E-Tec Infomercial

dctucker · 11 February 2006, 19:34

I was just flipping the channels on the TV, and came across a 30 minute Evinrude E-Tec infomercial ad. I couldn't beleive my eyes, a long-form TV ad for a boating product!

Not that I beleive everything I see on television (being an advertising guy myself!!), but if I weren't sold on that motor before, I would be now. Some pretty compelling head to head tests vs. Verado and Yamaha (using "standard" props on various boats, whatever that means). Also made me realize added inefficiencies of 4-strokes vis-a-vis parasitic friction loads and pumping losses. Interesting.

They're also pushing a rebate up to $1000 USD or free 4 year warranty extension in the US. Rebate is $4/hp, all on purchases prior to 3/31/06. Wish I could afford a new 90 or 75 for the old Searider!

If you're interested, you can watch the video online at http://e-tectvoffer.com

A rather boaty day for me, as I finally picked up and installed a new impeller for the 25 year old Mercury.

Just need to refill lube and reinstall the lower unit.

Swifty · 11 February 2006, 21:15

Hmm, very ... glossy. Alot of American sales waffle, but an intersting back to back -no- side by side test. A Yam F225 on the starboard and a Etec 255 on the port side. Found it unbelievable the yam couldn't even get the boat onto the plane. Wonder quite how Evinrude managed to set that up

Still didnt mention you have to feed it oil.

dctucker · 11 February 2006, 23:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swifty

Hmm, very ... glossy. Alot of American sales waffle, but an intersting back to back -no- side by side test. A Yam F225 on the starboard and a Etec 255 on the port side. Found it unbelievable the yam couldn't even get the boat onto the plane. Wonder quite how Evinrude managed to set that up

Still didnt mention you have to feed it oil.

Less than ideal "standard" props could have a huge influence on such results. That's my guess. That one was startling to the point of disbelief. Though they'd have to be pretty stupid to grossly underprop the competition. That sort of outright fraudulent rigging of a test in a side by side comparison while mentioning the competition by name can bring VERY expensive penalties. The 3 identical boats side by side was also interesting, if you watched to the end. The e-tec kicked butt over a 2 mile course from a standing start. In both cases, I was impressed, somewhat skeptical, but impressed. The whole thing did serve to reinforce my already very strong positive impression of the e-tecs. I've wanted one for a while. The commercial Sea Tow operator touting the reliability and economy of the e-tecs was powerful, though he probably appeared as payback for a couple of free outboards!

Yes, they did mention that you need to feed it oil. There was a bit about how it drops to a safe low speed mode in the event of oiling failure, where they cut the oil feed line. You need to feed a 4 stroke oil too, just not while operating

And then you have to dispose of it too, while the e-tec claims to have lower emissions. Hell, any of them would be better than the blue cloud that surrounds my old 2 stroke Merc!

Wish I had a spare $7500 for a new outboard. I'll dig around the cushions in the couch and cars...

Roy Smith · 12 February 2006, 17:49

Great add true USA style but i think you can draw your own concouions,
Its when you talk to the owners that you get a differant view.
1 engine broke 5 gear casings. one cracked head, cracked block,
as for the oil thing flat out 1lt of two stroke per hour. Now i know there are horror storys with all makes but on that add they say Zero faults no problams
thats a bold statement.

CJL · 12 February 2006, 21:59

Why do I have to register to see an advert???????????

Sorry but that just p***es me off.

C

Bigmuz7 · 12 February 2006, 22:20

I have to say guys, as far as the Verado versus the e-tec goes in the trailer,.. prop size sure is one thing, ...but for that engine (verado) installation height is everything else. I have an optimax that behaves in the same way. After lifting it 2 inches, I gained 1000 rpm and 10 more knots easy, and no prop change

jwalker · 12 February 2006, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJL

Why do I have to register to see an advert???????????

Sorry but that just p***es me off.

C

You don't. Just click on the button without completing the fields.