2020 Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO review

Evinrude has launched a new 115hp to 150 hp mid-level engine range using clean-burn two-stroke technology and, in a trip back through time, a return to an odd cylinder count.

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The new range includes 140hp and top-end 150hp models, but the one we’re interested in here is the new entry-level model of the three-cylinder outboard engines, the Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO.

This new 1.9-litre oversquare outboard engine – a surprisingly big displacement for a three-cylinder unit – replaces the narrow bank V4-based 115 HO that measured only 1.7 litres despite having an extra pot.

The “HO” stands for “high output’, which sort of hints that even though the outboard engine is rated for 115 horsepower, you’re likely to squeeze a bit more performance out of it when needed.

Evinrude sticks with two-stroke technology, giving it a huge point of difference in a world where four-stroke outboard engines tend to dominate the market.

The big advantage of the two-stroke system is that the engines have fewer moving parts compared with their four-stroke counterparts, making them lighter and in need of less maintenance. Under certain operating conditions, a two-stroke engine can be more fuel-efficient than a four-stroke.

The new engine platform is also future-proofed with Evinrude’s i-Steer and i-Drive systems, as well as the Icon II generation of digital throttle controls.

The engine’s pistons are made using an alloy originally developed for NASA’s space program that’s significantly stronger than traditional materials.

The new-generation G2 engines also have a limp-home mode that kicks in if the unit overheats or malfunctions somehow. The limp-home mode means that even if the engine is struck down with a problem, you will still be able to move – although at a reduced speed.

The outboard engine’s electrically assisted power steering system is integrated into the midsection, and includes an adaptive steering resistance that helps with handling and control in tight turns.

All the engine and steering connections route to the engine using a single access portal.

Along with the new engine comes all-new propellers to push it through the water. The four-blade RX4 is optimised for traction and turns, while the three-bladed RX3 tested here is best suited if you’re considering ticking the box for Evinrude’s i-Dock joystick control system for multi-engine installations. While the RX4 is all about performance, the RX3 is a better all-rounder, especially in terms of fuel efficiency.

One of the innovations added to the Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO is an easily removable top cover that provides access to the 7.2-litre tank that feeds two-stroke oil into the engine. The company also says buyers have the choice of more than 300 colour options for the engine’s side panels, top panels and accent (also called the “swoosh”) stripes. After all, this new engine range is designed to stand out from the crowd – Evinrude wants it to look like no other outboard engine out there.

At 177kg for the lightest model, the Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO is about the same weight as the V4-based engine it replaces. In terms of the Evinrude’s four-cylinder, four-stroke competition, Honda’s BF115 tips the scales from 217kg, Mercury’s 115hp weighs from 163kg, and Yamaha’s F115 from 171kg.

The engine is available in both standard 508mm (20 inch) and long 635mm (25 inch) shaft lengths.

Evinrude says the serviceable parts of the E-TEC G2 outboard engine range are located in easy-to-access areas, while the filler cap for the 7.2-litre two-stroke oil reservoir is below a panel that lifts off from the top of the cowling.

Of note, there is no way to visually check the volume of two-stroke oil in the reservoir, although you can access it via a digital gauge.

Queensland’s Whitewater Marine has the Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO, codenamed K115HGLF, priced from $17,950 fitted, including standard controls, gauges and an RX3 propeller. Stepping up to the 140hp-rated version of the same engine is just $1550 more.

A contra-rotating outboard engine for multiple-engine fitouts is available.

Compared with its 115hp four-stroke equivalents, the Evinrude engine is attractively priced once you’ve factored in the cost of installing it. You also get full digital engine instrumentation via either a rectangular and graphic Icon Touch 4.3 CTS full-colour touchscreen, or a more basic circular Nautilus 3.5 colour screen that shows just the numbers.

The engine includes 81 degrees of tilt so that you can lift it clear of the water, minus 6 to plus 15 degrees of trim, and steering angles of 38 degrees for the standard 508mm (20-inch) shaft engine and 40 degrees for the 635mm (25-inch) longshaft engine.

Multiple engine installations are also compatible with Evinrude’s i-Dock system that uses a joystick to manoeuvre the boat at low speed – great when you’re trying to crab the boat sideways to get into a tight spot at the jetty.

Evinrude sells its two-stroke technology on the savings that owners can make on maintenance. The standard service schedule means the engine is maintenance-free for the first five years or 500 hours of ownership, and then every 100 hours beyond that. That compares with annual or 50-hour maintenance schedules for some four-stroke equivalents.

The Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO fitted to our Quintrex 510 Frontier test boat was the first of the new-generation outboard engines imported to Australia as part of the local test program.

At 2.3 metres wide, the 5.19-metre 510 Frontier is quite a beamy boat for its length, meaning there was a lot of Apex hull for the 115 HO to push through the water.

Hole shot performance felt pretty good for this size of boat weighing in at around 592kg, with the engine easily pushing the centre console Quintrex up onto the plane and holding it there from a tick over 2300rpm.

The most economical cruising speed is around 3000rpm where the Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO will sit on around 20 knots-plus, but on a run out to Jumpinpin we pushed that up to 4000rpm and almost 30 knots with three people on board.

Once again, it’s the mid-range performance that defines this engine. With revs dialled on, the Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 HO is surprisingly responsive to the throttle. Roll on more revs and the two-stroke specialist digs deep, with a strong, torque-laden response.

Evinrude has worked on adding more sound suppression to this new generation E-TEC G2 range, and the result speaks for itself. Drone at lower speeds is much more supressed, and the traditional two-stroke shake at low speeds is all but gone in the new three-cylinder outboard engine.

Performance

Maximum cruising range based on 95% of 85L fuel tank: 153nm @ 3000rpm

Evinrude’s new entrant in the mid-level outboard engine performance game is priced to sell against its four-stroke equivalents, and represents an easy ownership package when maintenance is factored in, despite the obvious fact you will still need to spend money on two-stroke oil.

For smaller alloy boat owners wanting to maximise performance, the new Evinrude E-TEC G2 HO needs to be on the shortlist.

Specifications
Model: Evinrude 115 HO E-TEC G2
Engine type: Two-stroke DFI K115HGLF
Cylinders: 3, in-line
Fuel delivery: Direct injection with stratified low rpm combustion mode
Weight: 177kg (lightest model), 193kg (heaviest models)
Displacement: 1868cc
Bore/stroke: 98mm x 82.6mm
Maximum output: 115hp
Operating range: 5000-6000rpm
Shaft length: 508mm (20-inch), 635mm (25-inch)
Alternator: 14 amps @ idle, 22 amps @ WOT
Trim method: Auto/manual power trim/tilt (81 degrees tilt, -6 to 15 degrees trim)
Gear ratio: 2.08:1
Oil tank capacity: 7.2L
Counter rotating: Available
Servicing: None for five years. Annually/every 100 hours thereafter
Emissions rating: CARB three-star
Warranty: Five years (3yrs BRP limited warranty/2yrs BRP extended service warranty, recreational use)

Supplied by: Whitewater Marine