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Author Topic:   Repowering 17 Montauk with E-TEC™ engine

jmorgan40 posted 01-03-2004 07:17 PM ET (US)
Need some advise fellow whalers...Bought my 86' Montauk in June 03'. Traded in the 86' 70 hp Johnson for a 2000 90 hp Johnson V4 60 deg. bought from a guy who rebuilds used engines and resells. Was told it had two new pistons and heads rebored. This is where my prolems started. Motor has had trouble off and on since July. Guarantee is done and now the engine may be blown. Coming back from a Striper trip yesterday with daughter and began hearing slapping noise. By the time I was almost near the ramp I noticed I was loosing speed. Usually cruise at around 4500 RPMs at about 35 mph. Was only getting about 31 mph. Tried to run WOT and only got about 36.5 MPH. Top end is usually around 43 MPH. Dropped it off today at the local OMC dealer and I am waiting on the verdict. Was also told it may need a new lower unit because of other problems I have been babying. (Another Story)But I am expecting the worse. While at the dealer I priced a new 2 cycle V4 90 hp and he also just got in a new 90 hp E-TEC™ engine. Very impressed with everything I have been hearing on the E-TEC™ engine. Was really planning on getting another year out of this rig then move up to the 19 nantauket with a little more beam. What would your advise be knowing you will probably sell the rig in another year. 90 hp 2 cycle V4 runs about $5,400 plus rigging ($130). The E-Tec was quoted at $7,150 plus rigging. Either way I wanted to stay with the Evinrude or Johnson since I put brand new OMC controls and all new Faria guages with System Check on this summer when I put on the 2000 90 hp. Should I go for the extra money on the E-TEC™ engine knowing I will get rid of the boat. Either way I go I probably will not recoup the money although the boat is in excellent shape. Had all new canvas and vinal done with bow cushion and all. Any advise would be welcome. Thanks, Joe
bkovak posted 01-03-2004 08:10 PM ET (US)
Joe,
If you are planning to upgrade in a year, why put out that much for a new outboard now? You will definitely loose money on trying to sell it. Wait and see if you can repair your 2000 90 hp enough to get through another season then sell it. I just went through a similar scenario this summer with a new 2001 90 hp Merc. Right after buying the motor for my Montauk I found a nice classic 18 Outrage. Now I have to decide between keeping the Montauk with the new motor and a 2 year warranty or, selling it and keeping the Outrage! Don't make the same mistake if you are sure you want to upgrade soon. How about upgrading sooner? Brian
jmorgan40 posted 01-03-2004 09:25 PM ET (US)
Brian,
Thanks...If you recently went through a similar scenerio you understand. I also thought about upgrading sooner as per your suggestion. The dilema is You can't get anything if the motor does not run. If the head is blown it will be a mininum 2k-3k to fix it. Not worth it in my book since a used 2000 90hp is only worth about $3,600. I should know. In any event I will wait for the verdict from the mechanic and then go from there. Thanks again
jimh posted 01-04-2004 05:21 PM ET (US)
I finally found the link on the Evinrude website to the E-TEC™ section:
http://www.evinrude.com/e-tec/default.htm?US
They have really been hiding this information from their web visitors!
jmorgan40 posted 01-04-2004 08:45 PM ET (US)
Jim,
Thanks...I had found the same info on their website the other day. It looks like a great engine. Also, they are running a special till April where you can take either a rebate ($4 per HP) or a seven year warranty. That's a no brainer, go for the warranty. I am jst not sure I want to spend the additional $1,700 on the E-Tec if I may unload the boat within a year. No matter which way I go I will not recoup the extra money on the new engine. But I do love everything I see about the E-Tec and it weighs in at 305 lbs, about 30 lbs. lighter than the 2 stroke 90 hp. Thanks again, Joe
jayboat posted 01-06-2004 06:57 PM ET (US)
I just went the other way. I have a 1981 Montauk with a 1988 Mercury 90, that has a bad rod bearing. I spent the last month doing research into power options. Love the Suzuki, but they really weigh in at 430 lbs for the 90, too much weight for me. I narrowed it down to the Evinrude ETec 90 or the Johnson V-4 90 because of the local mechanic who comes with the shop, went with the Johnson. I looked inside the E-Tec, and while it is a great motor, there are lots of parts in a presure injected engine. The Johnson 90 uses good old fashion technology that uses more fuel but for me makes more sense; I only put 40 hours a year on the engine. I got a what I think is a good deal, a 2004 Johnson 90 with new controls, tach, gauges, wiring harness and installation for $7,300. The dealer offered the E-Tec for $8,300 with the same stuff. Like the Mercs and Yamaha's also, but no dealers in my immediate area. Also found rave reviews for the Tohatsu 90 direct injection motor, but resale value was a concern.
Mike Brantley posted 01-06-2004 11:54 PM ET (US)
Couldn't make up my mind whether to start my own E-Tec thread or append this link to one of the existing threads. Ended up deciding to append it here.
I just came across this article on the Great Lakes Boating Web site...
http://greatlakesboating.com/0_web/magazine/2004_janfeb/etec.asp
I am eager to read/hear all there is to read/hear about the E-Tecs, as I am strongly considering repowering my 1982 15 Sport with an Evinrude E-Tec 50 very soon.
Here's an older article (which may have already been mentioned by someone else on the forum)...
http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/060301.html
Mike Brantley posted 01-07-2004 12:11 AM ET (US)
Here's another new article on the E-Tec engines...
http://www.theboatingnews.com/1203Bombardier.html
I have to go to bed now -- and to pleasant dreams of a new outboard. I haven't been on my boat in months!
Whalerdan posted 01-08-2004 07:48 AM ET (US)

Do they make a 90hp E-TEC? I didn't see one on their web page. Looked like 115 was as low as it went.
Danny
jimh posted 01-08-2004 08:07 AM ET (US)
Danny--you have been confused by the awful website design that Evinrude currently is using.
There is no 115-HP E-TEC engine. The 90-HP engine is the largest E-TEC engine they make. Visit the URI and hyper link I provided above and you will eventually be presented with information about the E-TEC engines.
DaveH posted 01-08-2004 09:10 AM ET (US)
jmorgan40:
To respond to your situation and request for advise, I would contact your local Whaler dealer first before doing anything. They may be able to fit your boat with a used engine for a decent price with the knowledge of a potential purchase for the Nantucket.
Possible scenarios:
1) Whaler dealer wants you to trade in now and purchase Nantucket, giving you very good deal on the Montauk as is. They would then repower (possibly new engine) at their cost and sell package to maximize profit.
2) Whaler dealer will sell you used engine at a decent price and fix the Montauk trade-in price if you order now for late summer delivery. This allows the dealer to bring in a Nantucket for stock in early spring, knowing the contract has been made for it. The dealer can potentially sell this boat and order another for you but be able to sell the guy who wants it now. The late summer delivery is so the dealer doesn't get stuck with the boat over the winter and pay taxes on the inventory after the new year.
3) The dealer has a trade-in on a 2-stroke Merc off a new Montauk 170 for an engine upgrade. I would expand this to others on the continousWave site and post a WTB (want to buy) on the Marketplace for either a used 70-90 Hp OMC or new Merc 90 2-stroke from a Montauk 170.
One thing I would hesitate to do is purchase a new engine for the amount of time you intend to own it. You will maximize your loss in value. Used (with a comprehensive, independent marine engine survey)is the only way I would repower this boat.
Let us know what you do.
Eric posted 01-11-2004 11:25 PM ET (US)
I'm real curious to see how these engines pan out in the real world.
As an aside to the question of reliability, I love the idea of molding in the color to the powerhead, instead of paint.
"buff out the scratches". Cool.
jmorgan40 posted 01-17-2004 06:43 AM ET (US)
Good news whaler fans...Engine did not blow but still a costly repair. Lower unit was fried and had to be replaced. New one was $3,300 and a factory rebuilt one was not much better although that is the route I took to save a few bucks. I know I could of got a rebuilt one for slightly less from a third party but the Johnson dealer would not guarantee it. The existing lower unit could not be rebuilt. With that said I will be going to the boat show this weekend to look around at other boats. Want to check out the 19 Nantauket. I still want to get something a little bigger or maybe something more suited for striper fishing on lanier. I did have the mechanic go over the engine from top to bottom. Said compression checked out like new and it ran like a top. I'll tell you what, I was fooled by the sounds that engine made. I would of never guessed it was a lower unit. I ran a boat rental for 10 years and have seen my share of blown engines. If I do decide to bite the bullet on a new boat, You may see my 86 Montauk for sale shortly. It is excellent condition. Thanks again for everyones help, comments, and assistance.
jmorgan40 posted 01-18-2004 10:45 AM ET (US)
Well...visited the Atlanta Boat Show yesterday to look at rigs to move up to. Really want to stay with a Whaler so I checked out the 19' Nantucket. Love the boat but not the price...Hated the salesperson who happened to be the owner from what I understand. They just started carrying Boston Whaler this past summer and it shows. After waiting 45 minutes for assistance to answer some questions I still had, he seemed to know little about the boat and could not answer any questions without checking the catalog. Good thing I had most of the specs memorized from the web site. Showed little interest in my classic Montauk. Sea Pro seems to be their bread & butter. I have dealt with many whaler dealers from NJ to Fla. and this one left nothing but a sour taste in my mouth. Not sure which direction I will go now since their is no way I am buying a Whaler from these folks. Any way, my Montauk will be ready this week, just in time since the stripers are hitting hot & heavy on Lanier.
Dick Russell posted 01-19-2004 08:18 AM ET (US)
I was also at the Atlanta Boat Show yesterday. I had bought my 1970 Katama in July last year. My sons and I have refinished the inside, the console, put on a new GPS, fish finder, vhf, radio. The motor, a 1984 Merc 115 starts, but needs work. So I was down at the Boat Show to get information.
Yes, the sales person in the booth was operating with limited information. After I asked him about my Katama, he quickly called over Doug Nettles, Regional Sales Manager for Boston Whaler. Doug was imformative and also gave me the number for Chuck Bennet, 386-428-0057 who is apparently the keeper of history and restoration information at Boston Whaler. (The high prices on the floor, made me appreciate my whaler even more). On engine replacement, I found the most help at the Mercury booth, Rich Beatty, 770-966-8266, who is the Service Manager in Kennesaw. The 115hp was about $5,500. + + +
Keep me posted on how you are doing.

Dick Russell posted 01-19-2004 08:59 AM ET (US)
The $5,500 was for a 90, the 115hp was $6,500.

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Author	Topic: Repowering 17 Montauk with E-TEC™ engine
jmorgan40	posted 01-03-2004 07:17 PM ET (US) Need some advise fellow whalers...Bought my 86' Montauk in June 03'. Traded in the 86' 70 hp Johnson for a 2000 90 hp Johnson V4 60 deg. bought from a guy who rebuilds used engines and resells. Was told it had two new pistons and heads rebored. This is where my prolems started. Motor has had trouble off and on since July. Guarantee is done and now the engine may be blown. Coming back from a Striper trip yesterday with daughter and began hearing slapping noise. By the time I was almost near the ramp I noticed I was loosing speed. Usually cruise at around 4500 RPMs at about 35 mph. Was only getting about 31 mph. Tried to run WOT and only got about 36.5 MPH. Top end is usually around 43 MPH. Dropped it off today at the local OMC dealer and I am waiting on the verdict. Was also told it may need a new lower unit because of other problems I have been babying. (Another Story)But I am expecting the worse. While at the dealer I priced a new 2 cycle V4 90 hp and he also just got in a new 90 hp E-TEC™ engine. Very impressed with everything I have been hearing on the E-TEC™ engine. Was really planning on getting another year out of this rig then move up to the 19 nantauket with a little more beam. What would your advise be knowing you will probably sell the rig in another year. 90 hp 2 cycle V4 runs about $5,400 plus rigging ($130). The E-Tec was quoted at $7,150 plus rigging. Either way I wanted to stay with the Evinrude or Johnson since I put brand new OMC controls and all new Faria guages with System Check on this summer when I put on the 2000 90 hp. Should I go for the extra money on the E-TEC™ engine knowing I will get rid of the boat. Either way I go I probably will not recoup the money although the boat is in excellent shape. Had all new canvas and vinal done with bow cushion and all. Any advise would be welcome. Thanks, Joe
bkovak	posted 01-03-2004 08:10 PM ET (US) Joe, If you are planning to upgrade in a year, why put out that much for a new outboard now? You will definitely loose money on trying to sell it. Wait and see if you can repair your 2000 90 hp enough to get through another season then sell it. I just went through a similar scenario this summer with a new 2001 90 hp Merc. Right after buying the motor for my Montauk I found a nice classic 18 Outrage. Now I have to decide between keeping the Montauk with the new motor and a 2 year warranty or, selling it and keeping the Outrage! Don't make the same mistake if you are sure you want to upgrade soon. How about upgrading sooner? Brian
jmorgan40	posted 01-03-2004 09:25 PM ET (US) Brian, Thanks...If you recently went through a similar scenerio you understand. I also thought about upgrading sooner as per your suggestion. The dilema is You can't get anything if the motor does not run. If the head is blown it will be a mininum 2k-3k to fix it. Not worth it in my book since a used 2000 90hp is only worth about $3,600. I should know. In any event I will wait for the verdict from the mechanic and then go from there. Thanks again
jimh	posted 01-04-2004 05:21 PM ET (US) I finally found the link on the Evinrude website to the E-TEC™ section: http://www.evinrude.com/e-tec/default.htm?US They have really been hiding this information from their web visitors!
jmorgan40	posted 01-04-2004 08:45 PM ET (US) Jim, Thanks...I had found the same info on their website the other day. It looks like a great engine. Also, they are running a special till April where you can take either a rebate ($4 per HP) or a seven year warranty. That's a no brainer, go for the warranty. I am jst not sure I want to spend the additional $1,700 on the E-Tec if I may unload the boat within a year. No matter which way I go I will not recoup the extra money on the new engine. But I do love everything I see about the E-Tec and it weighs in at 305 lbs, about 30 lbs. lighter than the 2 stroke 90 hp. Thanks again, Joe
jayboat	posted 01-06-2004 06:57 PM ET (US) I just went the other way. I have a 1981 Montauk with a 1988 Mercury 90, that has a bad rod bearing. I spent the last month doing research into power options. Love the Suzuki, but they really weigh in at 430 lbs for the 90, too much weight for me. I narrowed it down to the Evinrude ETec 90 or the Johnson V-4 90 because of the local mechanic who comes with the shop, went with the Johnson. I looked inside the E-Tec, and while it is a great motor, there are lots of parts in a presure injected engine. The Johnson 90 uses good old fashion technology that uses more fuel but for me makes more sense; I only put 40 hours a year on the engine. I got a what I think is a good deal, a 2004 Johnson 90 with new controls, tach, gauges, wiring harness and installation for $7,300. The dealer offered the E-Tec for $8,300 with the same stuff. Like the Mercs and Yamaha's also, but no dealers in my immediate area. Also found rave reviews for the Tohatsu 90 direct injection motor, but resale value was a concern.
Mike Brantley	posted 01-06-2004 11:54 PM ET (US) Couldn't make up my mind whether to start my own E-Tec thread or append this link to one of the existing threads. Ended up deciding to append it here. I just came across this article on the Great Lakes Boating Web site... http://greatlakesboating.com/0_web/magazine/2004_janfeb/etec.asp I am eager to read/hear all there is to read/hear about the E-Tecs, as I am strongly considering repowering my 1982 15 Sport with an Evinrude E-Tec 50 very soon. Here's an older article (which may have already been mentioned by someone else on the forum)... http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/060301.html
Mike Brantley	posted 01-07-2004 12:11 AM ET (US) Here's another new article on the E-Tec engines... http://www.theboatingnews.com/1203Bombardier.html I have to go to bed now -- and to pleasant dreams of a new outboard. I haven't been on my boat in months!
Whalerdan	posted 01-08-2004 07:48 AM ET (US) Do they make a 90hp E-TEC? I didn't see one on their web page. Looked like 115 was as low as it went. Danny
jimh	posted 01-08-2004 08:07 AM ET (US) Danny--you have been confused by the awful website design that Evinrude currently is using. There is no 115-HP E-TEC engine. The 90-HP engine is the largest E-TEC engine they make. Visit the URI and hyper link I provided above and you will eventually be presented with information about the E-TEC engines.
DaveH	posted 01-08-2004 09:10 AM ET (US) jmorgan40: To respond to your situation and request for advise, I would contact your local Whaler dealer first before doing anything. They may be able to fit your boat with a used engine for a decent price with the knowledge of a potential purchase for the Nantucket. Possible scenarios: 1) Whaler dealer wants you to trade in now and purchase Nantucket, giving you very good deal on the Montauk as is. They would then repower (possibly new engine) at their cost and sell package to maximize profit. 2) Whaler dealer will sell you used engine at a decent price and fix the Montauk trade-in price if you order now for late summer delivery. This allows the dealer to bring in a Nantucket for stock in early spring, knowing the contract has been made for it. The dealer can potentially sell this boat and order another for you but be able to sell the guy who wants it now. The late summer delivery is so the dealer doesn't get stuck with the boat over the winter and pay taxes on the inventory after the new year. 3) The dealer has a trade-in on a 2-stroke Merc off a new Montauk 170 for an engine upgrade. I would expand this to others on the continousWave site and post a WTB (want to buy) on the Marketplace for either a used 70-90 Hp OMC or new Merc 90 2-stroke from a Montauk 170. One thing I would hesitate to do is purchase a new engine for the amount of time you intend to own it. You will maximize your loss in value. Used (with a comprehensive, independent marine engine survey)is the only way I would repower this boat. Let us know what you do.
Eric	posted 01-11-2004 11:25 PM ET (US) I'm real curious to see how these engines pan out in the real world. As an aside to the question of reliability, I love the idea of molding in the color to the powerhead, instead of paint. "buff out the scratches". Cool.
jmorgan40	posted 01-17-2004 06:43 AM ET (US) Good news whaler fans...Engine did not blow but still a costly repair. Lower unit was fried and had to be replaced. New one was $3,300 and a factory rebuilt one was not much better although that is the route I took to save a few bucks. I know I could of got a rebuilt one for slightly less from a third party but the Johnson dealer would not guarantee it. The existing lower unit could not be rebuilt. With that said I will be going to the boat show this weekend to look around at other boats. Want to check out the 19 Nantauket. I still want to get something a little bigger or maybe something more suited for striper fishing on lanier. I did have the mechanic go over the engine from top to bottom. Said compression checked out like new and it ran like a top. I'll tell you what, I was fooled by the sounds that engine made. I would of never guessed it was a lower unit. I ran a boat rental for 10 years and have seen my share of blown engines. If I do decide to bite the bullet on a new boat, You may see my 86 Montauk for sale shortly. It is excellent condition. Thanks again for everyones help, comments, and assistance.
jmorgan40	posted 01-18-2004 10:45 AM ET (US) Well...visited the Atlanta Boat Show yesterday to look at rigs to move up to. Really want to stay with a Whaler so I checked out the 19' Nantucket. Love the boat but not the price...Hated the salesperson who happened to be the owner from what I understand. They just started carrying Boston Whaler this past summer and it shows. After waiting 45 minutes for assistance to answer some questions I still had, he seemed to know little about the boat and could not answer any questions without checking the catalog. Good thing I had most of the specs memorized from the web site. Showed little interest in my classic Montauk. Sea Pro seems to be their bread & butter. I have dealt with many whaler dealers from NJ to Fla. and this one left nothing but a sour taste in my mouth. Not sure which direction I will go now since their is no way I am buying a Whaler from these folks. Any way, my Montauk will be ready this week, just in time since the stripers are hitting hot & heavy on Lanier.
Dick Russell	posted 01-19-2004 08:18 AM ET (US) I was also at the Atlanta Boat Show yesterday. I had bought my 1970 Katama in July last year. My sons and I have refinished the inside, the console, put on a new GPS, fish finder, vhf, radio. The motor, a 1984 Merc 115 starts, but needs work. So I was down at the Boat Show to get information. Yes, the sales person in the booth was operating with limited information. After I asked him about my Katama, he quickly called over Doug Nettles, Regional Sales Manager for Boston Whaler. Doug was imformative and also gave me the number for Chuck Bennet, 386-428-0057 who is apparently the keeper of history and restoration information at Boston Whaler. (The high prices on the floor, made me appreciate my whaler even more). On engine replacement, I found the most help at the Mercury booth, Rich Beatty, 770-966-8266, who is the Service Manager in Kennesaw. The 115hp was about $5,500. + + + Keep me posted on how you are doing.
Dick Russell	posted 01-19-2004 08:59 AM ET (US) The $5,500 was for a 90, the 115hp was $6,500.