| Evinrude 250 E-TEC a Rocketship | |
| Evinrude first released its E-TEC technology in November 2003. The new technology introduced some unique features to the market.
While the new models were 2-strokes in the mid-range from 40-90hp, they had a quiet signature sound that was distinctively Evinrude, and they complied with the worldwide EPA standards. A lot of comment and some scepticism was expressed at the time by the claim, that except for checking the oil levels, there was no dealer-scheduled maintenance required for three years, or up to 300 hours. |  |
| After some 12 months there have, so far, not been any adverse comments in the marketplace about the engines or their performance. Not even from the Northern Territory diehards, who are renowned for giving their rigs a hard time and generally manage to break something before anyone else does.
The E-TEC technology is now available in the larger V6, 200, 225 and 250 horsepower range. Although the engine cowl has been redesigned it still retains that distinctive Evinrude 'frown' at the front. | |
| Lift the cowl and there is not a drive belt to be seen anywhere. On the power head itself, there are no valves or lifters to adjust, and with direct fuel injection, there are no carbies to set and no oil filters to change. And most importantly, Evinrude claims that the carbon monoxide emissions at idle are 50 to 100 times lower than the previous 2-strokes. This is well below the 600-gram carbon monoxide level considered safe under the USA's EPA standards.
BRP use a modern synthetic oil, similar to that used by motor bike racers years ago, that is delivered by a single line from the three US gallon (11.5 litres) tank and because the technology fully combusts the oil there is no return line. The oil pressure is monitored by a transducer, rather than a pressure switch. The transducer can detect oil problems and puts the engine into a S.A.F.E. mode (Speed Adjusting Failsafe Electronics). BRP claims that even if the oil runs dry the outboard with run all day at 1200rpm without seizing up. While the outboards are considerably quieter at idle and when powered up they are not so quiet as to be totally silent at low revs. Most people like to hear their engine ticking over at idle - I know I do. |  |
| The V6 E-TEC engines weigh in at 519lb (253kg), which is some 100lb (45kg) lighter than comparable 4-strokes, and while BRP is cagey about it, they are obviously aimed squarely at the top end 4-stroke market.
Bolt the new Evinrude E-TEC 250hp outboard on to the fully-moulded transom of a Seafarer Vagabond and it becomes a rocket ship. It takes just 4.5 seconds to get up on the plane and reach 22.2 knots at 2300rpm. Taken a little slower, the hull will plane just under 10 knots. Best cruising speed was at 3500 rpm, where the GPS recorded 26.6 knots, but push the throttle all the way forward to the 5800rpm line and the GPS reading jumped to 44.4 knots. | |
| The hull likes a lot of trim out and as the boat comes up on the plane when the engine is trimmed out slowly and the deep-vee hull then comes into its own.
In lumpy conditions we were able to punch out of the Southport Seaway at 25 knots, run across the swell at 30 knots and downwind was even better at 35.5 knots. And it is good to know that there is even more available if there is a need to get home quickly. The Evinrude 250 is the top of the range but the Vagabond performs equally as well with the 225hp on the back… and it is a little cheaper to run too. The 250 will produce about 2.5 knots more speed, but the only difference between the two engines is the amount of fuel metered in the 250's cylinders. |  |
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maintained by Leisure Marine:
Friday, 29 August 2008
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Phone: 07 3245 5111 Fax: 07 3245 1263
Email any enquiries about this site to updates@leisure-marine.com.au
3242 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba 4157, QLD.
Phone: 07 3245 5111 Fax: 07 3245 1263