adam Royle]

Hi Shane!

Thanks for your reply mate, what size 4-stroke and boat do you have?

I should have mentioned that it was a few smaller class boats (14-16 foot) that seemed to be having a few issues.

I've also heard that the new breed 2-stroke are almost if not just as good as the 4's on fuel???

Like I said it's 2nd hand info I'm getting so I'd love to here from more of you!

Catch Ya!
Adam

[Flying Ant]

Hi Adam and Shane,
I can't post the info here because it is quite a large document, but the latest specs on all outboards puts the E-Tec motors right up there as being the best in emissions. The fuel economy is also very impressive due to the way that the engine is managed. I would place them right alongside (if not slightly better) than most fours. Pretty impressive for a 2-stroke when you only look back a few years to the smokin ol' motors we used to run.

If you want me to email you the sheet please let me know.

[Adam Royle]

Thanks Ant!

Probably much of the same stuff I've found on the web when I've looked around but I'd appreciate it if you could email me.

Me and the blokes at work are always talking about this sort of stuff.

Catch Ya!
Adam

[stephen]

Adam Royle Wrote:Love to here from anyone who actually owns one, better still who has owned a 4-stroke and new breed 2-stroke!

Catch Ya!
Adam

Gday Adam,

I recently sold my 5.25m tinnie which had a 90hp four stroke Mariner on it. My new (second hand) boat is a Cyclone 540 with a 90 Merc Optimax.

The old boat with the 4stroke averaged 2.3km per litre.

I've only had the new boat out once, but over 90km the Opti averaged 2.55km per litre.

Of course, while the motors are rated the same and the boats are similar length and weight, the hulls are completely different.

I have found that the Optimax is much more responsive than the 4 stroke, and builds revs much quicker. The Optimax is a little louder than the 4 stroke (especially idling) but it's a small price to pay.
Of course, you have to consider the cost of oil as it is a two stroke, but don't forget that 4 strokes use oil too, they just don't burn it.

And on the subject of burning oil, yes I do notice the odd two stroke smell when idling and trolling - especially after having a 4 stroke for so long, but I don't consider it a major drawback. There is no visible smoke though, unlike a conventional two stroke.

In summary, so far I have found the Optimax to give better fuel economy than the 4 stroke and it's got more zing, but the 4 strokes are quieter and don't smell.

cheers,

steve

[Adam Royle]

Thanks Stephen!

Your comments back up what I have heard from a few other boaties I've bumped into but until now I hadn't seen any figures (other than from dealers) until yours on fuel consumption.

Most I have talked to did have the Optimax's but a few had E-tec's and one was a Yammy.

Cheers mate!

Catch Ya!
Adam

[chris]

hi guys. i got a 60 4st yamaha on my 435 platey, its a heavy boat for one of that size, i have 60 lts of fuel, laoded with my gear for a fishing trip, it just climbs on to the plane very quickly, even whith the 120 litre live well full. the fuel economy is about 8l/hour wide open at a speed of 32knots.
should i drop off the throttle of to cruise on 25 knots, i use around 5 l/hr, i cant fault that, so i prefer 4 strokes.

but each too their own i guess.

[Shane Wallace]

i agree with Chris with the 4s. Dont like fumes and noise!! Mercs and their optimaxs seems just to be a try hard 4 stroke........Each to their own!

Hope it sees red soon Steve.....


Im suprised that you didnt go for comfort.....whats the reasoning behind that steve???eg bunks etc........bring on reds on overnighters...im sold on bunks.