90 HP Evnirude E-Tec

[Starscream]

Interesting suggestion on the 70 vs. the 90. From what I have seen on this board, a 90 can push an X at about 30 knots. What can the 70 do?

For those of you with 70's and 90's (or more) can you post your speed figures here?

[Gazmn]

Firstly, your pricing is about right. Another possibility you might consider is a Jack Plate 6 - 10"s frees up your "back porch". Great for entering and exiting the boat from the water.http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1183

Now my bad news, I dont get over 20 mph with my 90 While I really suspect it was a raw deal I got re: my particular 90. I'm just sayin'. I've given up trying to resolve this. & I ride HEAVILY loaded - even had to raise my boot stripe.

P.S. Make sure you integrate your motor info with your electronics. Very cool feature I also couldn't do. It didn't come out till '08, mine is '06.

[Kittiwake]

....
I do know that idling at the dock the eTec is much louder than the Suzuki. .....
So I am curious, how loud is the etec pushing an X at 6knots compared to the Suzuki?
I plan on testing both on the water on the same day before making my final decision.

I think a lot of us would like to know the answer to the question you pose: ie. 'in the real world, what is the noise difference between the E-tec 2-stroke and modern 4-strokes?'
Idling at the dock that you mention is an interesting point of comparison for me because I tend to poke along at low revs enjoying the scenery and wildlife (wildlife as in birds and non-human animals ). But comparison at say 3 mph and 6 mph would be very relevant. the tough part is to do the comparison under comparable conditions. Theoretically reported decibels would be the way to go; but for one thing I'm not sure I trust numbers from the manufacturers to be entirely comparable, and for another my hearing isn't calibrated in decibels.
Please keep us posted.
Kittiwake

[DaveB]

Consider the pounding effect on the MacX .
A few have reported centerboard cable breaking on the MacX due to pounding at faster speed with the 90+ hp engines.
Ck the archives.
Dave

I would love to repower although it is not in the budget for a while.
I am considering the etec or the Suzuki.

I have a friend with the 70HP Suzuki and it is very very quite which to me is worth a lot.
I also have a friend with a 70HP eTec but have not had a chance to ride in it yet.

I do know that idling at the dock the eTec is much louder than the Suzuki.

There is nothing I hate more than my current 1998 50 HP Nissan at anything over an idle. The noise is just too much.

So I am curious, how loud is the etec pushing an X at 6knots compared to the Suzuki?

I plan on testing both on the water on the same day before making my final decision.

[darrenj]

Lots to consider.

Weight (seems like most Xs would rather not have more weight aft. Sitting a couple of kids up on the front of the boat makes the boat noticeably faster).
Size (we do a fair amount of swimming and entering the dingy off the back so I am a little worried the extra size of a big 4 stroke would hamper that a bit).
Fuel consumption (would a 50 get better mileage than a 90 at our normal cruising speed of 5 to 7 knots? Would we be able to up our normal cruising speed without affecting gas mileage to badly)
Noise (already talked about this)
Cost (consider initial cost and resale etc)
How often would I actually use more power than a 50HP could provide. (Personally I think we spend less than 1% of the time doing over 7knots. We dump the ballast on the ramp.)
How much faster would the 70 or 90 make the boat. (sounds like mixed results. On a heavily loaded boat not much difference but on a lightly loaded boat it can make a big difference.)

[WASP18]

The 50HP has only two cylinders.

[bscott]

If you don't use the swim ladder much you can reduce engine noise by installing a large plastic bin under the captain's seat. Also serves as additional storage for dock lines, fenders, gas can, etc.

I can barely hear my E-tec 60 at 2,500 rpm.

Bob

[WASP18]

If you don't use the swim ladder much you can reduce engine noise by installing a large plastic bin under the captain's seat. Also serves as additional storage for dock lines, fenders, gas can, etc.

I can barely hear my E-tec 60 at 2,500 rpm.

Bob

Could you provide more details regarding what plastic bin, brand name, size and how you secure it under the seat? This sounds like a good idea.

[Ixneigh]

I like my etech 60 but I personally feel that at anything above idle, its fairly loud, compared to things like hondas and other fourstrokes. It pretty much is a slightly quieter, regular 2stroke. At displacement speeds its not a big deal. My usual speeds are 4.5 to 5.5 knots. I get better then 10 mpg at those speeds and the boat is dry and comfy. I do appreciate the fuel economy. The boat will "skitter" across the water at abut 16 knots if empty,(close to the promised MPH by the factory) with this motor but I only ever do that in flat calm conditions, and it is loud. If I were to re-power tomarrow for some reason, a 90 wouldnt even cross my mind. I do not tow children on water toys, and the 60 has plenty of power already to get through wind and tidal flows. I might however at least look at the current crop of 4strokes...
Ix

[bscott]

If you don't use the swim ladder much you can reduce engine noise by installing a large plastic bin under the captain's seat. Also serves as additional storage for dock lines, fenders, gas can, etc.

I can barely hear my E-tec 60 at 2,500 rpm.

Bob

Could you provide more details regarding what plastic bin, brand name, size and how you secure it under the seat? This sounds like a good idea.

Bin = Sterilite 16" H, 18" W, 24" L. Rivited 2 pad eyes and bungie cord across the aft of the opening which holds the bin against the deck. There is about 3-4" room for the gas lines to exit. The capt seat keeps the bin secure at the top of the bin.

Bob

[beene]

I love my Merc 75

I think with these mac's is all about the torque

You need the balls to move these boats

As in "engine cc"

You just can't compare the push of a 50/60 hp with less than 800cc

To that of a 75 with more than 1700cc

I do not need to use more than 3800 rpm to push my M up, out and on top.

Cruise at 18kts with ease

Go slow at 6-7 kts using the 13.75x15 prop.... engine is barely idling

G

[beene]

Looking at specs of latest motors...

Merc 75/90 1732cc 4cyl 399lbs
Suzi 70/90 1500cc 4cyl 340-350lbs
Etec 75/90 1295cc 3cyl 320lbs

So merc has the biggest block at over 1.7L

Also the heaviest at 399 vs 320 of Etec

Working of long proven I4 tech EFI

I like either the Suzi or the Merc

Also comes down to mtc and availability of Qualified technicians in your area

In my area it mainly Merc

More parts availability also means less cost

G

[WASP18]

If you don't use the swim ladder much you can reduce engine noise by installing a large plastic bin under the captain's seat. Also serves as additional storage for dock lines, fenders, gas can, etc.

I can barely hear my E-tec 60 at 2,500 rpm.

Bob

Could you provide more details regarding what plastic bin, brand name, size and how you secure it under the seat? This sounds like a good idea.

Bin = Sterilite 16" H, 18" W, 24" L. Rivited 2 pad eyes and bungie cord across the aft of the opening which holds the bin against the deck. There is about 3-4" room for the gas lines to exit. The capt seat keeps the bin secure at the top of the bin.

Bob

Thanks! I bought my plastic bin ("Hefty", on sale at Target) yesterday and plan to drill a couple of small vent holes in the front a few inches from the top of the bin. I liked your idea of storing gas in it, therefore, the holes will release any possible vapors. Just being prudent. I'm starting with one 2 1/2 gallon container in addition to storing rope, etc. If I decide to store two containers, I thought I would stuff a few large sponges (car washing size) to cushion them to prevent sliding while underway. If, by remote chance a container springs a leak, the sponges would help somewhat to contain the gas and you could smell it coming from the vent holes as a warning.

[mallardjusted]

beene:
Merc 75/90.....1732cc 4cyl..... 399lbs
Suzi 70/90 .....1500cc 4cyl .....340-350lbs
Etec 75/90 .....1295cc 3cyl..... 320lbs

Another good option, with a smaller profile is the Yamaha 70. It is a smaller block at 70hp, but is light, and costs a little less!:
Yamaha 70 ..... 966 cc ...... 257 lb

[dlandersson]

That's a LOT less.

beene:
Merc 75/90.....1732cc 4cyl..... 399lbs
Suzi 70/90 .....1500cc 4cyl .....340-350lbs
Etec 75/90 .....1295cc 3cyl..... 320lbs

Another good option, with a smaller profile is the Yamaha 70. It is a smaller block at 70hp, but is light, and costs a little less!:
Yamaha 70 ..... 966 cc ...... 257 lb