Merc and ETEC Info Needed

[Polarlit]

What is the big diff between the 4 strokes and the Evinrudes ETECS.As me and my wife are out looking we have come across a few ETECS.I know they are 2 strokes.But are there any longtem problems or is operating costs a big thing.It seems that a merc 150 verado and a 150 ETEC on the same toon is a bit cheaper with the ETEC.Is there a reason for that.We have a boat show coming up and hopfully I can pull the trigger on a deal there.Thank You in advance for any info.

[HandymanHerb]

E-tec is less maintenance, no oil changes, and it is lighter and a little faster, I been researching them for a few years now and hoped to have one but for the down turn in the money flow that started in Florida and the far left coast.

But there a few on here who have them and I hope they jump in but I haven't heard anything bad about them yet.

You can even run it for 6 hours in limp home mode without oil in the tank without hurting the engine.

[lakerunner]

E-Tec is as good as it gets in a 2 stroke, Next Merc Optimax. Out of the box E's have no break in, a big plus as a reg 2 or 4 stk is 10 hrs. break in at diff rpm.

[rockymax]

I had a Honda 135 on my last pontoon but opted for the Etec on my new boat. The Honda 4 was a very good engine but I like the Etec much better. I enjoyed not having the breakin time and I was sold on the no maintenance for 3 yrs. Also, the fuel economy on the Etec is terrific. The one possible downside is the oil cost. I had my engine programed for the XD100 rather than using the standard XD50. Even though the 100 is more expensive, about $40/gal., according to Evinrude and my dealer, it is better for the engine and uses less oil than the 50. During the engine computer programmed breakin period (8hrs.), the oil usage is very high. However, after the breakin the oil usage has been very low. Thus far, I am very pleased with everything about the Etec.

[Polarlit]

the Etec is terrific. The one possible downside is the oil cost. I had my engine programed for the XD100 rather than using the standard XD50. Even though the 100 is more expensive, about $40/gal., according to Evinrude and my dealer, it is better for the engine and uses less oil than the 50.

How often do you need to put oil in?

[dockholiday]

Heard the Merc Opti doubles oils during break in or 10hrs.