| Seafarer's Venus 5.0m and E-TEC 90 drive as good as they look | |
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| YOU only have to see an E-TEC 90 HP along side a comparative brand to see that the E-TEC's design is compact and lightweight. And although the durability, quality and reliability of an engine has been identified by Evinrude as the most important factor that consumers evaluate when purchasing an engine, it doesn't hurt to have an engine that combines functionality with stylish and integrated form.
To exemplify these attributes, we took a Seafarer Venus 5.0 half cabin fitted with an E-TEC 90hp for a spin on the test day. Traditionally, Seafarers aren't a light boat. They're built more for durability and riding quality. Seafarer itself states that if you "compare the weight of any Seafarer boat with any competitors' product of similar size, in some cases a Seafarer boat will weigh 50 percent more. The boats are built this way so they will outlast anything else, but the big bonus is that weight contributes greatly to seaworthiness and stability at rest. |  |
| Drive the others first and then drive our boats as hard as they can go. After you get used to the humps and rattles of other brands, experience the quiet, civilized ride delivered by our solid, well made Seafarer boat. You'll love it," their website says.
Indeed, Gold Coast boater Steve Wilson spent some time at the helm of the Venus on the test day and remarked that the rig was 'quiet and comfortable'. | |
| The Seafarer/E-TEC 90 package really does look the goods when on the water. The E-TECs feature a face on the front and a swept back profile that differs markedly from other, more rounded engines. Full-length lower motor covers give the whole engine an integrated look.
The self-aligning hood is accessible from the boat while you're inside, or alternatively from outside the boat when you're back at the ramp. You know that the hood has lined up, because it drops easily into the contour. Just clip the two latches over and you're done. |  |
| The air intake is located at the top of the rear of the cowling and it's been designed to keep your engine's aspiration dry in any weather conditions.
"Clean-pac" underhood packaging means that under the hood every hose and wire has designated fittings and routing to create a clean fit-out, both under the hood and between the engine and your boat. With all of the E-TECs tested, instant starting was a feature, but on normal media days you jump in a boat with an engine already warmed up. We had the opportunity to test these engines from dead cold at the Gold Coast City Marina. None needed choking or priming and from the turn of the key, all of them fired first crank. Not in the first few revolutions. On the first crank. Can you say that about your current outboard? | |
