Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 video

We reviewed an Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 outboard motor on a Formosa 580 Offshore Tomahawk with optional hardtop. The Formosa hull is a marine-grade aluminium fishing boat, weighing a bit less than 800kg, with an on-water package estimated at about 1400kg.

The owner, Paul, is an avid E-TEC outboards fan, having run a 135hp Evinrude E-TEC on his previous boat. Although the hull would perform well with an outboard as little as 150hp, Paul stepped up to the 175hp marine engine as it comes complete with Evinrude iTrim and Dynamic Power Steering, which available only in the Evinrude 150HO and 175hp versions of the 2.7L G2 V6.

What are the gearbox and prop specs?

The gearbox runs a high 2.17:1 reduction ratio, giving the ability to run large-diameter propellers. Our test boat had been through three different props to get the right balance of power deliver, engine revs and, importantly, thrust in reverse. In past reviewing of G2 E-TEC outboard motors we have found reverse thrust lacking with some props but as it’s so important to recreational fishers like Paul, it was good find the balance well tested. The final prop fitted is an 18x15.375in Rebel in stainless steel.

What tech does it have? What is it missing?

The E-TEC G2 outboard engines are tech-heavy with direct-injection stratified at low rpm to aid combustion and lower emissions, Integrated Digital Shift & Throttle, a powerful 133A alternator, auto-trimming by way of iTrim, and Dynamic Power Steering. Importantly, the G2 V6s have addressed an issue with the older Evinrude G1 V6 engines with a 180-degree flip of the portside powerhead. This has moved the valves to the outside of the high-friction power stroke of the piston which should address burnt valve issues found in older engines.

How is it out of the hole and at WOT?

Out of the hole the 175hp E-TEC G2 has familiar two-stroke poke. Four-stroke marine engines are catching up for low-down power, especially the bigger displacement and supercharged models, but they’re not there yet. At WOT the Evinrude G2 revs to only 5700rpm, which gave us 37.1kt over ground while burning 51.2 litres per hour. It’s worth noting the crank is getting twice the power strokes of a four-stroke, which means at lower rpm, jabs of throttle are met with instant acceleration; the response at any revs felt great.

What about at idle, troll and cruise?

At idle the engine is noticeably rougher than a four-stroke but at troll speeds the Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 outboard motor enters its element. At 2000rpm we saw a fast troll of 6.7kt burning only 0.84 litres per nautical mile, or better than 1.5km/L for you metrically minded people. At 4000rpm we were cruising at 23.6kt and burning a mightily impressive 0.93L/Nm (1.72km/L), which gave us a range of 170Nm while holding a 10 per cent reserve in the tank.

Does it shake like my old two-stroke? What about smell?

At idle the stratified injection removes some vibration and smell but it’s still a noisy engine and not as smooth as a four-stroke outboard. It doesn’t smell like a Mercury OptiMax or an older E-TEC G1 but some evidence of oil burn remains.

How does it look?

One of the major differences to the bigger 3.4L V6 is the narrower 66-degree V that makes the engine more compact and instantly recognisable. It follows the ‘stormtrooper’ looks of the bigger V6 and is, in my opinion, a good thing as it moves design forward. Evinrude isn’t sitting on its hands or copying the look of anther brand. If you have a Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 outboard motor, everyone who sees it knows it.

What about emissions standards?

The stratified and computer-controlled injection gives the Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 outboard motor a three-star rating for emissions, as good as any four-stroke outboard motor currently for sale.

What are the gauges and throttle like?

The throttle is a highlight of the package. It’s easy to grip, with rubberised touch points, and being electronic has no sticking or notchiness. The factory digital gauge is a touchscreen and clear to read but not the most sensitive to touch. It’s also small in four-inch form, though a 7in option is available.

How often does it need to be serviced?

The biggest selling point of a Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 outboard is the 500 hours no service five-year warranty. It’s absolutely remarkable to think of an engine working in a saltwater environment not needing more than cleaning and fluid top-ups over five years or 500 hours. Beyond the five-year/500 hours, servicing remains uncomplicated thanks to the simplistic nature of the design.

The verdict

Economy, long service intervals, good power, the Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 outboard motor covers all three exceptionally well. 1Nm per litre is a figure some four-stroke owners would be happy with from their 130-150hp outboards, so to get close to that from 175hp on a 6m long, 2.45m-wide hardtop is nothing short of remarkable. The almost total lack of servicing and long warranty should be a consideration for remote area users too.

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The competition

* Weights shown for 25in legs, except Mercury Verado 20in leg weight shown.

Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 sea trials

Evinrude E-Tec 175 G2 outboard, 18x15.375 Rebel propeller, 200L fuel tank, two on board (range calculated leaving 10 per cent reserve).

* Sea-trial data supplied by the author.

Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 specs

Evinrude E-TEC 175 G2 outboard price: $22,500

TYPE V6 direct-injection two-stroke outboard motor

RATED HP 175hp

DISPLACEMENT 2.7L

WEIGHT 245kg (25in leg)

GEAR RATIO 2.17:1

PROPELLER Rebel stainless steel 18x15.375

WEB evinrude.com.au

TEST RIG SUPPLIED BY

Cranbourne Boating Centre

Phone 03 9998 4651

Web Cranbourne Boating Centre

See the full version of this review in Trade-A-Boat #488, February / March 2017. Why not subscribe today?