25 vs 30 eTec

[rockdog23]

I can pick up a 25 eTec for a $1000 cheaper then the 30, is the extra 5 hp worth the money? I am going to put it on a 2001 Lund Rebel 1440. Currently I have a Johnson 2000 25 hp and it just does not have the power to get up on plane, top end is lower 20's by myself. Would the 25 eTec be much of an upgrade from the 25 Johnson? Any thoughts?

[MacCTD]

Doubt the new 25 etec will be much of a upgrade, the old 25hp 2 strokes were pretty strong.

[Tim_Kelly]

Have you tried a lower pitch prop on your current engine? 25HP should get you up OK with a 14ft boat I'd have thought. Wouldn't expect more than low to mid 20's though.

[I Fish Therefore I Am]

I have the 30 Etech on a 16 foot Crestliner. I had a Johnson 25 2 stroke. The power curve is not the same. The 25 Etech is far above that 2000 25 Johnson. I had a 2005 Johnson 2 stroke made by Bombairer that swung a large prop. That engine put that 16 foot boat on plane with no problem. The Etech is far above that. The 25 Etech would be just fine in my opinion. Now for heavy loads the extra 5 hp would be nice but otherwsie the 25 should be fine. You mention that the boat is a 14 footer. What is the max HP? Take 80 % of that and what is that number?

[rockdog23]

It's rated for a 35 so the 80% would be around 28.

[raynestorm]

I have a 1998 Alumacraft Lunker V14 Tiller(similar boat to yours). I have about 250 pounds in batteries (one in bow, one at transom) and Terrova TM. I am 200 pounds. Full Gas tank and loaded full of fishing gear and anchors.

When I bought boat, it had a 1988 Johnson 40 hp tiller on it. I would top out around 30mph on gps. but it guzzled the gas. Hole shot was average. Max HP for the boat was 35 hp, so I used that as my excuse to the wife for new motor!!!

Last month, I put on the 25 etec, and let me tell you about the difference! The hole shot is a violent take off! The 40 hp wasn't even close to the same. The 25 has so much more torque! I also topped out at 28.8 mph on gps. This motor is new and is still going through it's own break in, so I expect to gain a little speed as the motor ages a bit. Also I need to redistribute the weight in my boat better so I can trim out once on plane to pick up more mph.

Best thing about the motor other than being really quiet, trolls slow, and is so easy to use... IS the gas consumption! I can't empty my 5 gallon tank! I can cruise the lake all weekend and it barely uses any fuel!

I was on the fence about the 25 or the 30, but the $1000 for 5 hp didn't really come close to being a good deal, so I bought the 25, and am glad I didn't fork the extra coin over for the 30! Talking to the marina, all the 30 will give me is a little more speed on the top end. I figure if I can hit 30 in my loaded 14 footer, I am more than pleased!

Thanks,
Ben

I had the same dilemma between a 25 and 30 honda. Went with the 30 honda. Top speed is 28mph by myself and 25-26mph with others in the boat. I have seen others with the 25 and take off is the same but I slowly pull away from them at top speed. Guessing they hit around 25mph light and 22-23mph loaded.

So I would think the big question is: is $1000 worth 4-5mph? The extra power is great in wind.

[San Chan]

Originally Posted by rockdog23

I can pick up a 25 eTec for a $1000 cheaper then the 30, is the extra 5 hp worth the money? I am going to put it on a 2001 Lund Rebel 1440. Currently I have a Johnson 2000 25 hp and it just does not have the power to get up on plane, top end is lower 20's by myself. Would the 25 eTec be much of an upgrade from the 25 Johnson? Any thoughts?

Used to ran a 1995 Rebel1440 with a 1998 Yamaha 30hp 2stroke. I remember I was flying down the lake but don't know about the speed (no GPS back than). Inlaw had the same boat (different year) and running a 20HP Johnson.....no problem putting on plane. I guess you are running heavy tackle.