E-Tec sixes splash down

The Evinrude E-Tec range has finally been expanded to include the long-awaited 200, 225 and 250hp variants. BlueWater has the goods on these remarkable new powerplants.

Evinrude claims a number of advantages over competitor products to meet its promise of increased durability, quality, reliability, economy, cleanliness and low noise.

Here's a rundown on some of the key engineering features of the new 200, 225 and 250hp V6 E-Tecs.

EASY TO OWN
* 300-hour scheduled service means you don't have to service the engine for the first 300 hours or change the oil in that period, BRP claims, while there's also no belts to adjust.
* High-capacity alternators in the new V6s offer higher charging outputs than competitive DFI outboards, delivering a claimed 20amp at 500rpm. The charging system boosts output to 50amp at Wide Open Throttle, compared to 54amp for Suzuki's 225hp four-stroke, 70amp for Mercury's 200hp Verado, 60amp for Mercury's EFI 225, and 45amp for Yamaha's 200 HPDI (all at WOT).
* True battery isolation means the house battery can be charged separately from the cranking battery. One battery can be completely discharged and the other full, and the system will send power to the uncharged battery.
* Easy rigging ensures that that outboard's oil supply is delivered via a remote tank, while all cabling is routed into the engine at one location for simpler installation and increased reliability.
* One fuse box for the V6 E-Tec positioned in an easily accessible location, which is much more convenient than having a number of them in hard-to-reach places.

CLEAN & QUIET
* Air Silencer has been designed to prevent moisture entering the air intake, which has been specially designed to allow all the C02 the engine needs to develop good power with the minimum of noise.
* Muffler has an idle-relief system fitted to contribute to smooth, quiet operation by eliminating high back-pressure inside the engine when it's idling. Exhaust is routed through the relief ports and not through the propeller hub, which means less noise, Bombardier claims. The exhaust itself through the leg is lined with moulded plastic - not bare metal - which also dampens noise.
* Flywheel dampener is a device used to dampen torsional vibration travelling up the crankshaft by means of a rubber-encased component. This makes for smoother operation at cruising speeds.
* Low idle speed of 500rpm on the V6 E-Tec places it ahead of competitors' engines, which Bombardier claim idle at 700–750rpm.
* Idle air bypass system closes the throttle plates at idle and diverts air through a tube below 1500rpm (above this it passes through a silencer), which further cuts noise.
* Quiet injectors have been created by adjusting the electrical currents delivered to the fuel injectors. This eliminates the 'clicking' sound in the moving coil, BRP claims, by making them move more slowly and quietly below 1000rpm.
* CARB Three-Star compliance levels are met by the V6 E-Tecs by way of their advanced fuel stratification system, which both improves economy and reduces emissions.

RELIABILITY
* Lubrication system uses a pressure sensor instead of an oil pressure switch. This detects any irregularities in the lubrication system and shuts the engine down to SAFE mode if there's a problem, saving the user a costly repair bill. According to Bombardier, the engine burns so efficiently that there's only an oil input hose - not a return line.
* Less moving parts in the V6 E-Tecs means less wear and less maintenance.
* Spark plugs are special low-voltage platinum-tipped rivet types, which are designed to reduce erosion of the spark-plug gap for better reliability and to keep the engine in tune.
* Outboard cowl features modern, aggressive styling and is designed to keep the engine cool and breathing properly, but to also keep the water out.

FIRST TEST
Bombardier Recreational Products released its new Evinrude E-Tec V6 engines to Australia's boating media on the Gold Coast in October.

The E-Tec technology was first released in the 40–90hp range, and the success of these smaller engines meant the release of the 3279cc V6s was highly anticipated. In fact, as soon as E-Tec technology was available in the smaller engines, punters began calling for 200, 225 and 250hp models. Well, now they've got 'em.

Like most media days, the manufacturer sits us down and tells us that its new product is cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient than ever before. The only real way to find out whether these claims are valid is by extensive testing - the results of which we plan to bring you a bit down the track when demo models become available - but we did get a chance to go for a quick spin, and first impressions count for a lot.

So off to the Nerang River we trundled to see how the new mills performed. We started them up and so far, so good - they are
indeed quiet. There is just enough noise at idle to let the operator know it's running.

As far as I could tell, emissions were nil. There was absolutely no visible smoke, and when I stuck my head down near the engine and took a deep breath, there were no noticeable fumes.

We idled out into the main channel with six hefty journos aboard a 6m Seafarer powered by a 225hp E-Tec. The boat was probably overloaded, but when the throttle was planted, the holeshot was neck-snapping with no trace of lag.

Hurtling down the river at nearly 60mph (102kmh) you could still hold a conversation with the guy next to you. Pull the throttle back and the 225 E-Tec displayed good torque, holding us on the plane at 3000rpm.

Overall, the new V6 E-Tecs have all the attributes you'd expect from a new-generation two-stroke outboard: economy, cleanliness, excellent power delivery and quiet operation.