Evinrude E-TEC 150hp G2 H.O: Engine Review

Two years after the launch of the revolutionary 200-300hp G2 E-TEC DFI two-stroke outboards, Evinrude and parent company BRP have introduced a trio of mid-range G2 outboards between 150 and 200hp. The first of the new models to reach our shores is the 150hp G2 HO equipped with Evinrude’s integrated dynamic power steering and i-Trim auto boat-trim system. Join us for this Aussie launch review onboard a Quintrex Top Ender 570.

OVERVIEW
- Evinrude E-TEC G2s now from 150hp – 300hp
Evinrude and parent Canadian company Bombardier Recreations Products (BRP) has followed its 2014 launch of the game changing E-TEC G2 200-300hp direct-fuel-injected two-stroke outboards with a new series of ultra-low emissions G2 outboards in the more popular 150-200hp size range.

Also built around a V6 engine block, albeit smaller in capacity, the new engines have exceptional power and torque low down in the rpm range and class-leading fuel economy. These new mid-range outboard engines are ideal for powering trailerable craft between 5.5 and 6.5m in length.

The new G2 E-TECs are similarly futuristic and aggressive in appearance to the 2014 Evinrude 200-300hp G2 launch outboards, and are available in four models — 150hp, 150hp HO, 175hp and 200hp.

The spread of G2 E-TEC outboards now stretches from 150hp-300hp, covering applications ranging from trailerable sports boats through to pontoon boats, sports bass and barra boats and offshore fishing craft.

The 150-200hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards were launched close by the Evinrude factory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, back in June this year.

Some six months later and the new engines have made it to Australia and will be rolling out of Evinrude dealer showrooms from mid December, 2016.

The first of the new engines landed recently and we were able to secure a 150hp HO model for this first test on Australian waters.

DESIGN SPECS
-  A smaller, more compact G2 with the same great features
At a glance, the new Evinrude G2s look identical to the original V6 200-300hp models. However, the new engines have a smaller capacity 2.7L powerhead that is slightly smaller and more compact in all dimensions.

The new models use a 66-degree V6 engine configuration that has been designed from the outset for direct fuel injection. This compares with the 3.4L 74-degree V6 powerhead layout of the larger G2 outboards.

The engine mid-section and heavy-duty gearcase has been carried over to the new engines from the original launch models — and incorporates the leading G2 features of integrated dynamic power steering and the i-Trim automatic boat trimming system.

By having the power steering components built into the mounting bracket and mid-section (and the throttle and gearshift actuated electronically) much of the cabling which usually clutters up the transom in front of the engine is eliminated, resulting in a much cleaner, neater appearance. There is now just the single rigging tube in front of the engine, making installations easier for Evinrude dealers.

Technically speaking, the new 150hp-200hp E-TEC G2s have a 66-degree V6 engine block displacing 2744cc. They have a bore x stroke of 86mm x 78.7mm and a gear ratio of 2.17: 1, enabling the engines to run a wide range of propellers.

The new G2s are available in 508mm longshaft (20in) and 635mm extra-longshaft (25in) configurations. There is no option for an ultra-longshaft drive leg at this time.

The lightest of the new G2 models is the entry 150hp longshaft model at 225kg. However, this light weight version does not have the built-in dynamic power steering of the other models, as it is designed for repower applications and for boaters with existing cable steering systems.

The realistic base weight then for the new engines — equipped with the power steering system — is 240kg for a 508mm long-shaft model. By comparison, the lightest three-star emissions standard 150hp outboard on the market is Evinrude’s own first generation 150hp E-TEC. The G1 60-degree V6 E-TECs from 150hp-200hp have a listed weight of just 190kg, sans steering systems.

The lightest four-stroke outboard is Mercury’s 150hp model at 206kg, while the honour for lightest four-stroke in the 200hp class is shared by Suzuki’s DF200A and Yamaha’s F200F/G – both of which weigh 226kg with propellers.

We should stress, however, that these listed minimum four-stroke weights do not include the steering systems.

For keeping the battery charged and running onboard electronics, the new G2 Evinrudes have a crankshaft driven magneto charging system – instead of an auto-style alternator which uses belts and pulleys that can be more prone to failure. The magneto generates 133 amps, 50 of which are dedicated to running the house battery and onboard electrics. A handy 14 amps are produced at idle.

Other key design features include a larger anti-ventilation plate above the lower gear case to improve prop thrust and bite, and a weed-cutting skeg design which is also cambered or angled slightly to counter prop-torque — and thus eliminate the need for a traditional trim tab.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- High-end pricing – but includes dynamic power steering
The Evinrude G2 engine offered for testing was the 150hp High Output (H.O) model which is said to differ from the regular 150hp G2 in that the ECU is retuned for a bit more power.

The 150hp HO model also comes standard with the in-built dynamic power steering which has three levels of steering resistance, selectable from the included Evinrude Icon Touch 4.3in CTS digital display.

Brisbane’s Springwood Marine has this stand-alone 150hp HO engine priced at $22,000.

If you are looking to repower an older boat and would like to retain your  existing cable steering, mechanical throttle control and analogue displays, you will need to order the standard G2 150hp model which has the 20in TRAC mid-section designed to accept external cable steering controls. The standard G2 150hp is lighter and will be cheaper, but exact pricing has yet to be determined.

Otherwise the G2 150hp E-TECs share the same features as the larger 175 and 200hp models. We have covered many of the features and inclusion in our initial launch articles on the G2s, but some of the key features include the iTrim automatic trim system which is fantastic for beginners, the auto winterisation feature, built in 11.3 litre oil tank with 50 hour run-time, a clear sight tube for monitoring gearcase oil level and condition (see photo), threaded freshwater flushing port for attaching a garden hose, cowl mount trim switch, no break-in period, and a 3 + 2 year engine warranty for failures caused by defects in materials or factory workmanship.

In Australia, new E-TEC G2s are being sold by local distributor Telwater with an additional two-year parts and labour warranty (over and above the standard Evinrude three-year warranty) providing a number of warranty conditions are met and maintained.

Among these conditions is adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule, which generally involves having your engine serviced annually by an authorised Evinrude E-TEC technician using genuine Evinrude parts, accessories and oils. We recommend you contact your local Evinrude E-TEC dealer for further clarification.

Like the original G2 E-TECs, the new 150-200hp models have a modular cowl design with removable side and top cowling panels available in five primary colours with 12 accent colours. These can be mixed to create hundreds of colour combinations.

Tech-savvy customers may want to consider optioning their new G2s with Evinrude’s E-Link virtual dashboard which enables you to view engine data and functions from any mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet. The data available mirrors that of the Icon Touch display, but with the information and controls at your fingertips.

POWER & PERFORMANCE
- Strong, smooth, economical and very quick
Okay, that’s enough of the facts, figures and technical data. How does the new G2 actually perform out on the water?

In short, exceptionally well. Our Quintrex Top Ender 570 test boat proved very quick and the E-TEC G2 150hp HO felt really strong in the low- and mid-range — giving support to Evinrude’s claim of up to 30 percent more torque than its four-stroke competition.

Hole shots were lighting fast and the test boat would spring forward at the touch of the digital throttle, accelerating to a top speed of 44.5 knots at a wide open throttle of 6000 rpm.

Throughout our test the V6 Evinrude G2 felt smooth, responsive and agile. There were no dead or doughy spots in the rpm range at all — just constant, willing, and punchy power.

The engine was quiet at idle, started easily and without fail, and there was barely a hint of exhaust smoke. Make no mistake, these new ultra-low emissions G2 DFI Evinrudes are far removed from the rough, grumbly, smokey old dinosaur two-strokes of the past.

Rather the new G2s are modern, incredibly sophisticated, state of the art, and purpose-designed marine engines which have the measure of the four-stroke competition in many areas — most notably in the sheer grunt these engines have in the crucial 2500-3500 rpm range where most boats are rising from a displacement to a planing speed.

Can you have your cake and eat it too? It would appear so. The new G2 150-200hp E-TECs are not only smooth, swift and sophisticated, but they are also economical. Evinrude is claiming 15 percent better overall fuel efficiency than comparable four-stroke engines.

Whether that is true or not, our tests have shown the 150hp HO model to be very economical, burning just 17.3 litres per hour at 3500rpm for an impressive boat speed of 24.1 knots. This translates to a best fuel economy figure of 1.40 nautical miles per litre – and to a maximum range on 95 per cent of the Top Ender’s 95 litre fuel tank of 126.4nm.

VERDICT
- A winning combination of power with economy, low emissions and user features
For powering trailerboats in the 5.5m-6.5m size range (or thereabouts), the new Evinrude G2 150hp-200hp series E-TECs are superb, offering stunning performance, exceptional fuel economy and claimed lowest-in-class emissions.

The launch pricing for the new G2s is higher than for rival four-stroke outboards, but it does include the wonderfully smooth built-in dynamic power steering, along with the i-Trim auto trim system and a whole host of clever convenience features.

We used the i-Trim feature during our boat test and were suitably impressed. It is easy to engage and to disengage... and does a surprisingly good job of adjusting engine trim to suit boat speed and sea conditions. I-Trim is just one of the many great features of these new G2 engines, and one more reason to consider an Evinrude E-TEC to power your next boat.

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
3.9kts (7.2km/h) @ 1000rpm
5.3kts (9.8km/h)@ 1500rpm
6.7kts (12.4km/h) @ 2000rpm
9.8kts (18.1km/h) @ 2500rpm
19.3kts (35.7km/h) @ 3000rpm
24.1kts (44.6km/h) @ 3500rpm
28.4kts (52.5km/h) @ 4000rpm
32.2kts (59.6km/h) @ 4500rpm
36.2kts (67.1km/h) @ 5000rpm
40.6kts (75.2km/h) @ 5500rpm
44.5kts (82.3km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
2.1 l/ph @ 1000rpm
4.0 l/ph @ 1500rpm
7.7 l/ph @ 2000rpm
12.0 l/ph @ 2500rpm
13.8 l/ph @ 3000rpm
17.2 l/ph @ 3500rpm
23.2 l/ph @ 4000rpm
31.0 l/ph @ 4500rpm
38.5 l/ph @ 5000rpm
46.1 l/ph @ 5500rpm
48.5 l/ph @ 6000rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95 PER CENT OF 95lt FUEL TANK: 126.4NM @ 3500RPM

Specifications: Evinrude 150 ETEC G2
Pricing: Evinrude C150FLH 150hp G2 V6 HO (as tested) $22,000 including longshaft 508mm (20in) configuration with Evinrude Icon Touch 4.3in CTS digital display, digital shift and throttle control, integrated dynamic power steering (with steering assist), iTrim automatic trim system, and Viper 14.3/4in x 20i pitch stainless steel propeller.
Engine type: V6, 66 degree E-TEC DFI
Displacement: 2744cc
Bore x Stroke: 86mm x 78.7mm
Maximum output: 150hp
Operating range 5000-6000rpm
Fuel Delivery: Direct injection with stratified low rpm combustion mode
Weight: 225kg (lightest model), 240kg as tested
Shaft length: 508mm (20in), 635mm (25in)
Charging system: Magneto 133 amp total, 50 net dedicated, 14 amps at idle
Trim method: Power trim/tilt with i-Trim
Steering: Integrated dynamic power steering
Gear ratio: 2.17:1
Oil tank capacity: Internal 11.3lt
Counter rotating: Available
First service: 20 hours or 3 months, annually or every 100 hours thereafter.
Emissions rating: CARB three star
Warranty: 3 + 2 years (recreational use)

Supplied by:
Springwood Marine
Phone: (07) 3297 8200
Email: sales@motosport.net.au
Website: www.springwoodmarine.com.au
More at www.evinrude.com.au