Yesterday we discussed the fuel efficiency standards that were introduced to the outboard motor industry. Prior to that landmark moment, 2-stroke motors were simple and reliable but caused too much pollution to be viable from an economic standpoint. As we alluded to previously, it took a coordinated effort from the Environmental Protection Agency along with motor manufacturers to create any leeway.

Evinrude stepped up in a big way with its E-TEC engine, which was specifically designed to compete with dominant 4-stroke engines of the time. The E-TEC had the advantage of fuel injectors that work to remove water and vapor from the internal parts. The engine was an instant hit, and Evinrude has been touting this flagship model, along with the boat motor oil it uses sparingly, ever since.

In recent days, Evinrude announced its “Best Deal on the Water” fall promotion, offering boaters a five-year, factory-backed warranty on new E-TECs with 40 or more horsepower. The deal lasts through December 22. According to a press release from Evinrude, the E-TEC is the only marine engine on the market with no dealer-scheduled maintenance for the first three years.

It’s not an uncommon sight when the Evinrude professional anglers sweep a fishing tournament or manage to take more than half of the top spots. Evinrude professional anglers are assisted in all their fishing endeavors by the amazing Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines, which are supported by certified Evinrude mechanics and Evinrude outboard oil.

The Evinrude E-TEC engine has several benefits over the standard outboard motor. For one, the E-TEC is a great deal quieter than other outboard motors, allowing fisherman to sneak up on fish without alerting of their presence. The E-TEC engines are also cleaner engines that keep lakes, oceans, and rivers free from pollutants. The E-TEC engine is also resilient to weather and atmospheric conditions, boasting top performance in both biting cold and blazing heat. E-TEC outboard engines are often amongst the most popular used in fishing tournaments around the world, and with good reason.

While there are several reliable brands of outboard engines, without a doubt, the Evinrude E-TEC engines have drawn some of the highest marks from both critics and outboard owners. E-TEC engines represent the pinnacle of two-stroke engine technology, with more efficient engines that have low environmental impact. Evinrude is constantly innovating to improve the quality of their outboard engines. Several E-TEC models have won awards for their performance and for their clean burning technology that is the future of two-stroke engines. With two-stroke engines having an integral role in developing countries, having engines that burn cleaner will promote pollution awareness.

In addition to their E-TEC engines, Evinrude is the premier provider of all kinds of marine accessories including Evinrude oil, which is designed to work in tandem with the E-TEC engine to burn cleaner. Future E-TEC engines might even play a central role in the developing nations throughout the world as humanity progresses into the 21st century.

Since 1976, Lake Constance, which sits on the boarder between Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, did not allow two-stroke engines on the lake. Then in 2006, lake officials cleared the Evinrude E-Tec engine for use on Lake Constance. The Evinrude E-Tec is the first and only two-stroke engine to pass the multitude of standards for environmental safety on the lake. Evinrude’s Vice President of public affairs said the recognition of the Evinrude E-Tec was an outstanding achievement.

Evinrude has dedicated itself to creating the latest in two-stroke outboard technology with their high quality E-Tec engines and Evinrude outboard oil. The Evinrude E-Tec engine was also recognized in 2005 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its design. The E-Tec was presented with the Clean Air Technology Excellence award, and was the first ever outboard engine to receive the award.

The power and performance of your boat’s outboard motor can make the difference whether your fishing trip is just average or one that you’ll always remember. (This memorable picture from last week, courtesy of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, shows David Hayes holding a 21-pound, 1-ounce channel catfish. His three-year-old granddaughter Alyssa holds the Barbie fishing rod Mr. Hayes used to catch this state record-breaker. She had asked him to hold her fishing rod for a minute!)

Evinrude E-Tec outboard motors do not need maintenance for the first three years or 300 miles of normal recreational use, including Evinrude outboard oil, oil filter, and gearcase lube changes during this initial warranty period. These engineers are lighter and quieter than previous models, start more easily, provide better fuel economy and lower emissions, and use an exclusive low-friction design resulting in very smooth performance.

Owner’s manuals for outboard motors made in 1992 or prior used to state that premium fuel was required for proper operation, because during that time, premium outboard motor fuel was manufactured containing additives that minimized the formation of deposits inside the engines. During those years, the best oil available was rated at TCW-2 and did not contain the detergents and carbon preservative ingredients that marine engine oil such as XD-30, XD-50, and XD-100 does today. The federal government ruled in the late 1990s that all grades of fuel were required to include identical additive ingredients, and the premium fuel requirement for outboard motors was discontinued.

If you still have some TC2-W outboard motor oil, it can still be used in a motor from 1992 or before. If you choose to use TC2-W oil in an older motor, Evinrude recommends addition of a product such as Carbon Guard to lessen carbon deposit formation. Be aware, however, that using TCW-2 oil in a motor that requires TCW-3 oil will void your warranty should any oil-related malfunction occur.

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), the private company that owns the Evinrude brand, kicked off a year-long celebration of Evinrude’s 100th anniversary on February 14, 2008 at the Miami Boat Show. Always on the cutting edge of boating innovation, Evinrude moves into the future with its line of E-Tec outboard motors, the most environmentally friendly outboard motor in the world. Evinrude also has a popular line of boat motor oil.

“By letting people throw away the oars, Evinrude outboard engines have introduced scores of people to the joys of boating and turned these people into lifelong boating enthusiasts,” Roch Lambert, vice president and general manager of the outboard motor division at BRP, said at the time. “Indeed, in its proud history, Evinrude has sold more engines worldwide than any other outboard manufacturer. People know that buying an Evinrude means buying a trusted brand name that delivers everything they want in an outboard engine,” Mr. Lambert continued.

One of the users reported: “[Evinrude] runs stronger, cleaner, and more efficient than any other 4-stroke.” While most of the comments bad mouthed other brands, Evinrude was among one of the brands that had consistently positive reviews.

High tech Evinrude® multi-fuel engines (MFE) that have powered U.S. military branches like the Marines and Navy SEALS, and the international defense industry, are now offered for sale to the general public through authorized BRP/Evinrude dealerships worldwide. Designed for flexible use of multiple fuels in harsh demanding mission applications, Evinrude MFE outboards are capable of running on kerosene, aviation fuels (JP-4, JP-5, JP-8, Jet-A and Jet-B), and standard gasoline. These fuels are available from commercial sources worldwide. The engine’s fuel selection can be changed with the simple flip of a switch, without compromising performance.

By adapting innovative design elements from the industry-leading Evinrude® E-TEC® technology, the Evinrude MFE meets the Common Fuels Initiative, a U.S. Department of Defense mandate that will require all U.S. military forces to use a series of common fuels to power their equipment for simpler logistics and increased safety by the year 2010. Other competitive technologies, due to their large number of moving parts and complex valve systems and air passages, do not allow this capability.

The MFE is not designated an Evinrude E-TEC engine, but E-TEC technology is incorporated throughout the design. In fact, the E-TEC injectors, fuel system and onboard computer are what make the multi-fuel capability possible. Many of the MFE features have been incorporated into the Evinrude E-TEC recreational line of outboard engines. Innovative designs such as cylinder sleeve oiling, modified deflector pins and mapping strategies currently utilized in E-TEC engines were originally developed for the MFE to meet the demands of military use.

The Evinrude 55MFE is available in either a conventional propeller ready gearcase or a impeller equipped pump jet model. The pump jet version provides the option of propulsion without a propeller, affording additional safety and performance targets for a wider variety of applications. Built to U.S military specifications, the pump jet is a large impeller unit attached to a full gearcase that provides superior thrust and performance when compared to conventional jet pumps.

The two-cylinder 55-hp MFE is rope started with a convenient break-down tiller steering arm and is available in two models: a propeller model (E55MRL) and a jet propulsion model (E55MJRL). The custom military design, created for stealth operation, includes minimal engine noise, low emissions, a wrap-around assist handle for easy lifting and carrying, and a matte tactical black paint color.

Evinrude MFE include a 12-month stand-alone warranty, regardless of consumer or military purchase. The Evinrude MFE are not for sale in the state of California.