Evinrude announcement

[CWS]

They have there press release on the website www.evinrude.com
Looks pretty cool, hopefully this new technolgy doesn't take 5 years of consumer testing to get it right.

[Badger 05]

Couldn't get on www.evinrude.com but I checked out the press release on Bombardier's website. Sounds like a pretty sweet setup. Is it a two stroke? From what I read it is not a four stroke. The release also describes a "sealed fuel system" does that mean that the fuel tank needs to be sealed? They don't give a whole lot of info in the press release, but enough to interest me. Too bad I just ordered a boat with a Merc 150 EFI and 15 horse fourstroke hanging off the back of it.

Fishing is: One jerk waiting for another jerk at the end of his line.

[SLIPKNOT]

Badger, in a previous thread of mine you said the new motor was called "red october" and that you worked for evinrude, and you knew about this motor. Well its called "E-tec", i'm not trying to start a fight here i'm just wondering why your saying some of the things you are? And if you do work for evinrude why did you just buy mercs?

[Evan Ruud]

Looks sweet! Makes me wonder if they've taken the Ficht technology and pushed it to the next level. They look pretty good and the lighter weight V-6's coming in 2005 should be great for the big water boats.

[funny guy]

Because he works at Merc and wishes he had a New Rude hanging off the back.Now he will have to think of a new name since everyone knows hes a BSer.

[dooley]

Once again, Badger's feeble attempt at humor. Notice the signature. He speaks for himself.

[Capable Partner]

Take this into consideration... Bombardier is also Skidoo ( Rotax engines ), the Chunnel train technology, and Lear Jet. They've got some serious engineers in that set-up, and a guy might do alright to buy one of their products.

[eye4aneye]

Bombadier is a 600 lb gorilla in the snowmobile and watercraft industry. They have a reputation for building bulletproof, first rate machines and then backing them up. It wouldn't suprise me if they overhaul the outboard motor business. It sounds like they are well on their way now. They already build the best 200 and 225 motors on the market, most folks just haven't realized that yet.

Merc could be developing and building obsolete motors before they even get them to market in the new 250 4 strokes.

[Al]

No doubt that Bombardier has made Ficht, arguably the best there is for now. Can you believe it after just a short time they made it work. I just read their reports on their site for testing on the 21MSX. The current Ficht big blocks outperform the Honda and Yammy four strokes in most catagories except mileage in some areas. Acceleration, top speed it's not even close. That extra 90 to 100 lbs in the four strokes is going to be tough to over come. If you had a chance to read the weight placement story in Bass and Walleye boats last year, 100 pounds in the stern (additional) is a killer in top speed, on plane time and acceleration. If this new Bombardier tech makes it lighter in the future, it could be a very rough road for the boys in FondDuLac. Right now, the 250Opti is reprotedly an oil and gas dissappointment. At least that's what I'm hearing from BASSFLW boys. It may run well, but if it doesn't compete in fuel consumption with FIcht and HPDI, it might as well be an XB/EFI.Keep an eye on this gents. Bombardier is turning up the heat on Merc and shockingly even Yammy. This is why the free market is great. We'll benefit in the end.

[Badger 05]

Probabally because I was joking. Sorry if I misled you. I should have been more clear with my sarcasam. When I posted that it would be called Red October I was referencing the movie about submarines in which the Russian Submarine "Red October" (fictional) had a silent "magneto" drive system. Someone else had posted that a magneto engine was a possibility and I replied with that post. My second post indicating that I worked for Bombardier was a response that was supposed to be funny (appearantly I missed the mark) responding to someone who posted a response to the "Red October" reference stating "nice catch". He understood the first joke.

Fishing is: One jerk waiting for another jerk at the end of his line.

[Badger 05]

Actually, I gave up worrying about what other people think of me when I was about 15 yrs old. That's about the time that I realized it doesn't really matter what other people think of you, it is only what you think of yourself that matters.

Fishing is: One jerk waiting for another jerk at the end of his line.

[BILL HALL]

ITS GREAT TOO SEE THE EXCITEMENT YOU SHARE WITH US. YOU SHOULD READ BAS/WALLEYE AGAIN AND LOOK WHWT THE 250 OPTI XS/ IS ALL ABOUT. TOO RUN THIS ENGINE DOWN ONLY TELLS ME SOMEONE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THERE TALKING ABOUT.
FACTS ARE FACTS/THEY DONT LIE. PLS READ IT AGAIN AND TELL THE WHOLE STORY.
GOOD FISHING
BILL HALL

[john]

I wouldn't brag about the big Opti, Merc has done so much damage already in the marketplace that with it's 200 and 225 Opti's that I wouldn't give anyone a nickel for one! I frankly feel sorry for anyone trying to sell a boat with a big Opti on it right now, because you are going to take it in the shorts on resale.

Merc most definetely has an uphill road ahead of them.

[detroiter]

I knew that this wouldn't take long to degenerate into a Ficht versus Opti debate. I am an Opti owner - my third big block. I have never NEVER had a problem with any of them. Sure a few of them go bang, but so do all of the others. I personally know of two 2002 Fichts (bombardier-made) that cooked last summer. I'm not saying that the FICHT is a bad motor, I'm just saying that some motors just plain break down. It happens to all of them.

And from what I have seen, the Optis resell just as well - if not better - than any other other motor.

Do you actually think that Merc isn't developing something that is of a newer technology right now? My gosh, they were the first ones in the pool with DFI. If anything, I think what they are doing is smart. Let another manufacturer test out the technology in the marketplace. OMC hasn't exactly had the best reputation in throwing new advances out there. Even Bombardier has had some problems with their snowmobiles and seadoos. I wish them well, but would just as soon hold onto my Opti while the rest of the public guinea pigs these new motors.

DTR

[BILL HALL]

MERC HAS NOT HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS THAN ANY OTHER ENGINE COMPANY. IM NOT HERE TOO DEFEND MERC/ AND YES IAM A LARGE DEALER FOR THEM. ITS THE FALSE RUMORS THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU PUT ON HERE. YOU HAVE NOTHING TOO BACK UP WHAT YOU SAY/ JUST OLD HERESAY. REMEMBER THAT MERC IS STIIL MAKING ENGINES, THERE R/D IS LARGER THAN ANY CO. OUT THERE.
IAM GLAD OMC IS BACK ON THERE FEET ITS GOOD FOR EVERYONE, @ COMPETITION IS GOOD FOR ALL OF US. I HAVE RAN AN OPTI SINCE THEY WERE BUILT AND NEVER HAVE I BEEN NOT HAPPY/ WITH THE PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY, AWSOME SERVICE/ AND RESALE VALUE. IF YOU HAVE CERTAIN FACTS ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW LETS HEAR THEM AND DISCUSS THEMMMM.
THANKS
BILL HALL

[dooley]

Saddam doesn't care what others think about him either.

I'm not sure how old you are, but I'd seriously reconsider that. Life to short to have people not like you. Unless you enjoy that.

[Badger 05]

Boy, I don't know but I seem to have no shortage of friends. I'm old enough to know that life is too short.

P.S. Don't ya think the Saddam reference may have been just a little extreme. Besides I thought we were posting about the new Evinrude not about theories concerning what makes the world go round (unless Evinrude makes the world go round).

Fishing is: One jerk waiting for another jerk at the end of his line.

[Badger 05]

On their web site they have a photos page. One of the photos is a "cross section" of the motor. Can't really make anything out from the picture, but maybe one of you guys can.

Fishing is: One jerk waiting for another jerk at the end of his line.

[Islander]

Yep competition is great. But don't think that Merc and other competitors are not worried about Bomb. I now have one of those FICHTs that many others would not touch. A remarkable piece of machine for sure. Gave up a four stroke for it...Yep a remarkable machine...........

[john]

Bill,

First can I suggest that you try typing without your cap locks depressed, it's very difficult to read. Plus, it sends the message that you are shouting at others.

Let's see, I owned a 200 opti went through two powerheads. I've got 3 close buddies that run 225's and two of them had a meltdown this summer with their Opti's. Want to do a seach here on Walleye Central under "Opti burned up", "Opti's problems", etc? You'll come up with no less than 30 different threads. Bill, the problems are well documented with the large block Opti's, you can't even argue with me and keep a straight face. Are Merc's junk, absolutely not. But I wish their R&D department did a little better job before releasing the product to the market. One hint for Merc, try being more like Yamaha and perhaps Evinrude.

[Al]

>MERC HAS NOT HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS THAN ANY OTHER ENGINE
>COMPANY.
Sounds like Old OMC to me.


IM NOT HERE TOO DEFEND MERC/ AND YES IAM A LARGE
>DEALER FOR THEM.


Then you should be familiar with the report that BOMBARDIER has already passed Mercury in Two AND Four stoke customer satisfaction. http://www.jdpower.com/boats/jdpa_ratings/br2002/FindBoatRatings2002.jsp
click on the engine report



ITS THE FALSE RUMORS THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU
>PUT ON HERE. YOU HAVE NOTHING TOO BACK UP WHAT YOU SAY/ JUST
>OLD HERESAY.
Heresay? You've never had a problem with them and you are a large dealer? Yeah right, and Sadam exchanges Christmas gifts with the Bush family.

REMEMBER THAT MERC IS STIIL MAKING ENGINES

READ YAMAHA FOUR STROKE BIG BLOCKS. I don't know what your point is.
,
>THERE R/D IS LARGER THAN ANY CO. OUT THERE.

Larger for Bombardier? Maker of Lear, Canadair, mass transit and a lot of other things? What ever you say.


>IAM GLAD OMC IS BACK ON THERE FEET ITS GOOD FOR EVERYONE, @
>COMPETITION IS GOOD FOR ALL OF US.
Hmm. You must have signed up to be a new Bombardier dealer eh?

I HAVE RAN AN OPTI SINCE
>THEY WERE BUILT AND NEVER HAVE I BEEN NOT HAPPY/ WITH THE
>PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY, AWSOME SERVICE/ AND RESALE VALUE.
Do a search on boat trader online and see how many bass boats guys on teams are sitting on because they have a 2000-2002 Opti with a Rebuuilt power head. Evidently you never owned a 99 225 opti oil hog?How many motors did you say you sell?


>IF YOU HAVE CERTAIN FACTS ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW LETS HEAR THEM
>AND DISCUSS THEMMMM. You are asking for facts? How about this...Yamaha and Evinrude are one and two in customer satisfaction and well above the industry average. Mercury is below the industry average. Mercury (and I'm currently an owner of one)had the chance to sweep up the market when OMC crumbled. OMC/Bomb sat an entire year on the sidelines for all intents and purposes. 2002 they come back strong and shake up the industry. Take the black max colored glasses off bub. We merc owners don't have the best anymore.
>THANKS
>BILL HALL

[tjb]

I knew it would not take long for this to turn into a Merc bashing thread. You guys are a piece of work.

This is good news for the boating industry. This will push others to upgrade there product. Would I buy one now? Probably not. To new to put down that kind of Money on. Big problem for me is I plan on purchasing a new boat next fall. Which motor to buy?
I have seen the rumor threads that say all of Mercs top guys are switching to other makes only to see the pros come on and say how much they like their Merc's and are not going with another brand. I am in no way a pro fisherman, just someone who enjoys getting out on the water with my kids and friends fishing. The new Evinrudes sound nice but I have never had a problem with a Merc either. All this bickering just takes away from topic.

[John]

I can't believe some of the posts that I have been reading. C'mon guys, get serious. Evinrude announces a new technology, posts a press release and some limited information, and all of a sudden, it's the best outboard motor ever built. Amazing!

[john II]

SSSoooooo, After the childish bickering has subsided, can any onr tell me what the news is or where I can find the press release. Just interested in finding out whats up. Thanks guys!

[bigfish1965]

Go to evinrude.com for the info on the 'revolution'. I have gone over everything, and while I'm no where near being an engineer, it seems like amazing stuff. The FICHTs already outperform the 4 strokes in every categorie( including fuel efficiency ), so for them to actually make something above that says alot about them. Calling my broker tomorrow. Buying some Bombardier stock :)

[Jake]

I can't take it anymore. All I hear is Evinrude, Evinrude, and more Evinrude. Like a broken record.

I've read all of the reports. One thing for sure is I don't believe it when one company compares itself against another and then publishes it's own finding. I'm not stupid.

And as far as this two stroke thing goes. It's day's are numbered. Somebody modify's an engine cowling and it's oh my god!

And please don't tell me to read what somebody else wrote. As far as I can see they're all the best engines out there. Depends who writes the article.

[bigfish1965]

Whoa Jake..relax..the thaw is coming. 2 strokes days are far from being numbered. In fact the advent of the 4 stroke made all the big boys rethink their two strokes and now the 2 strokes are better in every way than the 4 strokes. MAybe the 4 stroke will be a passing fad. BTW my Motor is a Merc..but my next will be an...wait for it..here it comes.... EVINRUDE!!!!!!

[Chuckles]

I just hope the 25 horse motors come out earlier than '05. I need un upgrade because my 1974 15 horse Johnson - just doesn't look cool anymore :) Seriously guys - I'm glad someone buys those big motors - this does sound like a good thing if it pans out like it sounds! With the old Jon boat I may have to upgrade the boat this year and wait for the new motor to come out! I haven't seen many motors that don't look better than my old jalopy - but I still catch a pile of fish on the mighty Miss. ;) Chuckles

[Daren]

Hey, if you need a new outboard it's time to purchase an Evinrude 2 stroke. They are covered by a seven year warranty right now. I guess Bombardier has alot of faith in their 2 strokes. I wonder why Mercury doesn't have the same faith in theirs?

[boat nut]

>I can't take it anymore. All I hear is Evinrude, Evinrude,
>and more Evinrude. Like a broken record.
This is an Evinrude post, Jake.

>And as far as this two stroke thing goes. It's day's are
>numbered. Somebody modify's an engine cowling and it's oh my
>god!
Then I hope you go out & buy one of those heavy 4 strokes. The DFI 2 strokes are lighter, quicker (holeshot), faster (top end) and with this generation, get better fuel economy and have lower emissions.

>And please don't tell me to read what somebody else wrote.
>As far as I can see they're all the best engines out there.
>Depends who writes the article.
I can only respond by sending you to Bombardier's site. They give direct comparisons of some of their engines' fuel economy and emissions Vs Honda 4 strokes. If they're lying, it's fraud!

Detroiter: I think OMC was the first in the pond with DFI in 1996.

[sam]

It has nothing to do with faith, they need to buy back some of the market because of fichts follys. If you a strong believer in the ficht I have a 99 175 ficht you can buy for nothing because its got 20 hrs on it and in pieces $10000,00. gone bye bye. So I think there 7 year warranty is because of motors like that. You wont see that kind of warranty offered all the time, but what a great way to get some customers right or am I wrong? So don't go beating up on Merc and yamaha because they aren't matching a company who has everything to reprove.

[destry-lacannesmarine.com]

My thoughts exactly.

[Treble]

I hope the new Evinrude works better than their website. Its been down for 2 days.

[Gary Gray]

I don't know where anyone on this thread gets their info on the 250 Opti, as I was the only person running one last year. I had zero problems,Very fuel efficent,ran without ever missing a beat,Further more, I just picked up my New 250 XS OptiMax this week. There sure seems to be a lot of cabin fever on this board, and if you believ everything you read in a magazine, then I suppose you also believe the weatherman. Point being, play nice, have fun fishing, buy what you want to buy, it's your money, your choice, so go out and buy what you think is right for you. The only reason it seems like OMC, and Yamaha, have not had many problems, isa because they ony make up about 20-22 % of the market, Mercury has about 78-80%.

I will leave you with this thought, a couple of years back, OMC had to do a total recall on their Ficht engines, because they were all blowing up, and were a hazard to the consumer. They were actually scared someone was going to get hurt. Every company will have mistakes, and we as consumers, just need to bear with them! Be Loyal to whomever you want, "Just be LOYAL".

[Detroiter]

You might be right, and if so I stand corrected.

[jcass]

try this address:
http://www.evinrude.com/evinrude/e-tec/

[CWS]

I've been to the website the last 2 days with no problem. It may be your computer isn't capable of running that macromedia flash I believe its called. Its a complicated website that I would not want to look at with a dial up system. It really works great with T1 speed.

[eyewitness]

Being a current Opti owner (and happy with it), I have no reason to plug Evinrude. What bugs me about some of the responses here is that there are a lot of opinions being posted that are reasoning that the OMC products of the past are still OMC products now. OMC/Evinrude is just a name at this point, and the Ficht technolgy has been thoroughly reviewed and straightened out. Bombardier wouldn't put there good name on it if it had a good chance to fail again. It's an apples to oranges comparison guys. Bombardier is one of the leading engineering groups in the world. They don't take a half a$$ approach to anything they do. Have they always come out with perfect products right out of the box? No, but if they have something designed into one of their products that is performing marginally they have a solid history of changing it for the better almost immediately. Anyone doubting Bombardiers entry or reintroduction with the Evinrude name need to do some research on Bombardier and what their companies product history entails and I think you may have a more open mindset. Just like the auto industry, things were slow to progress in technology until two things happened. One, competition from an outsider to the marketplace bringing better ideas. Two, EPA and fuel efficiency requirements forcing changes in technology. The outboard market never had much of a shove into bettering itself until just recently. Quite frankly I'm surprised that Bombardier didn't come into the outboard marketplace much sooner. Makes me wonder if they were just waiting for the other existing outboard mfr's. to "show their hand" on the direction they were going to take to meet the EPA standards imposed. Kind of like waiting for a goalie to commit before taking your shot on goal. At least I know Peluso will get that one! I wish they let out more specifics on the engine and how it is operating though, as well as performance curves(torque/RPM). It's hard to see what's in the package when they won't unwrap it all the way. I for one, will being following this very closely.....

[Opti 225 Cylinder 6 go kaboom]

I agree their is an epidemic of cabin fever this year.

Actually, the Coast Guard recall on OMC Ficht's was only for certain 1999 and 2000 V-6 outboards. The more serious problem wasn't that they were "blowing up" (losing their powerhead), but that a few were catching fire. Still not something you want to happen to your motor! At least they recalled the engines. Give them credit for that. "Blowing" a powerhead is not something unique to OMC Ficht's. Just do a search on this board and others like it. So, for those who like fact, here's the actual letter:

Outboard Marine Corporation
200 Sea Horse Drive GROUP
Waukegan, Illinois 60085 December 8, 1998

Dear OMC Dealer:

This is a letter notifying you of a potential problem on certain 1999 200 and 225 HP V-6 FFI outboards.

OMC has determined that the bolts used to secure the fuel injectors to the cylinder heads may suddenly break.

If one of the bolts breaks, engine cylinder head damage can occur at low operating hours. Additionally, a fuel leak could occur. Should this leaking fuel ignite, property damage could result.

We have included a list of the serial numbers of the engines you have purchased and claim forms. All registered owners have been notified and may bring their engine to you for repair. These engines must have the bolts that secure the fuel injectors replaced with new bolts and shims.

If the engine is in stock, it should be corrected immediately before offering it for sale.

If the engine has been sold but not yet registered with us, you need to contact the customer, advise him of this program, and arrange to have the engine brought in for this correction. THE CUSTOMER SHOULD BE ADVISED NOT TO OPERATE HIS ENGINE UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. If the boat needs to be operated to get to your dealership, please contact OMC Technical Service for instructions.

If the engine has been sold and is registered, we have notified the owner to contact any authorized dealer to have this repair done immediately.

Order P/N 5000834 from OMC Parts & Accessories. When necessary, request that the parts be shipped next day air. Include the packing list when you return the claim for air freight reimbursement. Install the bolts and shims following the instructions included in the kit. When the work is completed, submit the special claim form for payment. OMC will pay 1 1/2 hours labor plus parts for each engine repair.

If you require any assistance, or have any questions concerning this program, please telephone the OMC Warranty Department.

[John]

I agree. To use an example, look at Harley Davidson's warranty. It is a 12 month warranty. Honda and Yamaha offer longer warranties on their bikes. In summary, HD still can't produce enough bikes to meet demand. Are Harleys some how inferior to the others because they have a shorter warranty period? - I don't think so. If they didn't build quality bikes, they would be in the same situation they were in back in the early 1980's when they almost went out of business. Does everyone drive a Huynda car because they offer a 10 year warranty????

[Al]

Market researcher Eric Sorenson :
"People who buy boats also buy automobilesand they're used to a much higher standard in both service and warranty related performance. If marine engine manufacturers want to build or even maintain customer loyalty, this is one key area to pay attention to. Given the importance to the owner, ther are many manufacturers that need to make a cenerted effort to improve in this area."

Straight from the marketing research.....Bombardier follows with a tremendous offering to meet the demand. And you can find fault with that.

One more thing. As I read another post saying that Mercury problems are more noticeable than others because they sell more engines, I laugh. The company that says we are okay because we sell more is in for a Rude (pun intended) awakening. Read the customer reports to JD Power. They are a highly regarded market research firm. They use actuarial methods of sampling. They aren't reporting what some pro staffer says...who has possession of the engine less than a year. Yam and Bomb are exceeding expectations in the market. Merc is below the market average for the industry. You can't stiffle what new owners are reporting. More massively produced mediocrity is still mediocre. If I'm buying new, and I want a 225. Why should I give Merc the benefit of the doubt that they have more problems because they make more engines? Didn't they stop making them last year due to problems? I thought that's what I read in a release from Brunswick. So I guess they had very few problems if they halted production? Sure thing.