Etec 60HO

[RyanC]

I have been on here snooping around for some time learning all I can about outboard jets. I am in the planning stages of a 1852 blazer sport. It is going to be a pretty open boat with a split back bench, rear flip lids, maybe one extra dry box along the side and a 15 inch deck extension. The question I have is about the motors. I have called a few dealers and one has said the Etec is not worth it and the other said it is. I just want some real numbers so I can decide on what I'm getting for my money. I'm not opposed to a 60/40 Merc, I just cant find any numbers or people to ask for real world numbers.
Thanks in advance.

 

[handyandy]

where are you running it? If your running in SEMO and going on the ozark scenic river ways with the HP restrictions the 60ho with a pump is going to be your fastest motor. This is because it's actually the same displacement same three cylinder block as the 75/90hp etec. So it's sold as a 60hp with a jet pump it can be legally titled as a 40hp since the jet makes it a 60/40. But in reality it's a detuned 75/90hp it spins a bigger impeller than the 2 cyl 60/40 etec and 60/40 merc, so it has a lot more oomph despite being considered a 60/40 as well. The downside is expense that's about it. If you want the speed and load carrying capability and don't mind the added cost go for 60ho etec with a jet pump a 60/40 merc, 60/40 two cylinder etec, or 60/40 yamaha won't compare they just can't pump the same amount of water.

Now if your not going to be running rivers with HP restriction just go for the 90/65 etec it's tuned a little hotter the 60ho etec, it uses the same pump however. Or heck go for 115/80 of some kind and go up to an 1860 if you went 115/80.

 

[RyanC]

Thanks for the reply. I am in SW Mo but will go to the current to run some, that's the reason for the 60/40 max.

I'm like everyone else who asks a lot of newbie questions, I want a boat that does it all. Speed is not the most important thing for me, quick on plane and shallow running is. Not to say outrunning my friends 60/40 merc wouldn't be fun. I would even go with a little wider boat to get the draft right. It's going to be a fishing/family riding boat. Hoping the 60 HO would be the motor to jump out of the hole and then back it down saving a little fuel or open it up for fun.

 

[moelkhuntr]

Thinking you would like the 18-56 better! I went with 18-52 and wish a thousand times I’d went 18-56!!!! I’m running the ETEC 115-80 and totally love it! Mines super easy on fuel and jumps right up. I fish lakes 99% of the time. You’ll love the new ETEC 90-60HO.

 

[RyanC]

Thinking you would like the 18-56 better! I went with 18-52 and wish a thousand times I’d went 18-56!!!! I’m running the ETEC 115-80 and totally love it! Mines super easy on fuel and jumps right up. I fish lakes 99% of the time. You’ll love the new ETEC 90-60HO.

I forgot to state I'm going to run a tiller set up, hoping this will leave the floor open enough to move around like I want.
Your motor will be heavier than the 60 but do you feel it drafts the weight well while just floating.

 

[moelkhuntr]

Sits lower with the 115-80 but from what I’ve heard is that the 18-56 will run shallower even with the 60.

 

[RyanC]

Sits lower with the 115-80 but from what I’ve heard is that the 18-56 will run shallower even with the 60.

I'm sure your right.
Does anyone have any speed guesses with this motor and a 18/52 and 18/56?

 

[handyandy]

I'd say 34-36mph depending on load and setup, sure some 60/40's are seeing this, but it will beat a 60/40 by far when your loaded down in terms of top speed and time to plane out.