Merc vs. Evinrude

[Bloodfist]

I'm sure there are lots of these out there but I'm trying to see which is the best bang for its buck.

I've found a 2005 Merc 90hp 4 stroke (non EFI) for $4000 CDN. Runs, been in freshwater since day 1, clean out and in, under 200 hours.

I'm yet to find a 2005 - 2008 Evinrude E-TEC for about $5500 CDN. But lets say hypothetically I did. With the same amount of hours, fresh water use and cosmetics.

The boat that its going on is an Alumacraft 165 CS 2XB Hull.

What would you choose with a budget of $6000?

[Jo Boone]

its really up to what your wanting to do with the boat... but the etec has alot of torq and makes good power and is light for a factory motor. both merc and omc are good. its buyers choice really

[Speed Jr.]

I dont think you could go wrong with either one Bloodfist, there both very good motors. Neither of these motors were built for racing where a few mph makes all the difference so your really splitting hairs....The biggest difference between the two is that one is a 4 stroke and one is a 2 stroke. I dont know the weight of em off hand, but I guess Id pick the lighter of the two if I had to decide from an unbiased standpoint. Since they should both me 90hp, maybe the one with more torque with higher rev limiter? Both are great motors though.

Jr.

[johnboy 88 vegas]

If speed is not a factor at all I would go with the 4 stroke. The life expectancy of the motor and not having to buy 2 stroke oil will pay for itself in the end.

[cltch]

For a budget of 6k you should go with the Merc. Leaves you plenty of room for rigging and other incidental costs... Just my .02.

Ross

[joeypypes]

i am a merc guy and would always lean in there direction. but i must say i was more than impressed with the e-tec's on how they perform and how durable a 2 stroke motor has become. its a given that 4 stroke motors are most likely less of a head ache but personally i have a pair of 200 mercs re powered 3 years ago and i run them all out n have yet to break anything but 1 lower unit so far. the cause of that was due to my mechanic, not the unit being faulty. i would find the torque and weight ratings between the 2. they are both acceptional motors and i think you will be happy in either direction

[Bloodfist]

I would really like to know the actually torque ratings of both.

The weight of the Evinrude is 320lbs (according to Evinrude) and the weight of the Merc is 385 (according to Merc).

I like both too.

[Riverman]

The four stroke is much heavier, has more moving parts, requires oil and filter changes every year and will certainly be more trouble prone in the long run. Run the Etec on Evinrude HD100 oil and the consumption is minuscule.

[FlowMaxx]

The four stroke is much heavier, has more moving parts, requires oil and filter changes every year and will certainly be more trouble prone in the long run. Run the Etec on Evinrude HD100 oil and the consumption is minuscule.

Right on. Also, I know of several lower hp 4 stroke mercs that have had serious carb issues. Jets are so tiny and get plugged up with todays crummy fuel. I wouldn't touch a Merc 4 stroke with a ten foot pole. JMO.

[njj502]

I'm a die hard Merc fan but wouldn't have a 4stroke on anything since the advent of direct injection 2strokes. I'd have an Etec on ANY of my boats if it was a reasonable option at the time. They are a wonderful piece of technology. We ran 80 miles on the river in a 18' all welded duck boat with a 75HP Etec and used 8 gallons of gas. Pretty impressive! Side note-Etec is the only available portable 2-stroke available new now. I hear the 25HP is a screamer for a 25.

[Speed Jr.]

I'm a die hard Merc fan but wouldn't have a 4stroke on anything since the advent of direct injection 2strokes. I'd have an Etec on ANY of my boats if it was a reasonable option at the time. They are a wonderful piece of technology. We ran 80 miles on the river in a 18' all welded duck boat with a 75HP Etec and used 8 gallons of gas. Pretty impressive! Side note-Etec is the only available portable 2-stroke available new now. I hear the 25HP is a screamer for a 25.

Seems to me some people are catching on to what the future holds......and its lookin good.

[njj502]

I know the Opti's and XS's kick ass too. I'm sure the HPDI or whatever Yami has now is decent too. Direct 2strokes are here to stay I think!