Etec 175 or Yamaha Vmax 175

[birdsnest]

Looking at purchasing a TABS 6100 Bowrider and tossing up between the Etec and the Yamaha Vmax both 175HP. I would like to go the etec but a few people have scared me with horror stories about them. Could just be random cases which I guess happens but any feedback would be most appreciated. Etec seems about $2000 dearer. Thanks in advance for any help.

[stinky-stabi]

etec for me .....all come's down too you m8....

[Jabba_]

It all depends on the dealers in your area... Personaly I believe the E-tec is a better motor then the Yammie, but if the Evinrude dealer in your area is a goose I would go for the Yammie, and Visa Versa....

[DigFishing]

I think the E-Tec is slightly lighter (? 30kg).
Both would be good motors anyway being brand new.

The E-Tec should still be serviced every 100hours in salt water use, so I am wondering how the service cost stack up over the first five years ?.

I had other options with mine, and we absolutely love our TABS plate runabout.

Cheers: Dave

[birdsnest]

Thanks guys for the input. I think it will come down to dealer service in the end. Most of our usage is freshwater with a few trips to the coast thrown in. (hopefully an increasing number of trips to the coast!)

Dave - nice boat! We are still deciding on kit out - great to look at your photos.


Cheers

[Noelm]

even though I slightly favour the E-tec, I am not convinced it is 2 grand better, buy either with confidence.

[comfortably numb]

I have the 200 Vmax and love it. Like the other guys said comes down to the dealer.

[ShaneC]

I have a 175 Vmax, good motor, no dramas.

Shane

[littlemac]

are the vmax's going to become defunct??????

cheers

brett

[Jabba_]

I don't know about V-Max, but I heard that Merc will seize production off the Opti in 2011...

Can anyone confirm whether this is true or false..

[Jabba_]

The E-Tec should still be serviced every 100hours in salt water use, so I am wondering how the service cost stack up over the first five years ?.


Cheers: Dave

That's just your opinion...

The E-tec easily stretches 3y/300hrs between dealers services... The only extra requirements the owner has to do themselves is to grease the nipples yearly, check there is no fishing line around the prop shaft and and no oil leaks from the gear housing, and change fuel/water separator...

My E-tec has 230hrs on it now, owned it since Oct 07... It is still has it original spark plugs, gear oil and water pump,,, which is still pushing water around the motor at the same PSI when it was brand new...

I have no intention off getting a dealer service untill 300hr is up...

Off coarse if your always running your motor in muddy, sandy or shallow water, then you should have your impellor changed every 100hrs.

[DigFishing]

Hi Jabba,

Mate, the 100 hour service on a new E-TEC isn't "just my opinion".

I am only stating what I was told, directly from sales, and service staff at Australian Marine Centre @ Springwood ("Australias Largest Evinrude E-Tec Dealer"), and Logan River Marine Centre at Yatala, face to face when I was looking at buying an E-Tec, and not just over the phone.

I think the E-Tec is a good motor and I am sure you will still be driving around and fishing in it at 299 hours and beyond.

I have some mates with New E-Tecs as well, they were told the same thing and will be getting thier motors serviced at the 100hour mark.

But, from my point of view, if I was looking at purchasing a used boat, and had to choose between 2 similar E-Tec motors, one of which had been serviced every 100 hours since new, and one that had had its first service at 300 hours from purchase, I know which one I would favour.


Cheers: Dave

[FNQCairns]

I don't know about V-Max, but I heard that Merc will seize production off the Opti in 2011...

Can anyone confirm whether this is true or false..

I cannot confirm one way or another but it sounds like crap to me.

cheers fnq

[DigFishing]

Hi Jabba,

Mate, the 100 hour service on a new E-TEC isn't "just my opinion".

I am only stating what I was told, directly from sales, and service staff at Australian Marine Centre @ Springwood ("Australias Largest Evinrude E-Tec Dealer"), and Logan River Marine Centre at Yatala, face to face when I was looking at buying an E-Tec, and not just over the phone.

I think the E-Tec is a good motor and I am sure you will still be driving around and fishing in it at 299 hours and beyond.

I have some mates with New E-Tecs as well, they were told the same thing and will be getting thier motors serviced at the 100hour mark.

But, from my point of view, if I was looking at purchasing a used boat, and had to choose between 2 similar E-Tec motors, one of which had been serviced every 100 hours since new, and one that had had its first service at 300 hours from purchase, I know which one I would favour.


Cheers: Dave

Actually, I think the words used by the dealers in was "we recommend a service every 100 hours". Didn't state I had to have the service , just, "we recommend".

[Jabba_]

Hi Jabba,

Mate, the 100 hour service on a new E-TEC isn't "just my opinion".

I am only stating what I was told, directly from sales, and service staff at Australian Marine Centre @ Springwood ("Australias Largest Evinrude E-Tec Dealer"), and Logan River Marine Centre at Yatala, face to face when I was looking at buying an E-Tec, and not just over the phone.

I think the E-Tec is a good motor and I am sure you will still be driving around and fishing in it at 299 hours and beyond.

I have some mates with New E-Tecs as well, they were told the same thing and will be getting thier motors serviced at the 100hour mark.

But, from my point of view, if I was looking at purchasing a used boat, and had to choose between 2 similar E-Tec motors, one of which had been serviced every 100 hours since new, and one that had had its first service at 300 hours from purchase, I know which one I would favour.


Cheers: Dave

Out off curiosity, how would you know if one motor was serviced more then the other...