When the sailing association in my fathers town was looking to repower their boats they asked me to find out what was the best. At first I said Merc. Then I started to look at the other stuff and slowly moved over to the Etecs as being the way to go.

Skate,
I live in the boating capital of the world down here in S. FL.
We do not see many ETEC's. They are not a bad engine but the 300 verado with DTS, Power Internal Steering and a 7yr warranty is the way to go. If you really want some speed step up the 350 verado. Had 3 on a Fountain. They are strong.

Also I believe you will find not near as many people to support them.

Etec has fewer moving parts, 15% less weight, better fuel economy, less emissions, and less maintenance than the Verado.

You can have the full electronic gauges or simpler ones if you like also.

The only reason you see more Mercs on the water is because Brunswick owns so many boat companies that most new boats have Verados.

For a repower the E-tec is the best option out there, period, unless you had a Merc on previously

Really, Just was on Lake Norman NC where there are a lot of Pontoon boats. Didnt see 1 ETEC. I didn't realize Brunswick bought all these boat companies without telling anyone. You will literally see hundreds of Verados to 1 ETEC down here. Not all on new boats either and thats not counting the number of Optimax's or Yamahas either. Not saying it is a bad motor. Just facts.

These are all good answers to the original question. The caveat, (and real answer to your question) is which brand(s) can you have easily serviced where the boat lives.

Etec is great technology but there are very few service locations. Check around by you. If there is an Etec dealer/service center next door, then you are in good shape.

In Florida, it seems as if Yamaha owns 80% of the salt water engine business. Merc seems to own 80% of the fresh water engine business. So, it really depends upon where you boat and which businesses operate in your area.

T

Thanks for all the input. I'll let you guys what the boss ends up with !

You can also get DTS on Etecs its call ICON....

http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/ICON

I will muddy the water some and vote no on the eTec. I have a friend that has twin 250 eTecs on a offshore CC with about 500-600 hrs on them and it has come home on one engine far too many times IMO. A wide variety of things, some fuel some ignition, once lower unit, I think last count was 9 times. I would go 4 stroke all day long. Torquey and quiet and quiet boats are nice. :-).

Mercury Verado. If it ain't black send it back!

Warranty , dealer network , etc. Seriously

Plus you have the verado club. I have 450 hrs on an 08 250 and never an issue. The Verado club is a great resource. You will learn everything you want to know about a V-rod. You also get your questions answered in short time by the mod of the site.

And , if you pay the contributor fee , you get on the board with the certified verado mechanics. Plus Glens personal cell phone , available 24-7 if you had an issue.

But , no porn like here.