Hey guys, as
@Kildonan said, I run an etec but 30hp (long shaft) on a 14 foot SSV Lund. I LOVE this motor, but before I get into my experience, I just want to say that you really can't go wrong with any new outboard these days, it really comes down to your needs and likes.
I think you've made a great choice there
@Fish Camp. I actually had a bead on the yammy F25C, but I wanted power trim and tilt with the tiller (which you can't get with the yammy unless you have a console); I just don't like hanging over the back of the boat to lift a motor. Plus it gives you a nice control bonus. You can trim it out under power to adjust for load and water conditions or trim up on a tight trolling turn to avoid entanglement of the rigger lines.
The other big reasons why I went with the etec was ease of maintenance: no oil changes, integrated hose port for easy flushing and self fogging, plus I wanted the torque of the 2 stroke so I could use the boat for tubing the kids, which is really awesome btw. With 2 adults and 2 kids in the boat, I was still able to get my 200# brother in law on plane!
So my etec is a 2018 bought in April of that year. It’s the same chassis as the 25. I paid $5800 taxes in from Island Marine in Sidney, Parker carries them as well. Was $250 more for the 30 hp so I figured why not, let's have some fun. Didn't need it though. Power is actually too much for this boat. On a calm day, with 2 guys and all the trolling gear I can get it close to 30mph, but I really don't know it's top end for sure as I don't like going that fast in a small boat. I usually cruise around 20mph.
Also, mine does have OEM power trim and tilt with the tiller, which does make the motor 25% heavier than the long shaft F25c as Fish Camp noted. If you compare apples to apples, the comparative etec is only 10% heavier. And in the same vain, competitively priced. Although, power trim and tilt does require a bolt on so install was an additional 550$.
Concerning oil fill up....I've used around a litre of oil or so in close to 100 hours of use....mostly trolling. So unless you're parked at a dock, filling is not an issue.
In terms of warranty, the base on etecs is 5 years now. I actually have a 10year on mine as part of a boat show special. And they stand by it. I noticed a small quarter sized paint bubble under the lower drain hole a year into use (even with flushing after each trip) and the dealer replaced the lower unit no questioned asked. I was impressed.
Aside from that I've had no issues. One thing you will notice with these motors is white smoke sometimes coming out at the exhaust port. This is not smoke, it's actually steam and it's part of the cooling system. Occurs mostly coming off step or trolling for long periods of time. Did wig me out at first though.
For me, I love this motor. Instant plane, sips fuel, torque is ridiculous, no oil changes, easy to flush, self fogging, centre tiller position, and like the yammy, has the precision control throttle which is awesome for trolling. And I love the sound of it. Has a super quiet purr, quite different to equivalent 4 strokes I've heard.
Cheers
