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Like all E-TECs, the 175 is touted by Evinrude as needing no maintenance for the first three years. The company also claims that the acoustically tuned intakes keep engine sound levels down -- after a day at the helm you'll agree. Although they're not as quiet as four-strokes at idle or in the low rpm range, the new E-TECs aren't half as loud as old-tech two-strokes, and once you're on plane, most of the motor noise is drowned out by the wind.
Who's going to opt for the E-TEC? On our test boat, as is often the case with bay boats designed to prowl the shallows, a fast holeshot and minimal weight at the transom are key, and this powerplant satisfies both criteria. This not only helps the boat get on plane in skinny water, but also minimizes bowrise as you get there. Another group of boaters who will be interested in the 175 are freshwater hawg-hunters running midsized bass boats, which also require kick-in-the-pants acceleration and minimum weight. There's a third crowd of folks who will be enamored with the 175 E-TEC: fun lovers. The instant acceleration and zippy midrange performance are just plain fun to experience from the helm. Don't believe me? Then just look at someone who's running one -- I'll bet dollars to doughnuts he'll be grinning from ear to ear.
MSRP $15,370
Contact: 847.689.7090 www.evinrude.com
