MacGregorSailors.com

I submitted this inquiry near the end of another long discussion thread weeks ago, but it received zero responses, so I'm trying again.

I haven't purchased an engine yet, but need to. So I welcome all the advice I can get.
(1) Seems to be a consensus here among ETEC owners that supports the ETEC-60. Do any of you know of any problems or bad experiences with this engine?
(1) Troubling - One Mac dealer advised me to "do not purchase the Evinrude 2 stroke - bad service system". Hmmm, what's he talking about? Presumably, he arrived at this opinion through feedback from his customers? Comments?
(2) One sailor here reports he maxed at 18 mph from the ETEC 60. Doesn't the Mac sales info claim that the MacGregorM achieves well over 20 mph with a 60 hp? What do most of you get?
(3) It is my understanding that 60 hp is the maximum power recommended by MacGregor - right? However, there's been much discussion on this Board about Mac owners going to greater horsepower. One issue is size and fit. Any risks or downsides to bumping up to a 75hp ETEC, except 80 more pounds? Does anyone know about the size (height) of the 75 and if it would fit cleanly?
(4) The classy and detailed sales booklet, along with a DVD, that Evinrude just sent me, I have to say, were impressive and persuasive, of course.

Whatever advice you can share will be appreciated.

Thanks all!

I had a 60 E-Tec on my M for three years before I sold the boat and highly recommend it. I had one problem when an oil injector became bent somehow? It caused the engine to go into "emergency mode" or whatever it's called - - - which means a red light went on telling me I had an oil problem and the engine would not power up above idle, but it did get me back to my slip.

All one can ask for when there is a problem is that it gets taken care of correctly and efficiently - - - and that happened in my case with what was then Inmon Yachts (Mike & Jeff Inmon in MDR). Problem immediately corrected and no other problems experienced. I actually LOVED this engine. I got over 22 MPH with this engine in smooth water and my boat was always overloaded (heavy). Engine NEVER failed to start IMMEDIATELY!

Rick

34 degree day I decided to try something that I read in my owners manual about only needing 1/2 rev to fire the engine. I popped the cover wrapped a half turn of a 1/4 in line on the fly wheel, turned on the key and gave a yank..To my surprise it actually started and ran perfect!!!! it had not been started in 2 months...I LOVE ETEC 60

I was really happy with my ETEC 60 until this happened. Its all fixed now and I'm gradually regaining my (shaken) confidence in the motor's reliability..

mika wrote:

...(2) One sailor here reports he maxed at 18 mph from the ETEC 60. Doesn't the Mac sales info claim that the MacGregorM achieves well over 20 mph with a 60 hp? What do most of you get?


Thanks all!

MIka,
I think you're referring to my post regarding 18mph with the Etec 60hp. On another attempt I did briefly see just over 19mph. These were GPS results and I don't know the margin for error using that as a measuring device. I suspect there is some but I doubt it is 5mph. Some have questioned my choice of prop or rpm but I'm using the prop that was on the motor when I purchased it with my M and my tach was reading within the WOT range. I assume MacGregor has the correct prop on these motors when they arrive with the boat. Some have questioned loading of the boat. When I achieved 18mph the boat was loaded with myself(190lbs), my son(65lbs) and a six gal. fuel tank(less than45lbs) other than that I can't think of anything in or on the boat which wasn't "stock". Water conditions at the time were flat, which is why I decided to see what I would max out at. That being said, the Etec has proven to be reliable to me. You can, unfortunately, forget about 24mph on the stock M with a stock 60hp.
Bob

I have an 08 on a high altitude (8,100') lake. It has always started on the first turn even at 30 deg temps. I troll for lake trout with the grand kids for hours on end-never a problem. The 25 alternator keeps my battery(s) charged and the light weight has no negative effect on my sailing--it is really nice to be able to steer the boat with the engine up and not feel the engine hamper the steering and once lowered, it starts immediately.

No smoke with XD100 oil and very quiet below 3,000 rpm (8-10 mph). I run a 9 x 14 x 3 prop for altitude so my max rpm cannot get past 5,400 rpm=15 mph. Not bad for a 25% power loss @ 8,100' .

When I repowered my I went E-tec because of the light weight and local dealer and my experience racing SkiDoo (BRP) snowmobiles with 2 stroke engines and E-tec technology. Happy with my decision.

Bob

Just wondering, he said, she said on the "MacGregor dealer" who stated some problems with the Evinrude. Why I never heard from the dealer? Seems like said dealer would have called the factory about that. We would like to address any problems we can. The fewer problems the more boats we sell. So, who's the dealer?
Mike Inmon

mikelinmon wrote:Just wondering, he said, she said on the "MacGregor dealer" who stated some problems with the Evinrude. Why I never heard from the dealer? Seems like said dealer would have called the factory about that. We would like to address any problems we can. The fewer problems the more boats we sell. So, who's the dealer?
Mike Inmon

Great Mike, and while we're waiting, could you address how I might get 24mph out of my 2010 M with the Etec 60. I've seen a bit over 19mph @5400-5500rpm with empty ballast, flat water and lightly loaded (one fuel tank and one 65lb passenger).
Sorry for the attempted thread hijacking.
Bob

mika wrote:(1) Troubling - One Mac dealer advised me to "do not purchase the Evinrude 2 stroke - bad service system". Hmmm, what's he talking about? Presumably, he arrived at this opinion through feedback from his customers? Comments?

I think it's important to buy a motor that you can get serviced well locally. I'd check local dealers for reputation.

(2) One sailor here reports he maxed at 18 mph from the ETEC 60. Doesn't the Mac sales info claim that the MacGregorM achieves well over 20 mph with a 60 hp? What do most of you get?

Ha! The Mac marketing is just a bit exaggerated. 20 maybe with an empty boat, no mast, wind behind you. I can get 18 with a normal load, empty ballast.

(3) It is my understanding that 60 hp is the maximum power recommended by MacGregor - right? However, there's been much discussion on this Board about Mac owners going to greater horsepower. One issue is size and fit. Any risks or downsides to bumping up to a 75hp ETEC, except 80 more pounds? Does anyone know about the size (height) of the 75 and if it would fit cleanly?

The factory max is a CYA. Probably smart so that some nut doesn't do something foolish and sue them. I'm not familiar with the ETEC, but some have installed 90+ motors with great success. Search the forum. Lot's on it.

(4) The classy and detailed sales booklet, along with a DVD, that Evinrude just sent me, I have to say, were impressive and persuasive, of course.

I got the DVD also. Very impressive, just like most marketing and politicians. They conveniently leave off lots of stuff. Correct prop and installation are as important as design. I'm no expert, but all that computerized junk they put in these things to get performance and emissions is complicated.


--Russ

Weight is an issue, some care some don't
Bigger engines eat more gas ... period
4 strokes need oil changes - big PITA - ETEC does not
I am amazed at how easy my boat starts ... every single time

What is really funny is that Macgregor claimed that 24mph stat with a 50hp motor (a Merc I believe). With bottom paint (makes a difference) I can hit 20mph consistently WOT. I do open it up as it's good for the engine but I do not cruise at that speed, I tend to cruise (depending on seas and wind) around 12-13 knots. What is funny is that even more often I ended up going 5-8knts as I really don't feel like taking a salt water shower. The Macgregor is not a power boat and hence does not effectively handle spray well at all, you will get soaked, if there is wind from the side and you are booking along.

Cruising 5-7 knots you can go all day on a 6 gallon tank of fuel.

At speed I can feel the boat flex over rollers, probably not a good thing.

Jim

Never had a problem with the 60 ETEC.
Max speed I have ever got was 16.5 knots (About 19MPH) with a new boat no extra stuff on board measured with plotter and GPS on a flat sea with no current or wind. That's with a dogeared pontoon prop 13.75 x 13 x 3 prop.

Max now with gear etc. is 14 knots and WOT is noisy and not pleasant. I talked myself out of getting a 90 when I bought the boat and regret it now. I sometimes motor an hour at WOT to get to my picnic/sailing grounds so the bigger motor at lower revs would be more comfortable plus the extra weight is negligible when compared to some of the 4 stroke 50s that have been bolted to these boats in the past.

If you want to regularly achieve more than 20MPH at WOT don't get a 60 it just won't do it in everyday trim..

MHO

With all due respect to those who have upgraded to the higher HP motors..."If you want to regularly achieve more than 20MPH at WOT"...then why be considering a Mac, much less a sailboat in the first place? There are better boats to achieve this ideal, and none of them have a mast!

IMHO.

K9Kampers wrote:With all due respect to those who have upgraded to the higher HP motors..."If you want to regularly achieve more than 20MPH at WOT"...then why be considering a Mac, much less a sailboat in the first place? There are better boats to achieve this ideal, and none of them have a mast!

IMHO.

...but weren't we supposed to be able to achieve well over 20mph without upping the HP? Also, the MAIN selling point of this boat is it's dual purpose. I mean that DVD from MacGregor makes it clear and unambiguous, this boat is made to motor fast AND sail.

I think we should compare these claims with the milage claims on new cars , most people never reach these claims but are still proud talking about their cars high mpg

I use my mostly heavy loaded and with full ballast and if I get the speed itch and open it up, it makes 15-16 mph heavy loaded and delivering all the spray I ever wanted

With standard conditions in SFB, going 8-10 mph is a lot more comfortable and significantly dryer

My $0.02

Obelix

...this boat is made to motor fast AND sail.

All I'm sayin' is, if I really wanted to MOTOR FAST and sail, I'd stick a mast on a Donzi 22 Classic!!