90 merc 4 stroke or 90 etec

[xRED]

what motor would you buy for a new boat you wanted
to keep for years?

from what i understand the etec trolls fast so if i troll the merc may be a better choice.
but i know the etec is quicker and lighter.


any pros cons for either

[jona38]

I have a 2014 60hp etec. I really like it. It's quite, great on fuel and oil. It also has a 6 year warranty. If your looking for long term that might be a plus for you. I don't know much about the mercs but my brother in law has a 90 merc that he has run for 3 years now with no problems. All of the motors are going to troll to fast. Your gonna need a plate on which ever one you get so I wouldn't really factor that into your decision. Jon

[brufan]

I have a 90 Etec and love it. 4 years so far and no issues, maintenance due only every 3 years, self winterizing, light, fast, quiet, good on gas.
Burns through a gallon of oil ($45) every year but I pull the kids tubing all weekend long it seems so not that bad.

I had a Merc 4-stroke 60hp before the Etec and thought it was pretty good as well.

My next outboard will be an Etec if that helps..
Brufan

[lape0019]

I have a 2006 75 merc fourstroke and other than normal maintenance (plugs and impellers), I haven't had a single problem with it. Having said that, there are auite a few advantages to the etec that is making me consider it for my next motor.

Being able to winterized it yourself, scheduled maintenance every three years and a great warranty to boot are what makes me want to consider them. Both motors seem to have a ton if local support as well which is also something to consider. Dad has a Suzuki and although it is a great motor, they are not as easily serviced because there arent many techs within our area when compared to merc or rude.

Let us know what you decide!

Adam

[xRED]

well ended up going with the merc.
I already winterize my own boat for 8yrs so the maintenance is really not a bother
to me more of a bonding session with a brew

One reason I picked the merc is a I do a decent amount of
trolling and the tech mentioned the 90 etecs idle pretty fast for
trolling.
He mentioned the 60's and bellow they can idle down to troll with but not the 90's
Another thing he mentioned it usually took few days to get rude parts
and merc was usually next day.
Hoping I never need parts except oil filters and crush washers

yay a new boat think i will try to take care of this one
expensive lesson my first boat was

[Roblin]

Just a couple of things I do to address the fast troll. I couldn't drill holes in my new motor for a trolling plate. For trolling, I use a bow mounted Minn Kota PowerDrive V2 with I-Pilot. Works great as long as it's not too windy. On windy days, I made a rope bridle that hooks on my rear cleats. From that I hand a drift bag. I use a brass hook to fasten the bag to the bridle. When I turn the bag will slide on the bridle so I can turn. I have the power I need for a windy day but can still slow my troll down to the 1.2 kph range. The drift bag works real well and is inexpensive. Probably around $50.00.

[xRED]

I was checking those bags out was considering one for drift fishing
last boat caught the wind when you had the top up and could really
get flying especially with the current on the ottawa.

I'll have to figure it out, can't wait should get it next week.

I was going to get the rude just to have the get up and go
but I imagine this should go OK too.

[lape0019]

Which merc did you get?

Opti?
Efi fourstroke?
Big foot?
Verado?

Either way, your prop will have more to do with get up and go than the motor IMO. A properly pitched prop will make all of the difference.

Also, what boat did you buy? I can already say I am jealous if it has a 90!

Whatever it is, good luck and congrats! Always a great feeling when you pick up a new ride!

[xRED]

got the 4stroke on a lund rebel xl sport 1650
she shud haul

[lape0019]

Nice!

You're going to enjoy that a lot. My 75 is great on fuel and will run my basstracker 190tx around 38mph with a full tournament load and a 17p aluminum prop.

That boat should be a fun little setup for you.

Congrats!

Adam