Evinrude E-Tec V Tohatsu

[Sole Man]

Evinrude 40 E-Tec (NEW) V Tohatsu 40 hp (NEW)

 

Been searching internet and these two are the only ones I can afford.

 

Any opinions /advice on what to go for?

 

john

[Coddy]

This thread will start another debate!

 

I have neither, however there are many people who like the Etec and it's 300hr 3yr service interval others like Tohatsu robustness and the fact they guarantee the engines even if you race them!

 

Etec seem to have a better resale value but Tohatsu's seem to go on for ever.

 

All depends how long you want the outfit for

 

Suggest you find the best deal and go for it.

 

Coddy

[Adam F]

Etec shades it for me - I just feel it's a slightly more modern engin both in looks and technology, and as coddy says, a better resale value.

 

Paul D on here has a 40hp Etec and is delighted with it.

 

My 2p worth.

[Paul J]

Evinrude 40 E-Tec (NEW) V Tohatsu 40 hp (NEW)

 

I've no experience of Tohatsu - im sure someone raves about them, i just have not seen it

 

PJ

[TomBettle]

Below are my opinions and not statements:

 

Tohatsu are noisy smelly, old fashioned, look cheap and worth diddly squat second hand.

But they are fantastically reliable and one of the mainstay engines in the third world where service and parts can be hard to come by.

They are warrantied for racing, hence zap cat and thunder cat racers the world over tend to use them.

If you want a motor that holds no chic, but will plough on through almost anything regardless then this is a very good choice.

 

Etec has the trendy name and marketing behind it and the 300 hours are tempting (but very carefully read the small print), but (IMHO Gordon, Paul et al) still noisy and smelly. More and more outboard service centres are uncomfortable working on them as more little nuances come to light.

But, in good order, they are torquie and pretty reliable with, obviously, very cheap maintenance. They are likely to be far more economical than the Tohatsu (still less than a 4s though).

Due to the marketing, they will have a far better resale value.

 

If I had to buy one?

Assuming I planned to keep it a while and didn't plan to put it on a trendy pilot house, it would be the Tohatsu without a doubt.

If I had any choice I'd save a little more and get a Jap based 4 stroke.

Edited September 24, 2008 by TomBettle

[Newboy]

I had a 90 Tohatsi and even I have to admit the Etec(75) is quieter, the smoke and smell wasn't that much of an issue as it's light years better than the 2 stroke I had before.

 

As Tom said, it all depends on what you want it for, without knowing how much they cost (the Etec 90 was over

[Jim]

I have an etec 75.

It came with my Warrior 165 last November. I don't think it's noisy, or smelly.

Diesels are noisey and smelly !

So far I have been pleased but always follow these little " E-Tec Baiting " sessions to see if there are any problems with them.

I spoke to a local dealer at the show, ( hang on - I'll find his card ) Got it ! - - - Mike Vincent, South Coast Marine, Bridge Street, Christchurch. Dorset BH23 1EB

01202 482695

He says to take the prop off at least 3 times per year ( with all outboards ) and check the gearbox seals for damage. Fishing line wrapped around there will destroy the seal and the salt water will destroy the gearbox.

Also, the 3 year service interval leads us to think that other parts are O.K. too. The Impellor etc. should be inspected / replaced yearly.

Mine is nearly due for it's service, so we'll see what happens.

He reckons about

[great white]

Having not owned and run an outboard for some time its hard to advise.

 

But someone [Gordon I believe] was talking this though with me the other day, the whole 2 stroke v 4 stroke debate.

 

He raised a point that he had seen exploded drawings of comparisons between the two types, the reduced maintenance of two strokes could be easily explained by the vast reduction in engine parts involved. and the simplicity of a 2 stroke engine.

 

So its down to personal choice

 

an old tech engine like the Tohatzi are strong runners that go on and on, but they are bulky and heavy compared to newer designs and no doubt use more fuel.

 

Fuel economy, low maintenance costs and emmisions are the modern concerns and are what evinrude are marketing the etec on.

 

It just goes to show that its not just what the purchase costs are, its also running and maintenance costs and resale values.

 

Alfresco has the latest common rail diesel with all the whistles and bells to a duo prop drive.

It was an expensive purchase needs plenty of maintenance. But it pushes the boat at over 30 knots, at cruising speeds our fuel consumption compares very well or is better than smaller boats running more old tech diesels.

 

With the current fuel costs, I am pleased we took that into consideration when deciding on our engine.

 

I hope that helps, but its only one opinion

Charlie

[Gnasher]

All this talk of smelly 2 strokes I have one but I think i am slightly odd as i love the smell of burning oil, especially on a cold crisp winters day when i am just chugging up the harbour ready to hit the cod grounds!

 

Ok, i think i may be the only1 with that fetish but it certainly helps set the scene.

 

I have bee out with Paul D a few times and his etec seemed pretty cool, and the fuel consumption was umbelievable!

 

Yes Rob- efficiant!

Edited September 24, 2008 by Gnasher

[Rob]

 

Dan, I assume you mean unbelievable in a good way (efficient), right?

 

I too have been out with Paul D, I found the Etec I didn't notice any great amount of noise and great smells of smoke (probably get more from an inboard diesel).

 

Also, with a direct comparison - having fished Friday on mine (Yamaha 4) and Sunday with Charlie A (Mariner Opti 2) the noise levels at speed are not really noticeable. I do think the Yamaha is quieter on tickover but thats about it.

 

I also think the boat design matters, on a these boats with patio doors, it can be noisier in the cabin with the door open than standing just outside.

 

Guess this would be the same if you had any engine on say an orkney 520 with or without a cuddy - the cuddy boat may sound louder as the sound reflects back.

 

Anyway - my advice is go fast and get away from your own noise!

 

Rob

[Paul D]

Have a 40HP E-Tec and been pleased with it to date.

 

Couple of small niggles but nothing which would prevent me recommending one.

Yes they are noisier idling and at slow speed though.

 

At speed not much in it and the fuel economy is awesome. ( Performance is pretty awesome as well ).

 

Service cost was half the price of my old Honda and was exactly the amount quoted earlier in this post. ( same people / person as well )

 

 

[Jim]

Were you happy with the Service etc.? I assume you were, as you did not say otherwise.

 

 

Jim

[Manic Moore]

 

 

Ahhhhhhhh Etecs...........................

[Paul J]

I love mine too

 

[alun j.]

Must be that lubricating oil getting you all sloppy!!

[Rob]

Or the burnt oil fumes

Edited September 25, 2008 by rob francis

[TomBettle]

Or the burnt oil fumes

Or unburnt oil trail...

[Manic Moore]

 

Lowest emissions (E2006 and Carb 3 star compliant).

 

[Sole Man]

Well what a lot to take in,so i kept on looking and got what I feel was a good deal but let me know what you lot think.

On Boats and Outboards from Poole Marine Services in West Quay Rd.

Went down there and and had a chat to a very nice man got a deal on a 20month old.40 hours, Honda BF 50 hp 4 stroke power tilt and trim all cables and controls and fully fitted for

[Adam F]

Nothing wrong with Honda's at all John - good engines.

 

Looks like a good price - one thing I would say is what warrenty did you get? Many on here (me included) have had disasters with 2nd hand engines, so make sure you are covered.

 

PMS are generally pretty good.

 

AF

[TomBettle]

PMS are human and can cock it up like the rest of us, but genuinely decent guys and it sounds like you got yourself a deal.

 

A good jap based 4 stroke, you can't go wrong!

[Maverick Martin]

Well done John on getting yourself a deal especially as it is from one of our club sponsors

 

Martin

[Rob]

 

Hope you used your Club Membership Card for a discount

 

Rob

[Jim]

MMMMMMM _ _ _ _

Seaside Based - - - - Only used in Fresh Water ?

Is that Poetic License, Like " One little old lady owner "?

 

When you get to my age, you tend to carry a pinch of salt with you for just such occasions.

 

It'll be Fine !

 

See you out there.

 

Jim