A variety of E-Tec outboards were on hand for testing, from 50-250 horsepower.

The 2006 Bombardier Recreational Products Writers’ Event proved to be an Evinrude E-Tec eye-opener for many journalists who were invited to learn more about BRP’s 2007 lineup and to experience the latest products in the waters off Key Largo, Florida. We spent a few days trying everything from family/fishing engine packages to a triple E-Tec powered performance sport-fishing hull, and we also spent some hands-on time with BRP employees and Team Evinrude anglers, discussing engines, accessories, performance, and the new I-Command digital gauges.

The new E-Tec models for the 2007 model year include 13 models based on a new 60-degree V6 platform. These new engines feature svelte 1.7-liter displacement, 50-amp alternators for powering onboard electronics, and are all three-star emissions rated. They weigh in at 419 pounds, which is relatively light compared to four-stroke engines from other manufacturers. The 2007 lineup will also feature three new 60-degree V4 engines that include most of the features of the V6 line, including 50-amp alternators and the generous E-Tec three year/300 hour service schedule.

1.7 liter, 60-degree V6 E-Tec engines offer good power in a relatively compact package.

The new 60-degree engines also benefit from new fuel injector nozzle designs, optimized oil distribution, and more robust components. Their best-in-class power to weight ratio will appeal to owners of light runabouts and bass rigs who want V6 power with E-Tec’s ease of maintenance and reliability. According to BRP’s test data, the E-Tec 150 boasts up to 25 percent more midrange power than Yamaha’s very popular 150-horsepower four-stroke engine, while maintaining better fuel economy. The lighter E-Tec also claims better top speed numbers and acceleration in this horsepower class. Evinrude’s E-Tec 115 sports similar gains over its 115-horsepower Yamaha counterpart.

We had the chance to experience these new, small-displacement engines first hand, and I was immediately surprised by their relatively small size. But size is not to be taken at face value – these new E-Tec engines deliver where it counts, providing good low-end torque and top speed, with extremely quiet operation. Vibration was virtually nonexistent throughout the entire RPM range, and there was not a hint of blue smoke to be seen.

Dual-brand outboard boat allowed instant performance comparisons of 150 horsepower E-Tec against Yamaha's 4-stroke 150.

Photo: Mike Fuller

Like all new BRP engines, the engines we reviewed had impressively low emissions scores. With increasing environmental awareness (and EPA pressure), BRP continues to take positive steps toward cleaner, more efficient products. This doesn’t mean that performance suffers though – on the contrary, BRP engines offer competitive torque in some of the lightest packages around. Unfortunately, we were unable to put like-horsepower engines from Evinrude, Yamaha, and Mercury against each other for testing. This event was really about experiencing Evinrude E-Tec engines first-hand, and learning more about E-Tec platform technology.

BRP has placed Evinrude in direct competition with four-stroke offerings from Yamaha, and BRP’s test data suggest that the new E-Tec engines will pose a serious threat to Yamaha’s established stronghold on the four-stroke market. While Mercury’s OptiMax (an established DFI two-stroke solution) is also a target in E-Tec’s sights, it was my impression that Evinrude is more concerned about dethroning Yamaha’s top-selling four-stroke outboards – at least for now, anyway. In that regard, Yamaha should worry.