Optimax Vs. E-tec

[kingfisherman]

I am planning on buying a new boat this summer, and have narrowed the engine choices down to either the Optimax 175 pro xs or the 175 E-tec.
Recently i have heard that there have been problems with the E-tec engines. Just wondering if anyone had heard this? any input on these engines would be great. the engine will be used for trolling often. so engine noise is a factor. Thanks for any advice.

[SwampDonkey]

I've heard the e-tecs have had problems, but all of em have their faults! I blew up two 225 optis. I now run a yamaha 225 hpdi so far so good.

[BarkelyPup]

I have an 150 horse 06 Opti and I love it. Never ran an Etech so comparison from me would not be fair, but it uses the least amount of fuel that I have seen from an outboard bigger than 125hp. I ran it for a week at cumberland during a rented house boat trip and I did not run it out of fuel. That includes several trips back to the state dock from Otter Creek, running while fishing, and tubing and pleasure boating with the family. I ran it hard all week and it used very little. It is quiet enough to carry on a conversation with the person next to you without having to talk much louder than normal. All and all I rate it a 10 out of 10 compaired to the next best thing I had. 01 xr6 150. I would go with the opti again and not even ask a question about it. Just my 2 cents though.

bP

[CTFSHWHISKER]

swampdonkey is about right they all have some faults,go to bassboatcentral and check out the merc and evinrude boards,they all have some problems and they all blow up,merc dealers say the etecs are junk and go down the raod to johnrude dealer and he says mercs are junk,good thing they all have warranty.i have heard the bombadier cust service is excellent.seriously if i was gonna log alot of trolling time i'd hang a succksuzuki,yamaha or honda 4 stroke on it.

[Dave Stewart]

My take on engines...you can get a good one or a bad one just like buying any brand of car or truck. That being said, I put a new 200 ETEC HO on my boat last June...now over 400 hours without a problem. I don't do a lot of trolling though...but I do a lot of idleing in my business...I do add Ring Free every time I gas up to reduce the carbon build up....I suggest you do this or use similiar additive no matter which DFI engine you purchase.

[SwampDonkey]

Yep Ring Free is a must, I use it every time i gas'er up also!

[Steve Wright]

Yep Ring Free is a must, I use it every time i gas'er up also!

I have a 115 E-Tec & love it,quiet , good fuel consumption,no problems...most issues are failure to maintain updates on computer.

[bejou4624]

Thinking of hanging 225 Etech HO on maybe a 619 VS Fisherman Ranger. Any input or advice would be appreciated for sure. I troll a lot,then run 3/4 to WOT to next area troll some more. Will I still need a kicker for trolling if this big engine can do both jobs? Also wondering if it would be worth it to move up to the 620 or 621 as I like Big Lake fishing. Real world figures on fuel consumption, maitenance, and just plain old do you like it would be fantastic. Can Etechs take the salt??

[bejou4624]

My take on engines...you can get a good one or a bad one just like buying any brand of car or truck. That being said, I put a new 200 ETEC HO on my boat last June...now over 400 hours without a problem. I don't do a lot of trolling though...but I do a lot of idleing in my business...I do add Ring Free every time I gas up to reduce the carbon build up....I suggest you do this or use similiar additive no matter which DFI engine you purchase.

It is Sept now. How do you like the Etec now? I have had 150 Intruder Evenrude for 11yrs and it has been very reliable. Likes its gas though.

[Dave Stewart]

I now have 600 hours on my Etec...absolutely no problems so far and performance is fine....any engine can go at any time is my experience but to have this many hours without having any time in the shop other than scheduled maintenance is very unusual and obviously it makes me happy.

[bereabasser]

i too am actually gettin ready to buy a new 198 ranger and am in the same debate you are my freind...ive always liked etecs but the optis have been impressing me lately

[F16ENGMGR]

Bought new 175HP Opti in 02 and it's been flawless. You'll find NO engine with greater fuel economy and oil consumption is nil. My only complaint is that they are nosiy. I haven't heard any complaints on E-Tecs.