Re: Repowering 15ft Boston Whaler
One thing you really should do is find out what the existing motor weighs. I'd also try to get some feel for how similar boats handle a 4 stroke. This should help you decide if DFI two stroke or 4 stroke are choices that would work well for your boat. THe ETEC 40/50/60 weighs about 240 lbs and 4 strokes in that range such as merc 50/60 EFI are right around 250 lbs.<br /><br />If you believe the weight and extra cost is not a problem, then you get to make "the choice". Lots of people will tell you what is better between etec and 4 stroke. I have not run an etec, so I can't compare. I really want to get behind the tiller on an ETEC and see for myself how they run. I have been seing them out on the lakes, so people are buying them. I can tell you I had nothing but great luck with my 2002 Merc 50 EFI -- ran it 3 years with no problems whatsoever. I paid $5000 for the motor new in 2002, but they have gone up some.<br /><br />If I was buying today, I would want to look at the ETEC though. Hard to beat that warranty and less maintenance is a good thing. They sound like the real deal based on what I have read.<br /><br />I would get as much info as possible from people you know and trust. Take it all in and make the choice that seems right to you. Worst enemy here is a quick decision. Also you might get a sweetheart deal at the end of the season if you look around. The average mega marine will have them all mounted up on boat packages, but there are still dealers that stock them to be sold loose. Try and find one of those dealers.
