Buying Used or New E-TEC Engines

[pcloward]

To re-power a 1991 GUARDIAN 19 [rated for a maximum of 150-HP] there are several used E-TEC engines available:

• 2009 E-TEC 115-HP $6,000
• 2006 E-TEC 150-HP $7,000, a freshwater motor
• 2016 E-TEC 200-HP $11,000, a new engine never used, and same dimensions and weight as the 150-HP.

The 200-HP engine would exceed the hull’s maximum power rating.

Q1: would a used 1991 GUARDIAN 19 hull [that came from government service] in be damaged by a 200-HP engine?

Give me advice on which of these three engines to buy.

[Phil T]

[You should buy] at least the 150-HP engine—if not the 200-HP engine.

The Guardian 19 is heavier than the typical Outrage 18 or 19.

[pcloward]

Q2: is the maximum power rating applicable to engine horsepower or engine weight?

[jimh]

For advice on installing an engine whose power exceeds the manufacturer maximum power rating, see the FAQ at

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/#Q6

Do not buy the 115-HP engine.

I would hesitate to buy any E-TEC engine, new or used, unless there was an Evinrude dealer available and local to you who previously sold and strongly supported the E-TEC line and has an outstanding reputation for great service, and is willing to work on E-TEC engines that he did originally sell to the service customer.

[jimh]

Q2: is the maximum power rating applicable to engine horsepower or engine weight?

Look at the ratings plaque on the boat to find information about power and weight limits set by the manufacturer.

[pcloward]

Based on the formula [refers to the formula in the federal regulations that can be found in the REFERENCE section article linked above] a GUARDIAN 19 (by my calculations) [could have had a maximum engine power rating of]175-HP.

I will stick to a 150-HP engine because that is the original specifications.

I have buddies saying do not buy an E-TEC because services and (potentially) parts at some point will be challenging.

Q3: is buying an E-TEC engine in 2024 a bad choice?

Paul

[jimh]

Again, look for the federally required placard that gives the maximum horsepower rating for the engine horsepower for this boat. There is no need to speculate about the rating. The rating, and just to clarify, the POWER rating in horsepower refers to the HORSEPOWER of the engine on the transom, is the rating given by the boat builder for a particular boat. The engine power rating given by Boston Whaler to their boats is OFTEN lower that what would be allowed by the formula in the federal regulations. But once the builder sets a particular rating, that is the rating.

The builder oftens sets a conservative rating, and you can see why that might be if you ponder the number of fools that operate recreational boats with much too much engine power on the transom and have unfortunate outcomes.

The only WEIGHT rating given by Boston Whaler in the years this boat was made is in regard to the CAPACITY of the hull for carrying the weight of passengers and gear.

[jimh]

Q3: is buying an E-TEC engine in 2024 a bad choice?

I gave you advice on this in an earlier reply, before you actually asked this question.

Again, I would hesitate to buy any E-TEC engine, new or used, unless there was an Evinrude dealer available and local to you who previously sold and strongly supported the E-TEC line and has an outstanding reputation for great service, and is willing to work on E-TEC engines that he did NOT originally sell to the service customer.

[pcloward]

JIMH—I appreciate the guidance. I will be looking for a Yamaha engine, as it seems to be the best option for me.

[jimh]

For any brand of outboard engine, I will give you the same advice as I gave for the E-TEC: be certain there is a local dealer who specializes in service for that brand.

Also particularly for Yamaha, research problems related to corrosion due to use in warm saltwater if you are considering buying a used engine. And expect to pay more than those prices mentioned for the E-TEC engines.

[Maverick]

In 2015 I re-powered my Guardian 18 with dive door with a 2015 Evinrude 150 H.O. (High Output), which the dealer said was tuned to produce around 175-HP. I added hydraulic steering.

The boat was a fantastic performance machine, and I have no regrets [about buying the E-TEC engine]. I ran the boat some years and sold to a fellow in Charleston, South Carolina. In January 2024 the new owner told me the boat was still in service.