2017 Evinrude Etec 50 hp DFI Outboard Boat Motor Engine

•             Gutsy and fuel efficient.

•             Quiet and user-friendly.

•             Very low servicing requirements.

•             Great spares availability.

Spinning a 15in pitch stainless steel Viper prop, the review Evinrude E-TEC 50 was a perfect match for the Top Ender and had blistering acceleration across its entire rev range. This was despite the fact that it was pushing 700kg including two adults, the owner’s bowmount Minn Kota trolling motor and deep cycle battery, and a full underfloor fuel tank. It started instantly hot or cold and despite running on a rich “break-in” mix (first two hours) there was no oil smoke, and only a slight oil smell when backing upwind. Providing the antiventilation plate was kept at least three quarters immersed, power astern was good and the multifunction tiller arm was very user-friendly. Vibration levels were surprisingly low for a big twin, even when trolling.

Minimum planing speed with the Evinrude E-TEC 50 was 12.4kts (23.0kmh) doing 3500rpm. 16.6kts (30.8kmh) was attained at 4000rpm, drinking 8.9lt/h. WOT gave 27.5kts (51.0kmh) at 5720rpm at 19.3lt/h.

Through full-lock figure-of-eight turns at 4000rpm no prop ventilation occurred. However, due to the prop steer torque from the massive gearcase reduction ratio the steering was very heavy until the outboard leg was trimmed out slightly. At WOT we could hold a normal conversation at the helm