170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Optimizing the performance of Boston Whaler boats
fireryan
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Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 5:36 pm

170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby fireryan » Wed Jul 13, 2016 5:53 pm

Looking at the vast information offered on this and other forums, I am a bit confused on whether or not I am choosing the right motor for my 2003 170 Montauk. The 90-HP Saltwater series [two-stroke-power-cycle outboard] engine has failed me twice despite repairs

There was a great promotion on E-TEC engines giving free rigging and 6-year warranty. With the wife being on board, I decided to go for the re-power. My Evinrude dealer has put E-TEC 90-HP engines on several 170 Montauk boats and only in one instance [was the engine the] 90 H.O. model. After reading over the forums I see the difference in performance is minimal (for a 170 MONTAUK) between the E-TEC 90 H.O. and E-TEC 90. I put money down on the E-TEC 90. I dropped it off today.

Now, looking over more information, I see how there are some with the mindset for a 115-HP engine for the 1,400-lbs weight for the [170 MONTAUK]. The dealer here in Miami [was] against going over 90-HP and recommended the E-TEC 90. Another dealer in Vero Beach said the same.

What are your thoughts or suggestions?

I will be getting an Evinrude four-blade propeller. I usually have a full boat. I'm just looking for the right size motor, propeller, and mounting height.

Thanks.

kwik_wurk
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Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2015 3:23 pm

Re: Repower 170 Montauk etec 90

Postby kwik_wurk » Wed Jul 13, 2016 8:47 pm

With a Montauk 170 and full load, I would do the H.O. A four-cylinder [outboard engine] is really going to perform better with the full load you mention. Your dealers are going to recommend a 90-HP because they probably don't have the H.O. models in stock and have to order them.

I have the classic Montauk with a E-TEC 90 and used to have the Mercury 90. I can tell the Mercury had more mid-range power, but I am not complaining by any means. I love the E-TEC, but the 170 is larger and heavier and hence needs more power.

Mount [an] E-TEC [engine] high, I made the mistake of mounting too low and will have to re-do in the fall.

jimh
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Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby jimh » Thu Jul 14, 2016 4:24 pm

The four-cylinder E-TEC 90 H.O. is more powerful than the three-cylinder E-TEC 90. It will provide more power for your 170 MONTAUK boat when you have it loaded to maximum.

A good account is given of a 170 MONTAUK re-power with 115-HP in CETACEA PAGE 58. See

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cetace ... age58.html

I think this is a very good account and you ought to pay attention to it. Ray Beaugrand took deliver of one of the very first 170 MONTAUK boats, and within a very short time re-powered it with a 115-HP engine. This is something to consider in your re-power.

jimh
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Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby jimh » Thu Jul 14, 2016 4:28 pm

Engine mounting height is not really a property of E-TEC engines. You have to adjust engine mounting height based on the propeller, the boat, and the engine. A good place to start is to mount one-hole-up from lowest. Whether a higher mounting can be tolerated will depend on the propeller being used, the water conditions you boat in, the load on the boat, and other factors.

BBQ BOY
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Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby BBQ BOY » Sun Jul 17, 2016 11:59 am

Why not go with the new Mercury 115 FOUSTROKE? It has tons of mid-range power, larger displacement, and is lighter than the [E-TEC H.O.]

jimh
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Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby jimh » Sun Jul 17, 2016 6:10 pm

Are you talking about the Mercury 115-HP FOURSTROKE BASED ON NEW 2.1-LITER BLOCK that was introduced two years ago, July 2014? I suppose that it might still be "new" in the sense that it has not been made obsolete by a newer model, but on that basis all engines on the market would be "new engines." Two years after introduction is a bit long to still be referring to an outboard as a "new" engine.

There are many choices available in a 115-HP engine now. For a discussion of the many engines on the market at this moment at 115-HP, see

Engine Choice in 115-HP
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=676

I suppose the originator of this thread is free to consider any of those 115-HP engine, but he seems to have already expressed his particular interest in the Evinrude E-TEC and the 90-HP or 90 H.O. model as his options. This may be related to the notion that the 170 MONTAUK is rated for a MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER of 90-HP.

fireryan
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Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 5:36 pm

Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby fireryan » Sun Jul 24, 2016 8:15 pm

Thanks for the response. I had to decide and grabbed the regular 90. My dealer has the H.O. however with the previous boats he recommended that I would be plenty impressed with the 90. My boat is at the dealer already. He is took off the old motor and will be putting on the new motor this week. I guess I'll ask him if its not too late on the price of an upgrade.

fireryan
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Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby fireryan » Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:11 am

Called this a.m. and waiting to hear back from the dealer if I am able to upgrade to the H.O. They said they can sell me the 115 however cannot put the motor on the boat due to ut exceeding the rating. I can however get the H.O. if they have not started on the 90 yet. I'm waiting for the rigger to get back to me.

fireryan
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Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 5:36 pm

Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby fireryan » Mon Jul 25, 2016 4:36 pm

Getting the HO. Now need to wait a few weeks for it to be shipped. I'll miss opening FL lobster season but it'll be worth it. I also asked for the digital controller. I have a Garmin 741xs that will be connecting it to the motor. Any suggestions for the oil tank reservoir mounting other than under the console?

Peter
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Re: 170 Montauk E-TEC 90

Postby Peter » Tue Jul 26, 2016 7:43 am

I think you make the right choice. The HO is better for the 170 Montauk.