Shopping for a new (to me) pontoon...

[ahicks]

Looking at boats in the 2004 - 2008 range (refuse to spend that much money on a new boat!). Running across the E-tecs, and honestly, kinda scared of them. Should I be? I know they're quiet, and fuel misers. What I'm more curious about is how much trouble they are compared to the popular 4 strokes? If you have one, how long have you had it, and have you had trouble with it? How many times have you had to get a dealer involved with it?
Thanks, -Al

 

[jakedaawg]

What hp range are you considering? Etecs are great for the most part. Some had some issues though, mostly the larger v-6's when used in rental operations has been my experience.

You can do basic maintenance youself, plugs, impellers, LU work. To diagnose anything beyond that you usually need the laptop and software and cables and such. But that is also the case with modern 4-strokes. Its just the way things are going. You either need to have factory programs or accses to them. There are several aftermarket software systems such as the rinda ones that claim to be able to hook up to them but I have not used them on outbaords as i have the yami and brp programs. I am considering purchasing for the mercs though.

 

[ahicks]

HP range, shame on me for not mentioning! Not skiing, so thinking something in the 50-90hp range would be fine.

 

[WaterDR]

Buying used is always a gamble. The two things that will KILL your pocket book after a purchase are leaking toons and bad motor. Both are reasonable to check and rule out, though. Those motors are generally fine. Always perform a compression test.