Evinrude

[Doc Oakley]

I'd missed this until I noticed it briefly mentioned in the latest PBR: Evinrude is no more: BRP has decided to discontinue E-Tec and E-Tec G2 outboards with immediate effect. I do believe Ole Evinrude invented the outboard motor, so this really is the end of an era. Apparently, exisiting warranties will be honoured and parts will be supplied for some time.

[Ianfs]

Thanks for posting Doc, haven't seen you for a while I hope all is good with you and your family.

Yes I think you're right, Ole Evinrude was credited with inventing the first outboard, but I have to say that a few of the early manufacturers tried to get in on the act, however didn't the other like Mercury and Johnson came in a bit later, 1930's I think. However I'm sure there we a couple of other motor companies and the end of the 19th century who made an attempt at some sort of outboard.

Didn't Bombardier Recreational Products also own Johnson, not sure, I would have to look it up?

As you say, end of an era.

[argonaut]

According to the texts. Ole Invented a one-cylinder, 1.5 hp model in 1909.
At least a Evinrude lasted longer than OMC who bought them, but went bust in 2000.

[Doc Oakley]

Hi - well, a challenging year...but more of that another time.

Yes, BRP had Johnson and then binned that brand a while back, though I understand parts are readily available. It seems like a bit of a knee jerk reaction by BRP to ditch what is widely regarded as quite trick tech based on the pandemic - I wonder if it's just an opportunity to do some cost-cutting. ..such as we are seeing elsewhere!

As we boat in Wales, we've only managed to get out in the inflatable once, hopefully will get the Bonwitco out before the summer's over now that the lockdown has eased.

Doc.

[MartynG]

A shame.

My little twin cylinder Evinrude 3hp is going strong - seems very well engineered - it was made in 1966 . Considering the limited use I give it I expect it will last indefinitely.


If only they made these things now - with a folding leg it makes transport on the boat or in the car very easy and being a two stroke it can be laid down any way. But then again it would probably be too expensive.

[Doc Oakley]

I have never seen one of those! Why on earth would such a great idea get discontinued?

On the subject of longevity, I can't match your 1966, but I do have a early 1990s Honda 5 - all that I have ever done is change the oil (gear and sump) and spark plug - it starts first time every time. I also drain the fuel from the carb to stop any gumming up.

The E-Tec 25 is a little more complex...

[MartynG]

I have never seen one of those! Why on earth would such a great idea get discontinued?

I understand they were aimed at the USA and Canadian market (it was made in Canada) where lake fishing off small boats was and possibly still is popular . At the time in the 1960s the yanks had huge cars so I imagine the advantage of the folding leg was a bit lost. I guess they were expensive and they did make a version with a fixed leg.

It's only 3hp . The throttle is a lever on the engine body and its in gear all the time - the whole engine is turned around to go in reverse . Sounds a pain but not really an issue. There is no kill cord but I expect a cord could be fitted.

No doubt Japanese competition with twist grip throttle and gears used less fuel and made it look antiquated .

[Ianfs]

Sadly I can remember when those folding Evinrude's first came onto the market and remember reading about it in a magazine and then seeing one at one of the original the boat show's.