Why I choose Evinrude E-Tecs for my fishing charter business?
Given my 30 odd years in the charter fishing game, many people ask why I use certain products over others.
One of the most asked is, “Why on earth are you still running a 2 stroke outboard?”
It seems many Australian anglers and boaties have the mistaken perception that new 2-strokes are still the smoky noisy fuel guzzling rattlers of the past.
Not True!
My 2016 Evinrude E-Tec is actually quieter, cleaner and more fuel efficient than most four strokes on the market.
But more importantly, I save a fortune on service and maintenance costs!
For example if I were running a 4 stroke and had my engine serviced every 100 hours, I would be looking at 5 services a year @ approx $800 each.
My 2 stroke however has negligible servicing requirements and only requires a plug change and gearbox oil every 300 hours. This is the sort of thing you can do yourself.
A four stroke service is much more in depth due to all the extra moving parts.
My Evinrude E-Tec has a lot more power and torque than an equivalent 4 stroke which means the engine is working less saving fuel.
My road test of the new motor is included in the video below but first I would first like to bust a few myths ;
- Clean Energy: BRP, through its Evinrude brand, was the first and only outboard engine manufacturer ever to receive the EPA’s Clean Air Technology Excellence Award. In short, at the time of writing, E-Tecs are the cleanest outboards on the planet.
- Cheaper to maintain: On average, maintenance costs for an Evinrude outboard engine are up to 50% less than maintenance costs for a four-stroke outboard over the first three years of ownership. My E-Tec saves me thousands.
- Quieter: An Evinrude E-TEC is up to 50% quieter than the old 2-strokes. I can now have conversations with my clients while running at speed!
- More Power: Evinrude outboard engines produce up to 25% more torque than four-stroke engines. With Evinrude outboard engines, you get a power stroke with every revolution of the crankshaft as opposed to a four stroke which is every other revolution. Quicker onto the plane equals less fuel burn.
- Less Fuel: I fueled up with a guide (using a four stroke) the other day having traveled an equivalent distance. He used 25L where I used 23L. On a trip out to the reef with my mate using a four stroke, he used 38L and I used 36L. The specs for the new GEN 2 E-tecs are even better… but more about that in the video.
- Reliable starting: One touch of the key and it fires up every time even in winter.
- Lighter: Less strain on the transom, less fuel, better power to weight ratio.

If interpreting your sounder is not your strong point and have trouble identifying fish, our free Sounder Interpretation presentation will help!

Now in case you are wondering, I have not been paid by Evinrude/BRP for this review although I did receive a discount on my last motor.
I have used them since they first came out. The first couple of models did have some teething issues as you get with all new technology, but nowadays they are a very reliable and cost efficient engine. I wouldn't use anything else.
Watch the video below for my E-Tec review.

Introducing the Evinrude Gen 2
Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be invited to the Australian launch of the new G2 E-Tecs in Sydney.
This was my first look at the new engines and I was very impressed. I also got to try out a number of boat/HP combinations.

Classic old Haines with matching yellow E-Tec

American designed Seafox28 running twin 300 outboards

New Evolution with custom wrap and twin G2 Etec 200's

Colour coded to the extreme - boat, G2 E-tec, trailer and ute camo

Team Hobie's glitter boat had me reaching for my Spotters sunnies.

Lining up on Sydney Harbour for the grand finale photo shoot, until an approaching ferry has us departing in every direction like a drug deal gone wrong!

Sydney Water Police checking to see our paperwork was in order. Nice lads.

Life's Good!

The old girl strutting her stuff!

Most comfortable boat voted by Karen due to the amazing MilPro suspension seats and innovative hull design.

Shot of the day as we finally dodge the traffic long enough to line up
If you are interested in learning more about E-Tecs you can check out the links below.
I use Cav's Marine in Tully for all my servicing so you have any questions, give the boys a call and they will point you in the right direction. Small town hospitality and great service is what you can expect from Cav's and I can't recommend them enough.

If interpreting your sounder is not your strong point and have trouble identifying fish, our free Sounder Interpretation presentation will help!
Click the button below to get started - it only takes about 30 minutes to watch.
Stop scratching your head and start catching fish in less time using my knowledge.

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14 Comments
P J Largent
May 13, 2019Thanks for blog. Is the early e-tec 50 horse fuel efficient? I found only that first e-tech Evinrude came out in 2001. How can I look at a motor and determine the year? Is there a code in the serial number? I boat on Lake Ripley in WI…small, actually very small lake, where Ollie Evinrude tested his first motor. I am looking at pontoon with an inferior aged out motor. I found a 50 hp motor with an Evinrude e-tec hood, and info that it was from the 90’s. Is this possible, as site said they were introduced in 2004 at Miami Boat Show. I don’t want to make a mistake.
Ryan Moody
May 23, 2019Sorry mate I drive a 90hp and have no idea of the history. From memory it was about 2001 when the first etecs came out. I’ve never used a 50hp though so I’m not sure. Maybe try an Evinrude dealer. Sorry I can’t help you more. Good luck with it!
Janice Rush
February 7, 2019evinrude, 2001. Help! I found a clean Crestliner fishing boat with evinrude 2 stroke. I am ready to close the desl and all of a sudden my husband’s friends have convinced him NO 2 stroke!
Arthur Morrison
January 5, 2019I had never really thought about how different a two-stroke and four-stroke outboard engine could be, but you make some pretty good points. It is especially interesting to look at the numbers you put up in the article for how much it costs to maintain a four-stroke vs a two-stroke. I suppose that if you are looking to save some money and still get the power your boat needs then you might want a two-stroke.
Ryan Moody
January 6, 2019Hey Arthur, cheers for your comment mate! Hope you enjoyed the blog
M. Jones
October 28, 2017SOLD!!!! Shut up and take my money……. plus the new gen 2s look absolutely awesome compared to all the other brands!
john cooper
September 5, 2017I had a pair of Etec’s on my cat, got similar negative bs from guys that never owned one!I never did a fuel comparison with 4 strokes on a similar vessel but as you said add up the big savings on doing your own services,speaks for itself.
Paul Moore
August 28, 2016Have had an Etec 30 for 12 months now and runs perfectly. Oil consumption is small to say the least with a 4.2 Quini, fuel consumption is exceptional. I can travel 60 km for 28 liters of fuel (Av). My honda 30 on the same run would do 33 liters of fuel(av). And the honda fuel is 98 not 95 as used by etec. Significant price difference of 10-12c per liter it adds up. Oil use is between 80-150 to one depending on tidal flow and wind. All in all I am impressed with it as are the people who often go out fishing in this set up. Nice technology pity more fishos do not look closer at how old the 4 stroke tech really is.
Dennis Page
January 7, 2016I have had 4 x E-tec’s and love them all!
I have a 2006 model 40hp E-tec on my 4m hornet trophy. This motor has not skipped a beat in the almost 10 years I have had it, starts first time every time and I service the motor myself. I even have the laptop to plug in if needed. (very handy for setting up the correct prop).
Had a high hour second hand 2009 115HO which had a hard life in WA but after some love is running great.
I was away in Townsville hospital for 7-9 months and when I returned both engines started first turn of the key! Amazing!
My new offshore rig is fitted with one of the first G2 engines in the country, a 225HO G2 E-tec and this motor it ahead of its time! The fuel burn and torque of this thing is great!!!
Brian bedford
May 29, 2016Hi guys,
I am seriously considering buying a g2 200hp, have you had any teething issues with the g2’s
Doug Adams
June 7, 2015How are the e-tecs when trolling Ryan, I know the 2 strokes used to gum up didn’t like the idling.
Ryan Moody
June 13, 2015Hi Doug, i think i tried answering this one when the email notification came through but not sure if you received reply.
These motors are nothing like the 2 strokes of old. You can troll all day no problems at all.They can idle down very low. There is no oil in the fuel. The engine is lubricated in all the right places by oil injection. They use very little oil and the best one to use is the synthetic XD100. You can have the engines programmed to use either synthetic or tcw3. if you have it programmed for synthtic you can not put tcw3 in it. Some people have made that mistake in the past. Synthetic is only avail from an evinrude dealer so if you go away make sure you take enough with you. cheers
Ryan Moody
June 5, 2015For sure Lee, E-Tec reliability has certainly been questionable in the past. I blew two injectors on my last engine but after 2500 hours (equivalent to 25 services on a four stroke @$700each) I am still way ahead. My wife’s work used to run Yammies and they were a great engine. I guess if you are not doing too many hours, a four stroke has definite advantages, however for me, the 2 strokes win on maintenance costs every time. I have no complaints about my last two engines even after massive hours and I think BRP are trying hard, having made significant improvements and changes with the new G2’s. I guess time will tell but they are looking good so far. Thanks for your input.
Lee Fitzpatrick
June 5, 2015Every dataset has an outlier or two Ryan!
Most people I know who have, or have had, an eTec wouldn’t have another. It will take Evinrude a longtime to regain some reputation for reliability.
Me, I love my Yammies 4 strokes!
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