Repowering M26x with Evinrude E-Tec 90HP

[whyguruguru]

Hello

I recently purchased a 1999 26x and the original Evinrude 2-stokes engine was a bit worn off. I am thinking to replace the outboard motor with a 2008-2015 Evinrude Etec 2 stroke engine. I have went through numerous posts at this forum and it seem the Evinrude e-tec 90HP is a popular choice.

One of the reason that I would like to go up to 90 HP is that I will only power sail/sailing with the water blast filled (for safety reason, since I have two kids on board) . I sail in San Diego inner bay and Lake , but I will like to put the boat under power when I go fishing / scuba diving when I am in the open water.

I have a mechanic who will help me to install the 90hp engine and my insurance doesnt seem to have problem if I upgrade my motor.

However , I believe the boat is rated at 50HP, Will the boat be able to handle the 90HP engine without the problem ?

[bahama bound]

I really like mine ,I hit around 6.5 mph @1500 rpm and sip fuel ,little harder on fuel above 1500 rpm but not bad .its fun to get on plane and the boat performs really well ,almost as if it was meant for it .but also its great for docking with currents and tides .kinda of the best of both worlds .i just put insurance on our x and with geico it was only a couple hundred bucks for a decent policy and they did not question the 90.

[Gazmn]

The Etec or Suzuki- or Any 75-90HP is a great fit for the Mac. You'll be the fastest sailboat under power - but not the fastest powerboat. Insurance? No worries, don't blink or hesitate just matter of factly tell them what your power plant is. As we're over 25' we don't have a plate restricting HP.

Have fun, just use common sense - which you"ve already shown you have

[Seapup]

No concerns IMO except for the hit on the wallet Otherwise its all good

Since you just got the boat I would say run it around some and get used to the boat and how it handles before committing to a larger motor though.

[Starscream]

I've had my Etec 90 on for a full season now.

Overall I am happy with the performance: 20MPH loaded and ballast, 24MPH with no ballast with a 14x11x3 prop. I was hoping for a bit better but this seems in line with the average for an X with 90HP and I the boat is on the heavier side of average with 19 gal of fresh water and 9 gal of black water. The size and weight of the motor are just right for the X. I can still use the swim ladder, tilt the motor all the way up, and I can't see any structural issues even after running it at WOT a LOT, through wavy conditions, and even a couple of times some full throttle hole-shots. It's like riding a motorcycle: you will be tempted to misuse it more often than you think.

Mine is turning into a bit of a lemon though. The dealer poorly installed the battery cables which led to some hard starting which was fixed under warranty, then the electronic tilt didn't work and had to be replaced under warranty, then the tilt indicator stopped working and was replaced under warranty, then the tach stopped working and was replaced under warranty, and now the main computer is being replaced because it wouldn't run the winterization cycle. All I can say is BOMBARDIER: WTF is going on?

Plus, my Evinrude dealer is a complete moron. Salesman said all the right words but pulled the wool over my eyes. Choose your dealer carefully.

But I love the X/Etec combo, when it's working, it's just great. Your results will vary.