what should i expects- E-tecs

[Genie Aye]

I have the 200ho (3.3 litre) and really enjoy the economy and performance.. Comparing to my friends with comparable 4 strokes, I out run and out gun them with just slightly better economy.

I average in the 3.4mpg when running for tuna, loaded heavy with a tote of salt ice, 4 guys and equipment and 35 gallon bait tank and sea conditions generally suck heading out 50 miles and pretty good coming in.

No oil changes, valve adj and lots of weight as 4 strokes.

My .02---go with the 175. You can always use less throttle, but can not push down any more if it is not available.

plus you do not have to work the bigger engine as hard as a smaller hp engine.

PS--get the I command gauge and the fly by wire--they will both pay for themselves down the road.

[bgreene]

Why go new if you don't have to ?

Good sources such as ARG Marine in Florida often sells used, and they stand behind the motors. I bought from them years ago, and I'm very careful.

Anyway, 150 hp all around adaquate based on your description.

(Genie is a horsepower freak......... like me.......:) )

[spareparts]

just so you know, there are some deals to be had on Optimax motors right now, you will have to find a dealer that's willing to search a bit, but from what I've heard, mercury is blowing out some deals to get their 2 stroke inventory down. Make no mistake, four strokes are taking over the market, with ever increasing tighter emission standards coming, its only a mater of time before two strokes will be gone. If I were buying a new motor, the 200/150(four cylinder) Yamaha four stroke would be a the top of the list. The Mercury Opti's would be right beside it, maybe in front of it if the price was right.

[jamesbalog]

Thanks,

I will take a look at the Opti's as well. I really dont want a 4 stroke motor. Just seems like much more maintenance than i want to deal with.

[spareparts]

50% of the engines I work on are Yamaha fourstrokes, 75% of the work i do on them is preventative maintenance, the majority of the 25% of work is fuel related(bad fuel, contaminated fuel, bad fuel pumps). They have other issues, just like any other engines as well(trim systems, lower units, etc...). I work on all types of engines spread apart four strokes outboards, two stroke outboards, Inboards, Inboard Outboard, some light diesel work, and I even work on jet pumps once in a blue moon(real jets, with big blocks, not jet ski's). Yamaha engines are by far the most popular new engines in my area(Charleston, SC), followed by Mercury, Suzuki, Honda(very little), in order of popularity. there are probably less than 10 E-tecs in the drystacks (over 1600 individual stacks) and marinas around here that I can think of, with only one dealer willing to work on them(four dealers selling Bombardier parts). Research the area you are in to see what your options are for service before you buy.

[randlemanboater]

I have no experience with the new direct injection 2 strokes, but I can tell you, I love my Johnson/Suzuki 140 4 stroke. I get 40 mph top end and average 5 mpg cruising.

To me, dealing with pouring oil once a year (annual oil change) is better that pouring $30/gal oil all season into a 2 stroke...but thats just me, I always used to make a mess with outboard oil.

[jamesbalog]

Originally Posted by randlemanboater

I have no experience with the new direct injection 2 strokes, but I can tell you, I love my Johnson/Suzuki 140 4 stroke. I get 40 mph top end and average 5 mpg cruising.

To me, dealing with pouring oil once a year (annual oil change) is better that pouring $30/gal oil all season into a 2 stroke...but thats just me, I always used to make a mess with outboard oil.

The 5mpg crusing just opened my eyes a bit... im getting less than 2 on average right now....

[ssiredfish]

Originally Posted by spareparts

50% of the engines I work on are Yamaha fourstrokes, 75% of the work i do on them is preventative maintenance, the majority of the 25% of work is fuel related(bad fuel, contaminated fuel, bad fuel pumps). They have other issues, just like any other engines as well(trim systems, lower units, etc...). I work on all types of engines spread apart four strokes outboards, two stroke outboards, Inboards, Inboard Outboard, some light diesel work, and I even work on jet pumps once in a blue moon(real jets, with big blocks, not jet ski's). Yamaha engines are by far the most popular new engines in my area(Charleston, SC), followed by Mercury, Suzuki, Honda(very little), in order of popularity. there are probably less than 10 E-tecs in the drystacks (over 1600 individual stacks) and marinas around here that I can think of, with only one dealer willing to work on them(four dealers selling Bombardier parts). Research the area you are in to see what your options are for service before you buy.

^THIS!!!!

My buddy had to take his 180mi round trip to be serviced.....never got the lower unit right, ended up selling it.