The Beginners Guide To Choosing The Right Evinrude Outboard
Evinrude outboard engines are some of the most advanced engines on the market. So even for experienced boaters, choosing the right one can be intimidating.
One thing that seems to worry people more than anything is the sheer variety of models produced by Evinrude.
These models range from lightweight and designed for fishing to heavy and designed for use by the military.
With all of these options out there, it can be overwhelming and even lead you to look at lower-end brands on the market.
One thing you absolutely do not want to do is choose a lower quality outboard due to confusion. Especially in a case like Evinrude when that confusion is the result of a large slate of high-quality products.
That’s why we made this guide to choosing the best Evinrude outboard possible.
Consider Your Boat
Before buying an outboard or any sort of boating engine, consider the effect it will have on your boat.
Certain Evinrude outboard models, such as the pontoon series and the portable series, are designed specifically for certain types of boat. Using these models on a boat they’re not designed or rated for can cause severe damage to your boat, and can even cause you bodily harm.
As always, consult with a professional before making any of these decisions.
Your NMMA Plate
On the inside of your stern, you should have what’s called a National Marine Manufacturer’s plate. Consider this plate to be the first step of your guide to picking an engine.
What your NMMA plate does is tell you both the minimum and maximum horsepower your boat can handle.
This is a matter of great importance: too much horsepower can destroy your boat, whereas not enough will leave you stuck by the shore.
Other Horsepower Considerations
The amount of horsepower your boat can handle is an important consideration, but most engines are going to have a more specific range than the minimum and maximum listed on your NMMA plate.
Both the size and desired speed of your boat can impact how much horsepower you need.
For instance, if you’re planning on racing at high speeds in a sports boat, you’re going to want a minimum of 300 horsepower.
On the other hand, a small boat that is not ideal for high speeds can take as little as 15 horsepower.
Two or Four Stroke?
Different outboards use different types of fuel. Making sure that you know this before your purchase can save you unpleasant surprises at the pump or in the water.
Making sure that you know this before your purchase can save you complications or issues when you get on the water.
Two-Stroke Engines
A two-stroke engine burns both oil and gas and tend to provide more horsepower in a lighter package. If you plan on boating internationally, however, you should avoid using a two-stroke engine before doing research on emissions laws in the country you plan on boating in.
Luckily Evinrude Etec Outboards are one of the cleanest burning 2-stroke engines allowed on the strictest lakes in the world
In addition, if you want a smooth or a quiet boat ride, you should consider a four stroke engine or a newer generation Evinrude, which can run significantly more quietly.
Four-Stroke Engine
A four-stroke engine requires oil. However, the oil is added only to the engine itself and not used as fuel. This means better fuel economy and sometimes a quieter engine.
If you want a lightweight engine, however, a four-stroke is not the best choice. The increased fuel efficiency comes at the price of demanding a larger or bulkier outboard than a two-stroke with equal horsepower.
That being said, four-stroke engines definitely have an edge over older two-stroke engines when it comes to running smoothly and quietly, which tends to go along with high fuel efficiency.
What Are My Options For An Evinrude Outboard?
Evinrude is a high-end producer of outboards. Their products are high quality and technologically advanced, but still user-friendly enough for beginners.
There is a wide variety of Evinrude outboard models. These models vary greatly in terms of size, power, and recommended use.
Here are some of the choices you’ll have when looking for your outboard.
Jet Series
The Evinrude Jet Series contains some of the lightest jet-class outboards there are.
These lightweight Evinrude outboards are capable of high speeds without overwhelming your boat.
The Jet Series also has several factors not typically found in jet outboards. They come with forward and reverse capabilities.
It is also one of the few series of jet engines on the market with direct injection torque. Generally used in cars, direct injection torque can provide up to a 15 percent increase in fuel economy.
Customers looking for a light weight, fuel efficient jet outboard should consider investing in the jet series.
Pontoon Series
The Evinrude Pontoon Series are Evinrude outboards designed specifically for pontoons.
The pontoon series has several advantages over other outboards that make it more pontoon-ready.
For one, the series uses smaller rubber mounts than other outboards, meaning less vibration and less noise.
It also has gears specifically designed for easier stopping and maneuvering along with faster acceleration.
What this means is a smooth but quick ride designed specifically for pontoon owners. As the name implies, this series is a great choice for that purpose.
E-Tec
The E-Tec series is a fuel efficient, quick, and durable series of Evinrude outboards. Benefits to the E-tec series are fuel economy, a low need for maintenance, and high-speed performance.
The fuel injection system of the E-tec series means that it burns precisely how much fuel it needs to give you its desired performance. What this means is going faster, cleaner than on other boats.
In addition, you will never need to give your E-tec engine an oil change. In fact, your E-tec Evinrude outboard only requires maintenance every three years: get one of these, and they’ll be maintenance free 3 years after your purchase.
E-Tec G2
If the E-Tec series are the iPhones of the outboard world, the E-Tec G2 series are NASA supercomputers. Incredibly advanced, fast, and maneuverable, this series pulls out all the stops to give you an outboard of the 21st-century.
The G2 series optimizes the engine to steering conditions based on current water levels. This adaptability will let you take your boat out in a wide variety of environments and conditions.
The ability to customize your panels and panel trims and hoods make this a great option. It gives someone looking to spruce up their boat and get the most advanced outboard at the same time.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of the G2 series is its low-emissions. An E-Tec G2 Evinrude outboard is 100% Global Compliant. What does this mean?
It means that you can take your G2 series engine anywhere, regardless of emissions regulations. The only places you can’t take it are places without water, so it still might not be perfect for your planned desert boating trips.
In all seriousness, the G2 series is clearly the best boat engine choice for international boating enthusiasts. But it’s also the best choice for environmentally conscious boaters and experienced boaters looking for a new, hi-tech outboard to take their boating performance to the next level.
MultiFuel
The Evinrude MultiFuel series is designed specifically for military use, and are only available to the US Department of Defense.
This means that it is probably not the best choice for aquatic recreation. However, looking into some of the specs can give you an idea of what the most powerful model of Evinrude outboard on the market offers.
The Evinrude MFE is capable of running on several types of fuel, most notably including jet fuel.
In addition, the MFE is one of the quietest models on the market. It delivers stealth in terms of both fume emissions and noise.
It is once again worth noting that these capabilities are made for the Department of Defense only. However, considering these capabilities is useful to anyone considering what the future of Evinrude engines might look like.
Portable Series
Evinrude’s portable series are the lightest models on the market. As a matter of fact, the 3.5 HP portable Evinrude outboard weighs just 41 lbs.
But don’t think that weight will cost you performance: this is no 18-kilogram weakling we’re talking about. The 3.5 HP portable still has a full throttle RPM of 5500, and are designed for minimum vibration.
What this means is that when you get a member of the portable series, you’re still getting the speed and maneuverability you’ve come to expect from an Evinrude outboard.
If you have a small boat, the portable series is certainly the right choice for you. Be sure to consult with a professional before buying a small model to guarantee the performance will be enough for your boat.
Conclusion
Looking for an Evinrude outboard is the first step to taking your aquatic adventures into the twenty-first century.
But keep in mind that your outboard is only as effective as your purchasing decision. That’s why we’re here to help you make the best decision possible.
Send us an email or give us a call, and we’ll help you get your Evinrude outboard picked out right away. We’ll even let you schedule a test ride for anything you want to buy.
After that, the only thing left to do is have fun!
Have you had a chance to ride on a boat with a Evinrude Etec or G2 model yet? Tell us what you thought in the comments below!