Recent content by Rob Silver

Although not in the same power band that I am shopping for, I find this article addressing most of my concerns on Maintenance costs of 4 vs 2 strokes. https://www.boatingmag.com/gear/boatinglab-tests-outboard-ownership-costs It appears that over 300 hours (or about 6-7 seasons per my use), the...

I guess this would work the same way? The reviews seem very favourable. https://www.amazon.ca/America-5060-Topsider-Multi-Purpose-Removing/dp/B001445IZ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1454418752&sr=8-3&keywords=fluid+extractor

Does this mean that since XD 100 is a little harder to come by, I should just use the usual stuff so that "a pinch" never occurs? I can live with that. My quest to find my repower still continues though. Top of the list for the 4-strokes is the $1900 difference.....however, maintenance seems...

I would love to know the answer to this as well. This remains the primary point of why I am unable to commit to the ETEC. The price is just too far from the 4-strokes. But the draw of the ETEC is at an all time high as well after seeing those ETEC Youtube videos!!

THIS makes me feel a little bit more at ease with the ETEC. I have been watching so many Youtube videos now of the 25-75 hp ETECs and I see that they are relatively quiet and doesn't blow smoke like my current motor. You saying that these things are nearly trouble free makes me consider...

I bought the motor in 2006 I believe. 90/65 jet. All I ever did was change the oil and filters and run the fire out of it. I sold it to a friend that has a house on 2 different rivers and he probably puts twice as many hours on it as I did. He still has the boat and motor and it has never been...

Care to elaborate? Any first hand experiences with ETECs? Yammie F50 or Merc ELTP50? I'd like to know. Thanks.

Hey Pappy. Yes, I will be purchasing locally. This one dealership I am talking to sells both Yamaha and ETECs. They say I should go with ETEC....but then again, I am wary since it is about $2K more and I feel that's where they want my money to go so they can have more of it as well. All three...

I was told that maintenance on 4-strokes required belts and pulleys being re-tensioned, as well as the mandated 100-hr oil and filter change. Another huge cost to 4-stroke engines was the replacement of belts. If you were able to do all that, would you say it was an easy enough endeavor? What...

Thanks for the reply AllOut... You mentioned that you did your own maintenance. I assume this is because the motor was out of warranty already? I was quoted that the yearly maintenance for the 4 stroke would cost something like CAD$600.... This is the selling point of the ETEC rep. That the ETEC...

I'm about to take the plunge and re-power my old runabout. I attended the recent boat show in Toronto, hoping to better understand current outboards and make a sound decision for my next motor. Before going to the boat show, I knew my heart was set on getting a Mercury 50 ELPT504S or Yamaha F50...

I need help diagnosing this problem I have a video showing my motor running, and some water sputtering from two rectangular ports at the back of the motor. I tried uploading the video but the site does not accept mp4 formats. Maybe someone here can guide me on how to upload videos and what...

If you're in Chicago, or nearby, go to West Marine. They are moving out of their location and have a clearance sale going on. I was able to get my Raymarine Dragonfly for only $250, brand new. There are several other FF units on sale..I believe the 7-HDI was also for $250 without transducer...

Hello. It's been sometime since someone posted a question regarding on-board chargers here....and since I am in the market for a new on-board charger, I was hoping that a couple of you guys can chime in with your own expert advise. First off...my needs. I have: - an older electric start 60hp...

Hi guys. Just got a gift from my wife which is the title of this post. Got it at a steal.....250 clams! Although it isnt part of the newer releases for the Dragonfly series, it still is relevant. Its got a 5.7 screen, GPS, navionics Gold card, and CHIRP transducer. I wont be able to install...