BRP’s hugely popular Evinrude E-Tec range of outboards have now entered the large engine market, with the launch of 200hp, 225hp and 250hp versions.

At a recent media day on the Gold Coast about 30 media representatives were shown the new offerings, and I was hugely impressed by the power of these V6 two-strokes. Like their smaller brothers released last year, the larger versions offer all the same qualities – power, economy, not too loud, lightweight and they look good. They also have the added advantage of meeting almost every environmental standard around the world, making them not only a great new toy, but they will leave you with a clean conscience when it comes to environmental damage.

For 2005, BRP, which manufactures and distributes Evinrude outboards, will be releasing the 200hp, 225hp and 250hp engines as well as the much awaited 225HO (high output) models.

This new family of Evinrude E-Tec outboard engines feature saltwater and freshwater configurations and are engineered to present outstanding durability and reliability in extreme environments, while offering the lowest emission levels in the industry and requiring extremely low maintenance.

Features of the V6 range include easy linkage systems to enable quick and easy fit-up by dealers, 300 hour no dealer-scheduled maintenance, high capacity alternators, a single easily-accessible fuse and a CAN Bus Connectivity.

The new engines will most likely be available to consumers in January, with dealers taking delivery of stock in November or December. Dealers have already undergone fit-out training and technical briefings so they know what the product can and can’t do. Your local dealer has also been on the water in the various test craft fitted with the new engines, so they are the experts on the new range.

If you’re interested in upgrading your existing powerplants or want to look at the new E-Tecs, drop into your local Evinrude dealer and ask lots of questions. With different shaft lengths, counter rotation models and high output models, there’s plenty to get your teeth into. – Stephen Booth