New motor for Pontoon

[richiemoe]

I need to replace the outboard on my pontoon. Is the E-Tech the best way to go. Are they as good as everyone says?

 

[brumbyvet]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

If you want to go with a two stroke then yes E-Tecs are fine motors but Optimax is a good motor also. Your choice should also depend on a dealer that has a good service reputation and location close to you. Also, do you plan to go with your existing controls ? If so you will need to stay with same brand motor. Good luck.

 

[richiemoe]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

So you can't use old controls for a new motor. What all would have to be replaced?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

So you can't use old controls for a new motor. What all would have to be replaced?

What brand, size, and age of motor do you have now? Knowing this, we can answer your question.

 

[richiemoe]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

1996 Johnson 50hp outboard.

 

[steelespike]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

compared to a 4 stroke the etec is generally lighter for a given horsepower,Has fewer and less complicated service intervals, no scheduled service for 3 years or 300 hours,no required breakin period.Meets or exceeds all CARB requirements,is the only 2 stroke allowed on lake Tahoe.Is used on official boats on the lake.
This is not to say the other motors are a bad investment they are quality motors as well.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

1996 Johnson 50hp outboard.

If you don't have a Johnson / Evinrude replacement motor, then you will have to change controls as well

 

[imported_John o]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

Back in 2006 when I was doing my shopping I looked at the E-tec, the Mercury Optimax and the Yamaha V-max.

The E-tec came out slightly ahead. Mercury and Yamaha were about even. All are good motors. Merc and Yammy are a bit lighter for the same power (which was important to me at the time)

 

[VaGent]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

Re: new motor for pontoon

Let's make sure you are fully informed on the replacement engine. Is this a "new" engine? If not, you need to be aware that there are 90 HP carbureted engines which are OIL injected -- not FUEL injected. Only the Optimax engines are two stroke FUEL injected. Make sure you understand the difference. Those will be long shaft engines and should be fitted with appropriate props for pontoon service.

I just bought a brand new 2011 E-TECH 90 for my pontoon boat. According to everything I read & have been told it "IS" a fuel injected 2-stroke engine & is highly rated & approved by the EPA to meet or exceed all requirements about emissions. Am I missing something about the Optimax being the "only" 2 stroke fuel injected engine? I fully admit I am "new" to all this but I was assured the E-Tech was a great engine by several different people who work on outboards & some who sell them as well. Not trying to be argumentative just trying to learn something.
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[rickdb1boat]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

Both the Optimax and Etec's are Direct injected.

 

[VaGent]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

I was going to ask what is the difference in DI & FI but I looked it up on the internet & found the answer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

I was going to ask what is the difference in DI & FI but I looked it up on the internet & found the answer.

A very sincere congratulations to you sir. It isn't often someone stops by here that uses the "Search" function (here or in their browser) to find an answer to their question, much less stop back to tell us they found the answer on their own. Good job.

 

[VaGent]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

A very sincere congratulations to you sir. It isn't often someone stops by here that uses the "Search" function (here or in their browser) to find an answer to their question, much less stop back to tell us they found the answer on their own. Good job.

I do not like to waste my time & that of others when there is an easy way to find out what I want to know. The internet is a wonderful place to find quick & easy answers & I proved that to myself. A little "self effort" can go a long way.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: New motor for Pontoon

You also didn't say what size pontoon boat you've got, and what you would be doing with the boat. Pulling skiers? Riding a bunch of old people around @ 10 mph?

You cannot go wrong with either Merc. Optimax or the ETec. I've had great service out of my Yamaha 115 hp 2 stroke, and I'm partial to them. The quality of your local boat dealer is often the gamebreaker.

After running a friend's Yamaha 115 hp 4 stroke on a 28' pontoon, I prefer a 4 stroke than a 2 stroke on a pontoon boat. I would be running a 2 stroke on a bassboat, however the 250 hp Yamaha SHO 4 stroke would be tempting.

I know 4 fishermen on the Bassmaster Elite tournament trail. 3 swear by the 250 hp Optimax, saying they've noticed more problems with other competitors' ETec's in high speed/high hour usage. They all speak highly of Yamaha, however.