Outboard choice.

[sprocker]

We are planning our next boat, it will be more of a cruiser than a sportsboat, and will be outboard powered.

The two engine choices that we have are Evinrude Etec 150hp and Mercury Mariner F150 .

Does anyone have experience of these engines? Or an informed opinion?

[ColinR]

So come clean and tell us all about the Merry Fisher 695

Going back a few years the Mercury would have been my choice but outboard technology has come on so much I really wouldn't like to say.

Probably both equally reliable so I would ask the economy and service costs question of the supplier. Also worth looking at the noise output specs of each.

[Ianfs]

Again, I'm hiding from the wind and rain outside so did a quick Google.

2 different engines from the looks of them, one a 2 stroke the other 4 stroke. The Evinrude is the lightest of the two but only by about 35lbs. That's about it really, it looks like they both have the odd issue as do all engines but nothing outstandingly poor.

Come on then, spill the beans, is it going to be a Merry Fisher??

[sprocker]

Yep it's looking like a MF695 at the moment. Little more research to do and need to look at a Quicksilver yet, but the MF has it so far.

[ColinR]

I thought sales of new 2 strokes was not allowed over here due to the emissions? Is it being listed as an option from the manufacturer (Polish (sorry French)) but may not be available in the UK

Either way the 4 stroke will be heavier but quieter and have more torque. Probably more economical as well

[mlines]

Is it not that the original 2 strokes were effectively outlawed by the emission rules and that a small number of new ones that now comply are appearing.

Bit like Catalytic converters on cars, I don't think there is an actual law saying you have to have one, the law says you have to pass the emission test.

[Ianfs]

When I Googled it this morning, the blurb on the Evinrude says it meets all worldwide emissions.

Sprocker there are now 2 Boatbanter members looking at the 695, no names no pack drill!

[_Ed_]

The Evinrude G2 engines are amazing, but they don't come in the 150hp bracket yet, however the E-tec are still pretty good. It will be noticeably more efficient than the mercury 4 stroke, and give the mercury a good spanking in the midrange torque area - which would help a lot on a boat like that. No contest really. Given the choice I'd go with E-tec, the Mercury F150 isn't bad, its just much more ordinary technology.

[Ianfs]

What about fuel economy Ed? Do you think Evinrude have beaten 4 strokes now with their new technology?

[sprocker]

Just got back from my local dealer, who is putting pricing together for me.

His opinon of the Etec v Mariner is that in real terms there is very little.

The Etec boasts 3 years or 500 hours before first service! Self winterises in approx 15-20 minutes, apparently it uses oil from its lube tank as a fogging oil.
It has more low/mid end torque, which is good for pulling a skier out of the hole, or getting on the plane superquick.
You do tend to get the old 2 stroke 'oil smell', and it can be noisier than a 4 stroke.
Personally I would be a little wary about not having my engine serviced before 3 years old.

For our cruising needs I am thinking we will probably go for the 4 stroke Mariner, a little quieter, slightly better fuel consumption, annual servicing required but cheaper than the Etec, and very easy to work on yourself, if you want to, after the 5 year guarantee is over.