Touting torque and power-to-weight ratio, Bombardier Recreational Products has introduced a 135-hp, high-output 2-stroke — the Evinrude E-TEC 135 H.O. — that will be available beginning this winter.
The engine will be a good fit in single applications for small center consoles (under 22 feet or so), flats boats, power cats, deckboats, fish-and-ski runabouts and bowriders, says Evinrude assistant product manager Eric Olson. Twins will excel on larger center or side console boats, as well as power cats and pontoons.
The strong low-end torque of this direct-fuel-injected outboard pushes boats out of the hole without a struggle and can handle the weight of boats carrying heavy loads or towing water sports riders, says Olson. BRP says the 2.6-liter engine generates 36 percent more low-end torque than comparable 150-hp 4-strokes.
BRP manufactures the engine with the block it uses for its 150-hp outboard. Both weigh 418 pounds. By comparison, the 135-hp Honda 4-stroke weighs 478 pounds. “It’s going to be able to put that heavy load up on plane very quickly because it’s based on our 150-hp engine, which is an extremely torquey engine,” Olson says. In hole-shot and acceleration categories, the E-TEC 135 H.O. “will outperform a 150-hp 4-stroke with one hand tied behind its back,” Olson says.
The engine can improve fuel economy by as much as 40 percent, compared with carbureted 2-strokes, and by as much as three times at idle speeds, compared with 4-strokes, according to BRP.
Evinrude E-TEC engines require no maintenance for the first three years or 300 hours. The 135 H.O. has a 133-amp alternator and is available in 20- and 25-inch versions, including counter-rotation on the 25-inch version for twin-engine installations. Pricing was unavailable. The engine will be available in January. Contact: Evinrude, Sturtevant, Wis., (262) 884-5000. www.evinrude.com
February 2013 issue
