New Smaller Evinrude E-TECs G2 Outboards Hit the Water

Evinrude made a splash with their new G2 line of E-TEC outboards, and this year, they’re expanding the line-up to include a new batch of smaller engines. The 2.7-liter G2’s are being offered in 150, 175, and 200 HP models.

Like the larger models, these new G2’s have a colorful “exoskeleton” that can be custom-matched to the color of your boat (there’s even a Mossy Oak pattern!) They also have the same long 500 hour stretch before scheduled maintenance, and Evinrude backs them up with a five year warranty.

One big advantage these motors hold over other outboards lies in the rigging and steering. The power steering system is integrated into the mid-section of the motor, and all of the systems are digital, so you don’t have a slew of tubes, hoses, and cables running through your motorwell. Instead, there’s just a single hose containing the wires, and no external steering arm. The gauges are a big bonus, too. Evinrude’s Icon Touch color display is a seven-inch touch-screen that can support multiple engines, allows you to adjust power steering and trim, and can display water tank levels in addition to fuel and oil reservoir levels. A smaller version (the Icon 3.5) is also available.

Performance-wise, these two-strokes kick butt. Their fuel efficiency runs about 10-percent better than most four-strokes, and out-of-the-hole punch is awesome. Surprisingly, however, there is no two-stroke weight savings. Four-stroke builders have been shaving down the pounds for years, and the G2 150 weighs in at 496 lbs while the popular 2.7-liter Yamaha F150 is 480 lbs. The G2 also has that two-stroke sound to it, and modern four-strokes are noticeably quieter.

What about pricing? These engines will be competitive with similarly-sized four-strokes, but expect them to MSRP a bit higher, probably to the tune of a few hundred bucks.

For two-stroke lovers who have been waiting for a smaller version of the E-TEC G2, the wait is over.