Ozlobster has one, its gotten the job done for us a bunch of times on his boat. It was also one of the few choices available because of the weight, I think he mentioned that a 4st was going to be too heavy.

Alfred's old jono 4st was probably a lot quieter, his newer verado less so, but I don;t think anyone's DI2st is as quiet as a 4st.

That looks like one big can there !!

In some instances the E-TEC is advantageous due to a weight saving, in other instances no difference or heavier than a 4 stroke. And IMO the 3 years no servicing is a recipe for disaster and a good marketing tool. If I had an E-TEC or a 4 stroke, I'd be servicing them regularly regardless. Warranty doesn't replace parts due to corrosion etc.

You'll get adamant responses from both camps regarding which is better, but really get a motor that fits your budget and is preferably light as possible. I dont think you can lose either way - I've been on boats with both and they are much of a muchness really.

with your servicing argument Huggy, I just find it interesting that that could be the case. My question I guess, is, what does that say about the E Tecs themselves in terms of durability.

Seen a fair few of both, taken a ride in a lot of both, would still go a 4 stroke personally.

I was looking at upgrading my 60 yammie 2 stroke and was looking at the E-tec. I have a Ali 4.8 CC and weight is an issue. The difference between the yammie 60 2 stroke and 4 stroke was about 4kg from memory and bugger all between the 4 stoke and E-tec. I went to last years Perth boat show to do the rounds. A new 60 yammie 4 stoke was quoted for about $8200 fully fitted while the E-tec best quote was $8500 but another $1000 for fitting. So I went the yammie 4 stroke as they gave me a good trade in price and the other main difference is that the guages are different between the two and I would have had to cut the console up..... specs are much the same. I looked at spec for a while and generally found the following; E-tec runs about 0.7 litres/hr at 700rpm while the yammie is 2.7litres/hr. not much difference in the 2500-4200rpm range but then the E-tec chews more juice at open/full throttle above 4200rpm...but remember this is for my boat. more juice is like 10-15 litres/hr more. most boats cruise around 3500-4500 and I get my best economy at around 3600rpm and at that speed I get 4.02 km/l which gives me outstanding range. I can honestly say I am saving at least 40% fuel on the 2 stroke (was 3 years old) there is plenty of litreture on the subject but have a look yourself. as for the 3/300 service well then depends on how you look after your motor. I get my 4 serviced once a year at least, but know mates who never serviced there 4 for 400 plus hours (over many years)...... horses for courses....... If bought another boat then I would still look at an E-tec.

I see they are making Turbo charged diesel units in the U.S. Obviously going to be exxy and maybe a bit heavy but they would probably outlast the buyer - and in that vein - could you convert a 4 stroke to Autogas?

All good advice, I am going to do a bit of my own study on this before I buy a boat. I am relatively new to it all (Boats), so want to learn as much as I can.

See the new Cummins/Mercruiser QSD 2.0 130hp and 150HP stern drives, they are meant to be superb, but pricey, about $30,000 plus. See the new Panga boats made in USA, 7ft 7inch beam, 26 ft long, 1,000kg hulls foam filled, very economical on fuel with either the diesel or outboard. They can be powered by 150hp outboard up to 225hp and get about 1 mile/litre, much more with the diesel. See anglerboats.com or apex panga or andros boats. These boats are improved hull versions of the Southwind style banana boat with full height sides and are wider and longer, but still not overwidth in Australia. They have their own forums on the net.

moved.

did a mid 20's hp diesel some years ago and so did a couple of Italian manufacturers - actually makes a lot of sense. Economical and while the revs are low the torque would let you put a grunty prop on - and as for top speed - 5 fathom to CPBC with a 225 vs a 60 - minutes, not hours.

...did a fair bit of research when I was in the market and the big reason for the Etec, as Jamie as stated, was the weight. My particular boat is very flighty in the bow and I had to go as light as possible but in light of what has happened since (300 hours later) I'm very happy with my decision. The first service was at 270 hours, gearbox oil was like new, there were no corrosion/seizure problems, it still runs like the day I got it. Mine's a 90, and maybe those with motors in a different horsepower range will have a different story to tell, but I will quite confidently recommend these motors to anyone who cares to listen.

 I should add that I use the motor A LOT and it's always been my view that the worst thing to do to an outboard is let it sit doing nothing, so my motor's probably been treated a bit better than most purely for that reason.

I'll also say that I've noticed both Yamaha and Honda 4 strokes are much quieter than the Etec at idle but the noise levels become more and more equal the more the revs go up.

End of the day, stick with the big brands and you'll get a good product...the bar has been set very high and they all have to produce a top quality unit or they'll suffer the consequences.

imo, the e_tech are still fairly new on the market, yes some people are more than happy with them but how will they pan out down the track ,i dont have the prob with the choice of outboard i run a 350 chev stern drive . i think they need a few more years to see how they last where as the 4 stroke have been proven . as far as arguements sake goes all motors will have probs at one stage it just comes down to how you treat them. regular use is better than occasional and it doesnt hurt them to give them stick every now and then. listen to what people say good and bad and go from there taking in mind its the only thing that will get you home safely after a day out on the water so look after it and it will look after you

Love my Etec, Starts first time and purrs like a kitten.

When I hear mates whinging about $900-$1100 services every 100 hours (and these come around very quickly when trolling Beaks and Bazzas) I go out and have a quiet beer with my Etec which is looking down the barrel of three years and service No three, No probs, touch wood.

i did do a review of the etec's Vs the Suzuki 4stk.

I am looking at re-powing my c/console too.

My thoughts were either twin 175hp E-tec's or twin 200hp E-tecs,

Or Twin 175hp Suzuki 4stks.

Went and spoke to the builder of my c/console, and he has put twin 175 E-tecs and Twin 200 E-tecs on the back of some c/consoles hes built, but said they were very thirsty!!

Enough for him to look at other options. His recommendation was 175 suzi's which is what im looking at.

they do ge thristy in the top end but if you can keep them below 4500rpm they are good on fuel, i'd say the 4 strokes are no different in that case as well. The other advantage of the Etec range is the High Output models in 115hp, 150hp, 200hp, 225hp and 250hp. you pay a little more to legally get that little bit extra power, perhaps a set of 200hp HO motors with that extra grunt will keep the fuel cost down.

and any boat running such big motors will empty your wallet regardless. :D

This is true, but saving a few bucks is better than nothing

Especially when the overall difference isnt that much between engines.

IE: the 2 strokes have quicker pickup....really is this a nacessity?

Unless the rig is powered wrongly consumption should be comparable, high ends of both motors chewin' it and mid level revs pretty good, the HO's will naturally use a little more, oil usage is def a consideration at these sizes though cos it's dear as ($60-$90 per 5 liters depending on how you procure it) then offset this with servicing and intended hours. The Etec certainly suits my needs being at the small end of the scale (50 hp) with oil usage being bugger all goes fast and trolls sloooow (tuned down 500 revs on idle). So as my sig suggests my opinion prolly has little relevance here but just offering food for thought.

was told that they need fairly expensive oil. Was a guide for 5 years in NT and on barrier reef for a year and it was 4 strokes all the way. Easy to maintain and trouble shoot. Just wish I had the moulah for one of those sukis. Amazing shit..

Most of you guys have the larger engines. Does anyone have any comparison for a smaller motor. I am very close to repowering my 4.35 Stesco from a 2000 model 2 stroke Johnson, to something with much better fuel economy. I was very keen on the E-Tecs after watching the DVD, but have since been talked into a new Honda 4 stroke.

The more research I do, the more confused I get. I have been informed after 2012 there will be no more 2 strokes produced. I think the only way for a true comparison, is to be able to fit and test 2 or three motors for a few days, to actually see and feel the difference. At the moment, I use a full tank or more (22 litres) for a full day stopping and starting, where a mates new Mercury uses around half a tank, with very similar boat and load.

I have just repowered with honda 200hp ,i have always had two strokes ,never again the honda shits all over the Etecs,jmo, etecs out the hole faster than a for stroke for sure but hell i put the throtle down and she gets up quick enough for me. great fuel economy,and very quiet,i'm sold and wouldn't go back..

Thanks Paul, 1 in the basket for Honda, I look forward to more comments, especially from people with around 30 horse motors.

speaking to a dealer that sells both Yamaha's and Etecs and after picking his brain he recommended Etec's untill you reach 150hp, after that he will recommend a 4 stroke yammy any day. acceleration is not a big thing for me, it just means pissed off people when taking off if they are not ready.

horses for courses, get the lightest model and just make sure it's either a direct/electric injection 2 stroke or a 4 stroke and you'll be happy

Lightest means nothing i have 1oo kg more on the back and the boat handles the chop better than ever,if the motor is fitted properly there should not be a problem.

fair enough but i own a boat that benifits from max power (polycraft) so having the best power to weight ratio helps me save on fuel. Sorry are you saying you had to go for the heavier motor? i'm a little confused now i'm sure mine is fitted right, it handles everything fine so that last comment is a little vague.

 As long as your boat handles well then that's the main thing Paul.

Just found this article. http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/suzuki-v-e-tec-and-yamaha.

Says the Suzuki is a good option if your looking for 2stk power with 4stk economy.

Brucesta, I was just commenting on your comment to get the lightest motor possible ,that dosn't mean it will be the best motor for you .I would think each boat is different,I did not buy fot the extra weight,of the Honda I went for hp,the extra weight was a bonus.This could be a downer for some boats ,but it worked for me ,I think im trying to say dont just right of a motor because it weighs a bit more than another,and yes as long as the boat handles well then that is the main thing

Having a look at some Honda's for our next boat Paul. According to their latest brochure, they seem to invest a lot of time in new technology - which has resulted in a very good motor. 

Although, did you find a big price difference comparing the suzi's, yammie, mercs?

I compared a few prices in the 115hp range... Honda being well out of the ball park. Wondering if this is the case along all HP options?

I have a 2008 150 E-tec, its great . Very fast ( 44knts @ 5100rmp )but at that speed its drinking 58lt p/hr.I did the billfish shootout (3days) and only went through 130lt of fuel, 11hrs of trolling everyday.It gets me on the plain quickly an have blown a 150 Verado , 6m pressed plate Stacer away easy.Its a big subject  but its each to there own IMO, choise what you want as we all have our favorite motors

I was very happy with the price I got.and the service but each to there own .do your reseach all motors have good and bad points same as everything its personal choice.good luck im sure you will be happy with your chose ,

too easy Paul, makes sense now mate cheers for that. and as you said as long as you are happy.