40 E-Tec in salt water?

[Chaps]

I would consider one of these engines for a skiff repower but the 'Rude website specifically indicates that this motor is for freshwater use. What is the deal with this? I understand their larger motors are available (or built) with extra corrosion protection and designated for saltwater applications but does that mean the small engines are particularly susceptable to corrosion and should not be used in SW?

 

[tommays]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

if you read the info on the site the saltwater motors are different<br /><br />Saltwater boaters are a breed apart, willing to stand up to some of the harshest conditions the planet can produce. Of course, they need equipment that's as durable as they are. Evinrude E-TEC Saltwater Editions fit the bill with virtually indestructible stainless steel parts and extensive DeepGuard corrosion protection.<br /><br />Saltwater Editions use a stainless steel steering tube, steering arm, pivot shaft, drive shaft, prop shaft and fasteners.<br /><br />Each Saltwater Edition outboard goes through 14 washing and rinsing cycles, a conversion coating, sealer, baked on strontium chromate primer, and baked-on high solids melamine top coat. The Electro Deposition Paint creates an extremely durable barrier for added protection in a harsh marine environment. Low copper alloy used in the aluminum casing and a split-line gear case further resists and reduces corrosion. And sacrificial zinc anodes absorb the elements of corrosion to protect all operational components.<br /><br />tommays

 

[Chaps]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

Thanks, I realize the SW models are different. What I am curious about is are the FW models more susceptable to corrosion than other brands of 40 hp outboards like a Tohatsu or Yamaha?

 

[Scali]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

I noticed that too, I believe Bomb. made a mistake by calling the smaller/mid range outboards " freshwater outboards " .<br />It leads one to belive they should not be used in FW exclusivly .<br />I've owned around 12 outboards in my life presently downsized to a small Whaler with a 1994 40 Merc & none of them were " Saltwater series " outboards & all of them were & are used in saltwater..<br />What adds to the confusion is there are some outboards that are freshwater only , the new Briggs & Stratton kickers are fresh only for example ..<br />I'll be following this thread to see if anyone knows what the the deal is with this

 

[marinemech1]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

the reason the small motors are not refered to as salt water models is that they are painted blue.<br />the blue motors develop a white salt mark were as the white ones hide it.<br />i think (not sure) that 1 part is different from the blue to the white

 

[Chaps]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

marinemech1, if that is true I agree with Scali in that Bomb is making a serious marketing (or manufacturing) mistake by designating the smaller E-tecs as "freshwater" motors. <br /><br />I'm personally going thru a decision process on what to repower an ocean skiff with and I've almost written off the E-Tec because Evinrude advertising seems to indicate that the good corrosion protection (special alloy castings, stainless pump housing, trick coatings, etc.) is only on the bigger engines. In other words, why should I consider the 40/50 E-tec if the dang thing is going to start dissolving as soon as I put it into service.

 

[Scali]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

Yeah I bet it's most likely a marketing blunder .<br />They should have a toll free phone #, someone should try calling & asking maybe.<br />I wonder if one was to buy one & use it in SW would that void the warranty ?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

All the Evinrudes have the same anti-corrosion processes and stainless steel fasteners and stainless steel "tilt tubes".<br /><br />Most 20" shaft motors are used in freshwater, hence the name. 25" and larger shaft engines are most likely used on a saltwater boat. Yet all the engines have the same internal protections.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

Mercury determined, through some sort of survey years ago, that Freshwater Fisherman wanted an engine designed for them...Saltwater Fisherman apparently didn't care one way or the other. Seems like it would be the other way around, but, Mercury with blue decals are saltwater and red decals are freshwater. Oddly enough, we tried to find a part number difference and could not so we called the Mercury tech line and were told it was the steering tube...then when they looked it up and couldn't find a difference either they kicked it upstairs and a few days later we received a phone call back that it was just a marketing tool. It might be the same with Evinrude or the transom height as Seahorse indicated.

 

[tommays]

Re: 40 E-Tec in salt water?

a split-line gear case further resists and reduces corrosion<br /><br />i wonder if there really are any differences in the lower unit??<br /><br />its amazing to see how different they are going with the johnson and evinrude brands<br /><br />ya gotta love a blue johnson<br /><br />tommays