ETEC and trolling.

[rc@hinze]

I am trying to decide between a 50HP etec and 50HP Yamaha 4 stroke for my boat. I currently have no outboard and I have very limited experience.

I plan to do a bit of trolling on the impoundants and know most recommend a 4 stroke for this but I was just wondering what the ETec's is like for this. The salesmen of course said "their great for trolling", but I was wondering what owners of them have found.

I had always planned on a Yamaha 4 stroke at some stage but the promo DVD on the ETec indicate they have great torque for the same HP.

Thanks in advance - Richard

[disorderly]

Go for the four stroke if trolling is your thing.

[Noelm]

the 4 stroke may have the edge in the trolling stakes, but are you intending to troll for hours and hours? the Etec will be fine for trolling as well, but it will need to be the primary use to make your decisions based on trolling ability only.

[Noelm]

OH and seeing as you always wanted a Yamaha 4 stroke, why not do it now?

[FNQCairns]

Yeah in theory and practice they could pull any equivalent cylinder and hp 4 stroke backwards just like any 20 year old s2stroke could so it's not an e-tec thing it's a 2 stroke thing. Just a few caveats apply obviously, for example I would like to see the Suzuki 90 and the e-tec 90 in tug of war think the Zuk would have the edge.

I think the e-tec has a design where they can be set to troll at remarkably low revs - forget now.

cheers fnq

[Mindi]

I havent owned either but all my research suggests either would be excellent...I think it is widely accepted that a 4 stroke is probably better suited for extended trolling use, as an Etec is probably better for bars and towing kids...? when you do all types of driving it is probably a toss up I guess. Dont put too much weight on the ETEC DVD...I would describe it as a clearly good product in the hands of master marketers.
This question either ends up here in a s**t fight or with the sensible advice that the quality of the local dealer service support is probably more important than the ETEC 4 stroke choice.

[rc@hinze]

Thanks guys for the replys. It is a hard call and I have read as many articles as I can find on them both. I know they are both good and I even get conflicting advice from dealers of the same product. I have trolled all day and night at Awoonga in a mates boat with an old mariner 2 stroke and it did the job and we caught fish - but the noise and smoke made it less pleasurable.

Seeing now its my turn to hand out money I just want to make the most best choice I can. The boat by the way is a Polycraft ( no wheely bin or esky jokes please) and I am concerned that it is a bit heavy anyway plus with casting decks, 64kgs of gel batteries up front, bow mount and a mate. That is why the Etec got my attention more with its "hole shot" capabilities and the general understanding of 2 strokes having more get up and go for the same HP.

I do expect to troll for long periods so that is why my post title focused on this point and not the famous question of Etec vs 4stroke. Recent research today indicates that the etec can probably troll at lower RPM than most of the 4strokes and that on the few times a year when I do it all day that it will be fine.

Whatever I end up with it will do the job. Its all my wifes fault. She told me to go out and by a new motor for my boat instead of looking for a 2nd hand one!

[black runner]

Hi Richard,

I have a Yammie 60 4 efi and find it a fantastic motor in all respects. This is the same powerhead as the 50. Troll for hours on end without a hiccup, no oil smell at all , super quiet. Starts first go etc etc. Use less than 1 l/ph trolling depending on troll speed of course.

Both good motors no difference in weight 109/110 kg, little diff in torque due to Yammie being a 4 cylinder (4 stroke) vs 2 (2 stroke) cylinder etec - ie a powerstroke every 1/2 turn of the crank in both motors and a longer stroke on the yammie evens out the equation. 996cc Yam vs 863 etec displacement. Yammie on average about $700 cheaper for the 50.

I would be happy with either on the back of my boat, but if I had the luxury of choice then it would be the Yammie based on my experience with current ownership, my local dealership professionalism, views of other owners on this forum, magazine reviews and reliability track record.

As is always stated here check out the dealership and workshop and factor that into your purchase.

Hope this helps

[Jabba_]

Yeah in theory and practice they could pull any equivalent cylinder and hp 4 stroke backwards just like any 20 year old s2stroke could so it's not an e-tec thing it's a 2 stroke thing. Just a few caveats apply obviously, for example I would like to see the Suzuki 90 and the e-tec 90 in tug of war think the Zuk would have the edge.

I think the e-tec has a design where they can be set to troll at remarkably low revs - forget now.

cheers fnq

That iss correct FNQ... The idle on the E-tec can be adjusted by the dealer (Via the software).... IRC you can set the idle as low as 450rpm......

IMO I would go the Yamaha if my primery use was trolling..... But in saying that, the E-tec is bloody good at trolling also.... I can't comment on the little motors, but I trolled with my 250 from Southport to Burliegh and back following the 24fathom line... 6 hrs straight trolling @ 1600rpm,,, no issues, the motor did I wanted, when I wanted......

Re: tug of war.... Lets get the heavy weights out...300 Verardo vs 300 E-tec:o ... I would like to see that

[pursuit001]

hi mate dont go of people who are bagging them they are most likely people that have not owned one ive owned the 60 etec great motor quiet and punchy good on fuel now own the 50hp yammy 4 stroke fuel injected just as quick off the mark not quiet as good on fuel but a bit quieter than the etec in my eyes both a great motor

[ozbee]

if you only want a 50 hp i would look at the new Honda in that horsepower range.they can troll slower than the the yamaha a fair bit lighter also have boost techoology. if you want to tow or ski also go the etec you just cant beat the down and out grunt a two has over a four

[Franco]

Hey mate,

I own a 90 e-tec on a 5m haines side console boat, and to be honest if trolling was my main fishing activity I would rather have a 4 stroke. I have trolled in boats with both for long long days on end in Awoonga, and the 4 stroke would win if that was the only criteria by which the motor was chosen .......

BUT ..... if you diversify later on you may want to consider the e-tec if it suits your actual boat better than a 4 stroke ... eg the Quinnie hornets take a fair bit of punch to get out of the hole (depending on interior lay-outs and type of electric motor on the boat and number of batteries) so that particular boat may get better performance from an etec as they weigh significantly less for the same HP, and yes they can troll at 450 rpm (I have mine set at 500). But I'm not sure trolling speed is all about rpm .... you also have to take into account the pitch of your prop ... and in the end who knows how much the fish really care??

Purely from a trolling perspective though, I would go the 4 Stroke.
Having said that, on my boat, the e-tec wins hands down due to overall performance and my different needs.

[notsa]

Yeah in theory and practice they could pull any equivalent cylinder and hp 4 stroke backwards just like any 20 year old s2stroke could so it's not an e-tec thing it's a 2 stroke thing. Just a few caveats apply obviously, for example I would like to see the Suzuki 90 and the e-tec 90 in tug of war think the Zuk would have the edge.

I think the e-tec has a design where they can be set to troll at remarkably low revs - forget now.

cheers fnq
I am sure you have got that wrong.

[FNQCairns]

I am sure you have got that wrong.

I conceed - a rushed post and may depend on which bit and what brand one needs to defend.

Zuk 90 will pull a 90 e-tec backward.

Optimax 90 will pull a 90 e-tec backward.

Optimax 90 V Zuk 90 suspect zuk will win - dunno.

They will all pull my Yam 90 backward:(

Now in the 115hp range it gets real interesting with the e-tec pulling the Zuke and the Opti baakwards:) - I allege ...(insert ducking-for-cover icon:))

cheers fnq

[TheSaint]

If you are getting it for trolling the yamaha 4 stroke beats it hands down as it has The Variable Trolling RPM Switch, installed on the tiller handle as an option, allows the adjustment of trolling speed at approximately every 50 rpm intervals in the 620 to 900 rpm range but also you can get it fitted next to your side console controls as well..

[Getout]

My 175 Etec only uses about ONE LITRE per hour, trolling at idle.
I can only imagine how little a 50 uses!
You might have to take a couple of empty fuel tanks with you because the fifty probably produces unleaded fuel when it idles;D

In all seriousness, the Etec is noisier at idle than a 4stroke.

[Jabba_]

Well theres no call us E-tec owners bias... All off us so far have made the sugestion to go the 4st for this rc@hinze intended situation....

[Wahoo]

Re: tug of war.... Lets get the heavy weights out...300 Verardo vs 300 E-tec:o ... I would like to see that


pfffft i know which will win:P;D8-), just like the vid of the twin 350 yams Vs twin 300 Verados, yams had nothing;D

now back to the Q
go the E-Tec or at least go for a run in one, you will be sold


geezzz im starting to sound like you E-Tec boys:-/;D

[Wahoo]

D/Post..............................

[BrenMac]

I conceed - a rushed post and may depend on which bit and what brand one needs to defend.

Zuk 90 will pull a 90 e-tec backward.

Optimax 90 will pull a 90 e-tec backward.

Optimax 90 V Zuk 90 suspect zuk will win - dunno.

They will all pull my Yam 90 backward:(

Now in the 115hp range it gets real interesting with the e-tec pulling the Zuke and the Opti baakwards:) - I allege ...(insert ducking-for-cover icon:))

cheers fnq

Spot on.

Cheers
Brendan

[FNQCairns]

I am trying to decide between a 50HP etec and 50HP Yamaha 4 stroke for my boat. I currently have no outboard and I have very limited experience.

I plan to do a bit of trolling on the impoundants and know most recommend a 4 stroke for this but I was just wondering what the ETec's is like for this. The salesmen of course said "their great for trolling", but I was wondering what owners of them have found.

I had always planned on a Yamaha 4 stroke at some stage but the promo DVD on the ETec indicate they have great torque for the same HP.

Thanks in advance - Richard


The 50/60 Yamaha is a sweet engine with one of the best reputations around, it's really REALLY hard to overlook and having 2 x the cylinders is probably more than a match for the e-tec in the torque stakes.

cheers fnq

[cormorant]

My 2c worth

Just be aware that many motors will produce very low electrical output at idle / troll. This means that if you are running lots of electrics and a big stereo!!!! electric downriggers and so on that you my hav eto make sure you have a suitable set up.

Ask dealers what the alternator output is at idle / troll.

Either 2 or 4 both need a run inbetween periods of long trolling and preferably no motor should be run at low speeds constantly.

No motor is designed for long periods on idle under load.

Must be very careful and make sure motor temp is in the correct range - too low and too hot both create problems as there is a fine line between at what speed a water pump , oil pumps works effectively and thermostat the same. Exhaust gasses can't flow properly so in both 2 and 4 you may have a issue and with 2 strokes carbon can be an issue still and pooling oil in crankcases. 4 stroke carby or 2 stroke carby may run lean as exhaust gas issues and airflow over jets as they don't get tuned to be under load at idle as they are all trying to save petrol these days.

You may be beter off with a smaller kicker motor 9.9 or 15 propped correctly if trolling is your deal running in it's propper rev range . Both your motors will lst longer and be easier to maintain.


Surprised no one else has brought up these points but happy o see no crappy brand bashing - well not a lot.

[levinge]

If you going for quality, why not have a look at the honda's. Aside from Size I have a 135HP on my boat and have achieved a constant troll on 1 knot, no surge, steady purr of the motor and no filthy smoke. If your ECO minded, the Honda's have the cleanest burn and putt the least of all emissions back into the environment. A little more expensive than most, but worth every cent

[madman1]

I know the Yammie has the troll control but have heard through the grapevine that the smaller etecs are bringing in the troll control also. My 60hp etec trolls at around 2kn/hr as I had the factory drop the low end revs for that purpose in particular. The fuel efficiency when trolling with the etec in phenominal.

Good luck with your choice.

Cheers


Mark

[Jabba_]

If you going for quality, why not have a look at the Honda's. Aside from Size I have a 135HP on my boat and have achieved a constant troll on 1 knot, no surge, steady purr of the motor and no filthy smoke. If your ECO minded, the Honda's have the cleanest burn and putt the least of all emissions back into the environment. A little more expensive than most, but worth every cent

Actually E-tec and Honda are the cleanest outboards. Both are on top off there game. Half the HP models Honda is the cleanest, and the other half E-tec are... No other manufacture can get close there emission's output...

[levinge]

Too True Jabba and the only difference is my deckies don't start going green when trolling down wind. Still can't get rid of that 2 Stroke smell otherwise Etec could have been on my radar when I got my new rig.

Still it really comes down to personal preferences!!

Tight lines and enjoy your fishing

[Taroona]

I am trying to decide between a 50HP etec and 50HP Yamaha 4 stroke for my boat. I currently have no outboard and I have very limited experience.

I plan to do a bit of trolling on the impoundants and know most recommend a 4 stroke for this but I was just wondering what the ETec's is like for this. The salesmen of course said "their great for trolling", but I was wondering what owners of them have found.

I had always planned on a Yamaha 4 stroke at some stage but the promo DVD on the ETec indicate they have great torque for the same HP.

Thanks in advance - Richard

Read this thread

http://forums.etecownersgroup.com/tool/post/barnaclebill/vpost?id=2653274&highlight=trolling

Les

[sooty_mad]

Absolutely no doubt what I would do. Buy a standard 2 stroke like a Tohatsu and with the money saved buy a bow mount electric.
Kind regards... David

[tednted]

G,day
Didnt you say you were going to have 64 klios of battery up front ?? If thats the case I would presume that they are for a leccy trollin motor !! sSo why do you need to troll with your main motor?? I do have an etec 75 hp & think its the ducks guts but at idle the yammy is quieter !! But as for the comments of people turning green with the fumes well, they either havent got them tuned via the computer or they are just talkin crap coz even down wind on mine you can rarely smell it & certainly no worse than unleaded exhaust from the 4's
cheers AL.
P.S. Me mate that fishes with me has a new yammy 60 4s and still has to throw out a sea anchor for trolling in the river for murray cod the same as I use to do before I bought my leccy motor, & having said that I think his motor is a great motor as well !! It comes back to personal choice

[GCTIM007]

i owned an early version of the 75hp etec and i could not fault it it was on the back of my 4.5m fiberglass half cabin. i used it to do alot of trolling around the gold coast canals and found to be very quiet and reliable as well as there being no smoke to speak of. you should also consider the service intrervals required for each motor. i think from memory the etec is about every 300 hrs which is dam good imo

[rc@hinze]

Thanks all for your advice. Obviously both are good and very capable of the job. I will be lucky to have either.

Why i just dont troll on my electric is that when we stay on the houseboats at Awoonga and Monduran, they do not have 240v power. I do not have a generator and require a full sine wave type for my charger for the Gel batteries. A suitable generator like the Honda is around $2000 and I will rather put this towards a better motor. Also when camping there is not always available power.

Also remember I currently do not have a motor at all. I have to get to the spots I wish to cast to and troll in the first place plus general everyday use of my boat. It makes sense to by a motor that suits all my needs.

By the way, 2 out of 3 ETEC dealers I spoke to told me to buy a 4 stroke when I talked about trolling for long periods. ( another brand from them of course !)

thanks again, lets call the discussion closed.
Richard