Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) Australia announced the expansion of its Evinrude E-TEC outboard engine line-up on the Gold Coast in mid-October.

The new outboards include the 60-degree V6 platform available in 150, 175, and 200hp. This means the E-Tec outboard range now extends from 40-250hp.

In addition to the mid-range engines, the Evinrude E-TEC line will now offer in-line 2-cylinder 40, 50, and 60hp; in-line 3-cylinder 75 and 90hp; V4 115hp; V6 150, 175, and 200hp; V6 200, 200HO, 225, 225HO, and 250hp models. These direct injection engines offer low maintenance, durability and high power, exceptionally low sound and emissions in a unique design.

“Australians are accepting the E-Tec brand well and we are experiencing continued growth,” said Helen Feeney, BRP Australia marketing chief.

“These new models will contribute to the great success we have already experienced with Evinrude E-TEC through strong consumer demand.”

The new compact, lightweight engine platforms deliver the advanced features of all Evinrude E-TEC engines, boasting excellent fuel economy and strong performance while providing the industry’s best emissions, scheduled dealer maintenance for three years or 300 hours of use, quality components, and unique BRP styling.

We had the opportunity to trial most of the new range at the media and dealer launch, and just like previous years, these new models performed very well. I particularly liked the 115hp because it had plenty of get up and go, while remaining quiet and smooth. Fitted to a TABS 5m, the 115 had us up and planing in no time. It was pointed out that this outboard was a pre-production model to test and retest for glitches and BRP said it wasn’t running anywhere near as smooth as it will.

During the press day we sat through a technical lecture on the E-Tecs. It’s staggering how much research has gone into making the outboards maintenance free. There are components in these outboards that have been totally redesigned to reduce noise and vibration and stop wear and tear in its tracks. I’ll admit that I don’t have the technical nous to comprehend all the jargon, but on the water, these new models all performed exceptionally.

Evinrude E-TEC won the Clean Air Excellence Award from the US EPA earlier this year in Washington DC. This is the first time ever a marine engine has received this prestigious recognition for improving air quality and a safer boating environment. This award confirms that the Evinrude E-TEC technology produces lower exhaust emissions including lower carbon monoxide emissions than four-stroke engines and meets stringent 2006 EPA, 2006 European Union (EU), and 2008 California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star ultra-low emissions standards.

- Stephen Booth

The new models in the E-Tec range will fill some gaps and provide plenty of options for boaties.

(Jaso – collage of images with a small inset box defining which engine is which)