Is there some factual resale data somewhere to support the better resale claims?

The online NADA for outboards shows:

2010 250 Pro XS avg retail $12500

2010 E-tech 250 HO avg retail $14750. minimum depending on model # - some higher

I just finish getting my 300 hr sevice on my 2010 250 ho e-tec and I can tell you that it has been the best motor I have ever run. Smooth, quiet, reliable.
When I asked the tech about problems he has seen this is what he told me.
Other than the 300 hr service he has not had one come through with issues other than what was caused by operator error.
Sense 1978 I have run evinrudes and merc's and so far this one has been the best. Just a couple of things to think about
Compressor and belts. One has them one doesn't. Both are good motors.

.... no question on this ^^^^^^

If you want an objective opinion ask the tech's who work and are certified on both. Both motors are strong reliable performers outa the crate, but ask the techs about the potential downfalls down the road 300-500 hours or so. That's where the prop hits the water.

I think the ETechs are really great motors, but I believe people have really long memories and it is hard to get FICHT out of folks mind. Sometimes it just takes time to re-establish yourself in the marketplace. Ask Audi.

NADA publishes books and does not pay cash for anything. Same condition, same hours the Merc will be worth more in a real scenario. I doubt having a Merc on the back will kill a used boat deal but what about the E-Tec? You are more likely to run into a guy that just wants a Merc.

I got such a great deal on my Ranger because it had the Etec. they are not popular in Texas and I figured the price was so right that I could sell it and repower with motor of my choice. Been nothing but happy with it and its been a great motor. There is a bias against the Etecs that affects resale for sure. On a Z520 I would guess its at least a 2000.00 hit. I would take anything a non owner says with a grain of salt though. If you want a great motor the Etec can be a choice. The shops I talked to also say the Etec/ Bombardier get excellent warranty support to the point they might be the easiest of all 3 brands when dealing with factory.

In many ways I think the E-tec is smoother, better running motor than a Merc. But, and a BIG but, as far as resale, availability and cost of maintenance and parts, Merc is the better choice.

I have had an E-Tec for 5 years on my Tran-Sport. It is the toughest motor I have ever owned and I have owned all brands. The Evenrude requires NO maintenance and starts and runs like a beast every time! I would recommend the E-Tec

I would say this is accurate. I ran a 250 'Rude on a Legend and I was impressed with the smoothness & low end torque. However when it came time to put my money down on a new boat I bought a Yam 250 SHO. It was about $1500 more than the ProXS 250 Merc.

I have owned 21 Mercs and 6 Yamahas since 1985 and they have all been great motors.

When i was looking for a new one i had the same questions that you have.Just like you all the dealers i talk to went with the e-tec. I decided that i would try it.I have own mine for six months now and the only gripe is when they program it for the oil make sure that they dont program it for the XD 100.Its 55 dollars a gallon. I was told down south you dont need that type they can program it to run on the cheaper oil.

here is something that you might want to consider. i have a buddy that guides at falcon. his last boat had an E-Tec. he did nothing but run that motor. his new boat has an opti, the biggest difference he experiences between the two is the e-tec had a whole bunch more torque. he is a big guy, and with three other big guys in the boat, the merc has to strain to get on plain. the E-tec took off with ease. something to think about and consider. fuel wise, he says they are very comparible.

bo

Bo, if the Etec was so good ,did he say why he switched to the opti?

I have nothing good to say about an etec so I will keep my mouth shut.

Isn't that an oxymoron?