Bill in IN <br />Cadet <br />Member # 44227 <br /><br /> posted February 11, 2005 10:48 AM <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />There have been several recent posts about the smaller e-tec motors. I own one and wanted to provide a brief review--based on my experience. <br /><br />Mine is a 50 hp tiller model. The 40s and 60s are essentially the same motor. It is an excellent engine. I replaced a 50 carbed 2 stroke and the e-tec is far superior. <br /><br />It starts in an instant (even in cold, wet weather), it smokes very little, is extremely quiet and very fuel efficient. These motors can be "dialed down" to idle at slower RPM. Mine is at 600 RPM which allows me to troll extremely slow (0.9 mph on a fairly narrow boat). When trolling for long periods of time, the plugs will not load up like conventional motors (a very nice benefit). <br /><br />There are only two negatives: One is the price. I have almost $6,000 into mine. Over $500 of that was for the tiller handle and installation. (I believe the 40 comes with a tiller handle). The only other thing worth mentioning is that at slow speed, there's a little vibration. These motors are two cylinder and vibrate a little more than a 3 or 4 cyl. It's not bad but some people notice it. <br /><br />All-in-all, it's an excellent engine. I would recommend them. <br /><br />Trout
I hate to say that, but the manufacturers are at fault for that (looking back at the first Fichts and Optis which were dismal failures).