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Random Quote: It's a boat, it's supposed to leak money.
flats boat application, so the etec is obviously lighter and will have a better hole shot, but that isn't too big of a deal unless i am convinced the etec is also a rock solid motor with dependable technology. I like the low noise, no smoke characteristics of the 4s, but believe the gas consumption is similar on both.
any thoughts. the suz would also be a consideration, but i put it in the same class as the yam 4s.
Don't know the Etec... Have owned a F115, compared to the 115 two strokes I have owned over the years, Yams & JohnRude Loopers..... I will be nice and say the F115 is lethargic...
edit, Also, the F115 is not as quiet as the V-6 Yam four strokes either. Test one out before you buy, don't make the same boo-boo I did and find out the expensive way that it doesn't meet your expectations. Good motor, just saying, know what it is.
I have used my Yamaha F115 4-stroke for 5 seasons now. Not any problem so far. I have it serviced at a Yamaha dealer every year.
You will probably get little better acceleration and top speed with E-Tec 115 hp. If judged by tests in boat magazines basically all 115 hp 4-strokes with eletronic fuel injection (EFI) and 2-strokes with direct fuel injection (DFI or similar) is very good tyday. It is hard to go wrong with any new 115 hp outboard today. Suzuki DF115 and Yamaha F115 is very similar in performance, fuel consumtion etc. Yamaha has Commandlink today that makes connecting instruments etc easy. Yamaha also have some nice Command link instruments. Yamaha F115 is very quite at low and midrange RPM, at higher RPM it is somewhat load but no problem really. At full throttle any 115 hp outboard regardless if 4-stroke or 2-stroke is rather noicy. But the important is noice level at cruise RPM (4000 +/- some hundred RPM) and in that range most outboards are rather quite. Yamaha F115 has been on the market rather long now, since 1999. Not much have been changed during the years. At first it was CARB 2-Star rated, in 2004 it was CARB 3-star rated. In 2006 it was Commanlink compatible. It has been some cosmetic changes like new decals in 2002/2003 on the cowl. So it has been a proven design with rather longs service history. There has been some problems for some with making oil but usually that is avoided by proper break in and then also make sure you use the utboard at higher RPM each trip so it will be warmed up properly. I have no problem with making oil.
Two fine engines. If torque and hole shot are low on the priority list you'd probably be happy with either. Torque and hole shot are important to me so I like the E-tec. But if not I'd be looking first at availability and quality of service and second at long term operating cost to include eventual sale of the boat.
E-tec 369lbs vs. Yamaha 402lbs. Only 33lbs difference. Don't let weight determine your purchase. I had a F-115 25" Shaft on my last bay boat. Great engine no problems. Quiet and a fuel sipper. Very economical on fuel. The E-tec is a fine engine as well. Never owned one but don't think you could go wrong. Compare price and most important dealer service. Do you have a dealer with a great service dept near you that can work on it? If so get the one they carry/service. Good Luck.
The fact that you are looking at a 115 application on a flats style boats dictates the E-tech. The "RULE" regarding four strokes: no matter who makes em', they are heavier, slower than their two stroke counter parts, with ONLY 1 exception, the Yamaha F-150. Most most flats boats were not designed to carry the extra weight especially if you want a jack plate and or power pole also added to the rear. The e-tech offers the same benifits as the four stroke (economy, emmissions, quietness) with none of the negatives.
The F-115 is particularly heavier and slower than most of the other 4S motors and will undoubtably send your boats nose in the air for a 100 yard wheelie down the intercoastal.
All this from a Yamaha guy, who puts e-techs in place of 4 strokes on boats 17' and under and Yamaha on just about everything else. 3 years of selling them on various boats and so far no real complaints!
115 Etec vs. 115 yamaha 4S? 
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