Jun 13

Jun 13 Evinrude Adds New Midrange Models: The New Three Cylinder G2

Even though it’s exciting to talk about big horsepower engines, and what might be next in the 400 plus HP range, for manufacturers, the 115 to 150 HP range is a critical market. Not only is it the most popular HP segment, but many new boaters start in that HP range, from small fishing boats of all kinds, to pontoons, family boats and maybe a small performance hull. For a new boater, or first time buyer, you have to make a great impression. In the case of Evinrude, they have rolled out the G2 line from the top down, first the 3.4L V6, then the 2.7L V6, and now we have the latest version, a 1.9L 3 cylinder. This allows Evinrude to showcase the G2 technology to a whole new group of boaters.

Let’s start with the basics of what we know. The engine is a 1.9 Liter, two stroke with a 115, 140 and 150 horsepower option. Like their big brothers, you get the unique Evinrude G2 cowling with replaceable panels. And, there is an option for the iSteer, integrated hydraulic steering. The new 4.25” gearcase houses a 2.08:1 gear ratio, with a side water pickup that is set low and closer to the leading edge, for better water flow, allowing for an increase in engine height. RPM range is 5000 to 6000 RPM for the 3 cylinder compact two stroke. Those are competitive specs. All engines come in 20 inch and 25 inch shaft lengths.

Standard color is black with red swoosh. You can choose around 400 different combinations though.

Another engineering effort into reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) was the cowling, it has removable panels, but has a sound deadening modular design. Evinrude designed robust engine mounts to reduce vibration. Plus, the unique 3 cylinder has balancing gears at each end of the crankshaft, to smooth everything out. I personally love the effort into balancing, using good acoustic design to reduce noise, but most outboards use mounts that are too soft, making it seem like you’re steering an old car with worn ball joints.

A full effort to reduce noise, vibration and harshness includes balance gears on the crankshaft, modular cowl, and large angled mounts.

Both the 115 HO and 140 (20”) weigh 390 Lbs. and with the dynamic power steering, 415 Lbs. The 150 version weighs 7 Lbs. more at 397 and 422 Lbs. The 150 HP version features BRP’s RAVE (Rotax Adjustable Valve Exhaust), a technology that utilizes a variable exhaust port. The 115 is designated as a high output (HO) version, so it’s probably pretty stout for a 115. For a 115 HP, that is a competitive weight, not the lightest, but at 140 and 150 HP, that is very light by today’s standards. I’d take the 150 with the DPS, because even then, it’s lighter than anything else at 150 HP.

The G2 makes power down low, and across the RPM range. Two strokes often enjoy a torque advantage. The Mercury can rev to 6300 though. We need a real world test.

Like the other G2 engines, power is made across a broader RPM range than a typical four stroke. Smooth, linear power is a hallmark of a two stroke. The G2 also enjoys an efficiency advantage over competing four strokes, it burns extremely clean, it is emissions compliant globally, and the small 1.9 gallon oil tank will last over 50 hours. With that, you get 5 years or 500 hours before any scheduled maintenance.

I’m not advocating one engine type over the other, as both enjoy distinct advantages, but it’s hard to ignore some of the advantages of a two stroke. Another key feature is the engines are digital shift and throttle, keeping the clean rigging of the G2 as yet another advantage. With the integrated steering, it’s hard to beat that uncluttered transom.

The new white G2 3 cylinder looks very sharp. Feature packed and full of options. Digital throttle and shift.

What else is new? The entire Evinrude G2 lineup gets a new white exoskeleton as an option. And, all panels feature a revised logo. I probably wouldn’t buy an engine based on color options, but it sure is cool to have that option if you want it. A new tiller is an option as well.

Is it a good engine for a performance hull? Probably not bad on a little bass boat, or flats boat, or maybe an old small performance boat. The 150 will be light, but the 115 is heavy comparably. Can’t wait to see one in the wild.