Trying to figure something out.

[Palomino]

From my last post some of you may know that Im looking for a 40-50hp Tiller model outboard for my boat. In doing further research for the past couple weeks espcially on the DFI motors Ive come to the point where I think ive almost overloaded myself with info.

I have a dealer very close to my recreational property in northern wisconsin that sells both the Tohastu TLDI and the Evinrude Etec. They want $5995 for the 40hp Etec tiller with pTNT and electric start while they want only $4995 installed for the TLDI. They even have a 2006 50hp TLDI for $4995 right now.

So now to my confusion: The etec is heavier then every single 40hp outboard that ive looked at even though every ad I see they are supposed to weigh less. I notice that the Etec claims no break-in period and no maintainence for 3 years? Does that truely mean that I do nothing to it for 3 years? Or, are there things I need to do to it in that time. The TLDI lists quite a few things that need to be done and checked in that time including a 10 hour break in period.

Also, to add to the confusion I may have the opportunity to get a new 2007 40hp 4stoke EFI Merc for $3999 installed. The motor was used for demo's at the boat shows this winter and will be available in about another 3 weeks. I had orginally thought I would stay away from the 4strokes but I was reading the Merc 40hp manual and the ammount fo maintainence didnt sound any different then the TLDI.

Also, how much do these batteries cost that the TLDI needs. And, how heavy are they? The dealer said you have to use a 1000CCA battery for the TLDI but when I was there I never asked how much more they typically cost.

Coming from a 1996 Force 40hp on my old boat which I was never happy with Im sure any of these motors will be light years ahead of that thing, but Im really concerned this time about getting the right outboard. Last time I got the Force because it was so much cheaper and although it never had any major problems in the 10 years I had it I was never happy with how it ran.

The boat the motor will be going on is a Mirrocraft 1676.

Heck, after rereading what I wrote above Im not really even sure what Im asking but if any of you understand where Im going with this your opinions would be most welcome.

Getting good service on the Tohatsu, Etec, and Merc would not be an issue. It seems all other brands would be to long a drive in my very rural area where I plan to keep the boat.


Thanks for any guidence.

 

[JB]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

Yup. My diagnosis is information overload. Been there.:'(

What is more important?
The E-TEC is lighter than similar rated 4 strokes, requires no scheduled maintenance for 3 years and no break in. It is also smooth, quiet, clean and economical.

The Tohatsu is a good, reliable, inexpensive, DFI 2 stroke. It will require routine, scheduled maintenance.

The Merc 4 stroke is one heck of a buy; smooth, quiet, clean and economical. It will require routine scheduled maintenance.

My first choice would be the Merc. I have used 4 strokes and I love the user friendliness. Close to an offer I couldn't refuse

Second choice would be the E-TEC. They outperform and out-tech everything else on the water, but they cost so danged much.

Third choice would be the Tohatsu. A really good engine that you would be really happy with after years of running a Force.

You have enough info now. Buy the Merc.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

I'd agree on price alone. Buy the Merc. No maintenance for the E-tec is misleading. You still need to winterize it. You still need to winterize all of them. I'd also still change the gearlube annually. And I'd still observe a reasonable break-in for all of them. Personlally I think the No Maintenance For Three Years thing is more of a marketing ploy than a practical mechanical consideration.

I used to deal with a competition/charter fisherman that changed boats & motors every two years. He had an interesting break-in theory. He'd run it full-out from the get-go. If it didn't break, he figured it was broke-in. (I wouldn't advise that. )

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

On four strokes there is the usual oil and filter changes plus disposal of those fluids and filters. As for weight of the E-tec -- take a good peek at the lower unit. It's a Mac truck compared to either of the other two engines. I may be wrong but I think the E-tec ads indicate no "scheduled" maintenance for three years. That can mean lots of things but is primarily a shot at oil and filter changes, timing belt replacement and valve adjustments that four strokes need on a regular basis. Of the three the E-tec will likely be the better performer as well. At the end of the day, you make your choice and pay your money!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

A 1000 CCA battery usually runs between $60.00 and $90.00. As to what you should buy...The four-sroke uses less fuel at low RPM's and is quiet. The Etec is cleaner. The Tohatsu has the most hole shot. I like DFi over 4-strokes so either of them would be at the top of my list. Between the two it really depends on what I would be doing with the boat. If hole shot is important, which it is to me since our water is shallow and we have to get on plane quickly, then I would pick the Tohatsu. If I was a little more green minded then maybe I would pick the Rude. Does the Etec gimmick warranty extend down to that size engine? If it does that is a plus in it's favor. You also have to look at your cash outlay. Which one provides the most value? It's not cut and dried as the one with the lowest purchase price.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

Palomino, Mike, you are invited to our Wisconsin/midwest iboats get together.

Here is the link to the thread.
Feel free to jump right in, we'll make room for you.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=20;gtid=1234111

 

[Chunder06]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

Dont get sucked in to buying cheap, the question is do you want the best, if so then the E-Tec is miles ahead, the song and dance about maintenance from the opposition is false, E-Tec state no scheduled maintenance, well this true, you don't have to take it in for a service for 3 years, if you wan't as I do , I tinker, I spray the internals with lanoline, I grease all moving parts, I check fuel filters etc, this is not scheduled maintenance its preventive maintenance, its my investment, my life depends on my E-Tec...you can still do this with the other two motors but you must also calculate service and routine parts charges, not so with the E-Tec...just TLCd

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

The E-Tec has no scheduled dealer maintenance for 3 years. Everything that needs to be done, including winterizing & lube, can be done by the consumer.

 

[Palomino]

Re: Trying to figure something out.

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the replies. I think I will probably end up getting the ETEC unless the Merc demo comes thru which may or may not happen.

Roscoe, I will keep an eye on the tread. I think it would be alot of fun to go to a get together like that. I can probably go anytime as long as it's not in August. August is like Xmas rush where I work

Thanks,

Mike