e-tec 200 H.O. or 250?

[Bjorn]

I am in the need for repowering as my Suzuki DF175 broke down, big time.

I have two e-tecs on hand. A 200HO 2012 (2 year warranty left) with 300 hours and a 250 2011 (one year warranty) with only 100 hours on it.

My boat is a 21 feet bow rider and did 53 mph with the Suzuki.

Which one too choose? Will the H.O. gearhouse benefit me more than the roughly extra 30 hp? Hours vs warranty? The price is the same for both engines.

Input from people with e-tec experience is highly appreciated.

Bjorn
At a fjord in Norway

[David]

My only Etec experience is a 115 HO. Best motor I ever had. Quiet, lots of torque, great on gas, powerful for a V4. No trouble at all in 3 years, about 110 hours. I'd go big if I were spending your money. The bigger gearcase is more robust and more HP.

[ultrafast]

I run a 250 ho and love it . The torque is awesome

[baja200merk]

The 200ho is a low port motor and is still 218hp. Both will run circles around the Suzuki. Use Good fuel and good oil.

[Bjorn]

Thank`s. That is the kind of info/feedback I wanted to hear. I am aiming for the 250, this has the I-CON shift and throttle control. It comes with a top mount but I need side mount type and the Evinrude dealer here says it is quite rare and costs 3000,- USD!!!!!!!!!!

This dealer wants to sell me a brand new e-tec 175...

[seahorse]

the concealed side mount ICON control is $2431 but there are dealers who sell for less

[Bjorn]

the concealed side mount ICON control is $2431 but there are dealers who sell for less

Ok,thank you for the info. Then he is not trying to rip me off after all. With that price in the US $3000 makes sense over here but it is still a lot of money. I will browse around for a better deal as I really want this 250 e-tec

[Bjorn]

I am ending up with the 200HO. It is bought from Evinrude dealer and they lowered the price, included the 3 year/300hours service plus I can choose the propeller I want I think a Rebel 24p. Look forward to start rigging. Happy boating!

[Greg G]

What gear case does the small block 200 HO run this year?

[Bjorn]

I do not think there is a small block 200HO. Only the 3,3 liter like the one I am getting now. It has the 1,85 gear ratio

[Bjorn]

I finally got the boat on the water yesterday and I am happy with the power and sound of this engine. The dealer delivered it with a Raker II 14.5 x 22P. It has good bow lift and top end speed performance. It gets the boat on plane VERY quickly but it looses speed very quickly when cruising. With the Suzuki I ended up with a 16 x 23P as the best overall performer. Ballistic and a Tempest Plus also lost speed quite quickly.

What is the biggest diameter you can fit an etec? 15.5 inch?

[seahorse]

What is the top rpm using the Raker 22" prop? Is the motor mounted high enough to clearly see the top of the anti-ventilation plate when on plane?

[Bjorn]

Thank you Seahorse for input! I have done some more testing (the weather has been terrible over here) It`s just 5150rpm at WOT and I do not see the anti ventilation plate clearly. I believe I must raise the engine one hole. This engine feels very powerful but is not much quicker than the Suzuki 175hp at wot.

[baja200merk]

Move the engine up a hole or two. Sounds like it is low. That will help get your rpm up where it belongs.

I have run 15-3/4 diameter props on etecs but you should not need it.

[Bjorn]

some update: moved the engine up two holes (top hole) today and it did the trick. 5450 rpm and 59 mhp. Also much better milage at cruising speed. Very happy. Thanks for all input!