New Yamaha F70 vs Etec 75

[The_Gaffer]

This is what it all boils down to guys.  I know there are a few ETEC lovers out there (skip, malvizzu, destination sea) but you really cannot look the other way when talking about Yamaha.  This outboard will go onto a Petecraft 16 open fisher.  The yamaha is impressive as a F4 weighti g in at 119kgs, just under 10ltrs/hr @ 20knts, or 13ltrs/hr at 23knts.  Likewise 3ltrs an hour while trolling at 6knts is a dream come true to me.  On the other hand, i have read all about the ETECs, they are revolutinary, impressive and very economical.  So, guys, whats your say...

[spiru]

I have a yamaha 100 4 stroke fuel injection on a Petecraft 17 fast fisher open.My fishing mate has a 75 e tec on a 17 ft italian boat but much lighter than petecraft.We have been with these boats for quite a long time so my review about these motors is from past and present experience.
Going out cruising at 20 to 22 knots as for consumption they are more or less the same.When it comes to trolling yamaha is more fuel efficient.When trolling one can smell the two stroke oil being burnt on the e tec ,while with the yamaha no smell at all.Yamaha is much,much and much less noisy than e tec.
When in comes to servicing e teck does not need engine oil change and filter which on the yamaha has to be changed every 100hrs.But in those 100hrs the e tec burns 2 stroke oil which is quite expensive.E teck needs its spark plugs changed every 2 seasons to run smoothly  while i never changed the plugs on the yamaha since new and works perfectly.
My choice is defenetaly yamaha,even the e tec owner says this.
I ask.....what is the advantage of an e tec over a good 4 stroke like yamaha?being 20 kg lighter?less working parts?
Also their plastic hood and covers are very brittle and crack from the bolts which tighten the lower unit
And i still have to see an e tec outboard older than 6 years without some corrosion,actually a lot of corrosion if left at sea.

[Icom]

Spiru, do you do trolling with your Yamaha 100HP?  If you do, what knots are you making at just engaged into forward?

[malvizzu]

Fortuna had a 75HP ETEC for some years. Maybe he can give you a more unbiased review

[The_Gaffer]

Ok, here is a new piece of information.  

The ETEC 75HP weighs in at 145kgs
The yamaha 70HP weighs in at 119kgs.

If you go for a yamaha 80HP, then the weight shots up to 166kgs.  

Quite impressive for Yamaha D70 to weigh in at 119kgs.  
@Spiru - appreciate your input.  ETEC guys, i was expecting some form of discussion on what Spiru claims.

[Icom]

If a Yamaha 70HP weighs in at 119Kgs then I can add in a little bit more information.  My Yamaha 50HP 4s is a High Thrust model and weighs in at the same weight of 119Kgs! Impressive the difference in construction between the two models!

[redhead]

the 70HP Yamaha is lighter cos it is the MAX HP from that engine block. For the 80HP they use the next bigger block. If the 50HP weighs as much as the 70HP than it also uses the same block (engine) which in this case is detuned. All outboard brands are like this. Tipically there will will only be 4 different engines to cater from 40Hp to 275HP. The 70HP yamaha has a big advantage when it comes to performance since it uses the small engine which is lighter. But It also has a big disadvantage because you are geting the max HP from that engine while the 50HP using the same engine is more relaxed mechanicaly.

The choise between any 2 stroke and any 4 stroke is quite obvious. If you want a quite motor ideally suited for trolling get a 4 stroke since it performs best at that. If you want to run fast (at high rpm) for most of the time, then get a 2 stroke motor since the push and simplicity of a 2 storke engine is unmatched at high RPM. Having said that, both motors can troll and go on high RPM without issues.

I have a 2011 225HP e-tec. No issues so far.   

[spiru]

yes i do troll with 100hp,but not with live bait.minimum speed is about 2.25kn.one can troll above this speed for hours with no problem.no plug fouling

[spiru]

Mercury and mariner have more or less the same direct incection engine as the e tec.the optimax.BUT.some say that mercury or mariner are more powerful when it comes to WOT,because in these engines air is compressed with a small copressor rather that sucking it in like e tec,making it more efficient.

[savioursajdbis]

yamaha the best

[Meccanic]

Maybe you should consider the new MERCURY 60Hp 4 Stroke BIG FOOT at 118Kgs

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/outboards/fourstrokes/40-60/?model=5

Attached is a direct comparison between Mercury 60Hp Big Foot - Yamaha 70Hp & Honda

Mercury 60Hp 4 Stroke Big Foot EFI from Euro 6250 we can offer at Euro 5800 till end September 2013
Complete with:
2x Smart Craft Dials: Rev counter & Tilt Meter
FREE SMARTCRAFT DIGITAL DIAL
SPORT Side Mount Control Box
Quicksilver Harness
BLACKMAX Prop
FREE INSTALLATION

MERCURY 60Hp EFI BIG FOOT is backed by a 5 Years Guarantee
Annual standard Service Euro 245 incl:
Oil Filter
Inline Water Separator
External Water Separator
Spark Plugs
Quicksilver 4 Stroke Engine Oil
Quicksilver High Performance Gear Oil
Gear Oil Screw Gaskets
Quicksilver 2-4-C Marine Grease
Quicksilver Corrosion Guard

MECCA MARINE's BOAT SALE: Monday 23rd to Monday 30th SEPTEMBER!
www.boats-malta.com | Tel: 79732783

[EmicMalta]

Talk with the agent for mariner and for sure he will give a good deal and an eccelent after-sale service. No hidden things!!

Remember also that 100hr service, for trolling, you can do them even in 2 weeks time. Doing the service where you wish makes difference

[felic]

If I were you , I would go for a Mariner rather than a Mercury, even though the engine is quite the same. My decision would be based on a better after sale services.

[spiru]

Yes these guys are right.Go to attard industrial estate,ask for mariner agents or "ta l ispeed craft" and talk to Bernard or Josie.When i hada two stroke mariner they always had parts in stock.They have a very good meccanic Raymond,he will be more than pleased to help you.
245 euro for servicing a 60hp engine is VERY VERY VERY expensive.first of all it is very easy doing it yourself.You dont have to change the spark plugs annualy in a 4 stroke,actually i never changed them in 5 years.These modern motors are like our modern petrol cars.do you change your car's plugs every year?
These 5 year guarantee is a gimmic.going to agents doing service will cost you a fortune.Believe me servicing a 60 hp should not cost more than 70euro.So emicmalta is right.ask if you can service it elsewhere.trolling frequently,you will easy do 250 to 300hrs a year.so immagine servicing a 60 hp motor 3 times a year costing 750euro.
If this is everyone's policy i prefer loosing the warranty and serving it myself.
Do the maths,how much it will cost in 5 years,fearing that you loose the warranty.
ooooooops i found this year yamaha receipt for service parts.MINE IS A 100 HP NOT 60HP
ENGINE OIL................34.95
ENGINE FILTER............12.35
WATER SEPARATOR       9.05
1 LTR OF GEAR OIL       12.45    this will last for 2 services
GEARCASE WASHERS      1.80
PROP SPLIT PIN             1.20
MARINE GREASE             7.20    THIS WILL LAST FOR AGES
CORROSION GUARD          6.50   THIS WILL LAST FOR AGES

tOTAL                          85.50 EURO .....Taking in consideration that some
                                                    parts last for 2 services or more

[The_Gaffer]

Thank you all for your sound advice.