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Posts: 53
| I bought an unpowered 99 681VS this fall to work on and repower for spring. I've always ran Mercurys and was dead set on a new 115 pro xs this spring. Over the holidays I started reading about Evinrudes new 3 cylinder G2 etecs, specifically the 115 HO. I know a guy who repowered a 681vs with the 115 pro xs and it kicks ass and I have no doubt I would love it. But man, this evinrude has me intrigued with some of its features. New motors that haven't been out long scare me, but does anyone have any first hand experience with any of the new 3 cylinder H2 etecs? Thanks |
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Location: Northern Illinois | I had 2001 681VS, Powered by a 135hp optimax thing flew kind of scary fast for a 17 footer.
I would suggest the lighter of the 2 motors. and would also suggest the one that would be best for trolling if you troll., as I added a 8hp kicker to my 681 and it threw off the balance. It also sat very low in the back due to the weight of 3 group 31 batteries, kicker and 135.
Edited by muskyhunter07 12/30/2019 1:15 PM
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Posts: 1670
| I had a 135 Mariner OptiMax on my '98 681 VS. Loved the boat & motor.
I have zero to say about the Etech. |
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Posts: 261
| Howdy,
I ran a 2000 681VS with a 115 Ficht Ram, 9.9 4-stroke kicker and a transom mounted minn kota (and another on the bow).
It was a bit doggy out of the hole if I was low on gas as the tank is located in the bow.
If I was rigging it now my advice would be to get as close to the 135 max as possible and to go with the lightest motor possible.
4-Stroke would by my preference unless it was the newer G2 version.
Take care,
Ruddiger |
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Posts: 93
| The new 140 G2 is an outstanding motor. Quite and sips fuel. We had one on loan from BRP over the summer, put some 60 hours on it. That motor will take over the 115 and 140 market. |
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Posts: 53
| Thanks for all the replies. The 135 optimax of this era weighed around 440 pounds and was a popular choice out of the dealerships as its rated for 135 hp. I've read about the weight sensitivity of this hull which is why I'm being cautious with this decision. However, the new mercury 115 pro xs four stroke is 80 pounds lighter than the 135 2 strokes of the late 90s. I'm pretty confident this motor would perform. The 115 ho G2 etec is heavier than the pro xs, but still about 20 pounds lighter than the optimax 135. This is the g2 version with built in power steering so you would also save some weight not having steering cables etc. The safe bet is the pro xs, but the G2 definitely has me thinking because of the digital controls, built in power steering, no break in, lower maintenance, and better mid range. Windy, thanks for the feedback on the 140 G2. You are making the decision harder on me, haha. |
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Posts: 93
| For what it's worth I own three G2's, two 250's and one 250HO. All have been outstanding motors. They are built in Sturtevant WI, not far from where I have a second home. I have been to the factory for a tour/open house and know a few people who work there. Very cool motors and there has been a LOT of testing on these sizes engines prior to there release. |
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Posts: 261
| Howdy,
I'm currently running a 2019 300 Verado on a 522D (the 681 on steroids) and really love it. It's my third Verado. Mercury really has the 4-strokes figured out after years of beta testing on customers.
That said, I would have no qualms going with the G2, particularly if the price and warranty were better (as it often is this time of year). The G1 I'm not in love with.
My advice, buy the one you can get the best deal on and the one with the best dealership in your area. I suspect you will be very pleased either way.
Take care,
Ruddiger |
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Posts: 3469
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
With a difference of only 20 pounds, this could go either way for you. Both engines are comparable both in displacement and gear ratios, but I have a feeling the etec would be a touch better in overall for performance being a 2 stroke and going with the HO will perform closer to a 135 hp. The 2 stroke will definitely have more punch coming out of the hole and more low end torque as the power curve is not linear as most 4 strokes are. The fuel consumption on the etec line is great as well...
Lots of arguments to go the other way as well for the 4 stroke such as not having to refill an oil reservoir during a trip, 4 strokes are great on fuel, etc.
I do feel your decision will really come down to a personal preference, and possibly dealer/service location. You really cannot go wrong with either engine. Both are great motors..
Steve |
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Posts: 300
Location: Minocqua, WI | Dustin, whichever outboard you repower with, I wanna jump into your vessel and see what the ride is like on June 24th :D |
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Location: Northern Illinois | Are you planning to add a kicker in the future? |
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Posts: 53
| Andrew, you got it man! Just hit me up, I'll be chasing muskies all week if you want to jump in one morning or evening between your trips.
Muskyhunter07, no I dont plan on adding a kicker really because everything I've read says it's a bad idea and affects performance too much. I fish a lot of restricted hp lakes where I live so ideally I'd love to do that. But I'm keeping my lund outfitter 1750 to fish locally, it only has a 9.9 on it.
And I decided to go with the 115 pro xs. I wanted to go with the evinrude, but didnt for 2 reasons. 1) long distance to decent dealer 2) lack of reviews on 115ho g2 being a newer motor introduced 6 months ago.
Thanks for the input everyone
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Posts: 492
Location: midwest | Bumping this post back to the top. I'm interested in the performance of this motor since your repower. |
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