[cSickNick]

Sounds like the DF140 is a great motor. If under $8k, i would jump on it, but not until they offer the 6 year warrantee again.

Up here in Mass, i was quoted a price on a leftover '03 DF140 at $9k. To me that is a pretty good chunk of change. Although if problem free and 6 years warrantee and save on fuel (a wash on oil changes/verses 2-stroke oil) would justify the cost and still may jump on it. Going to wait and see if 6-year comes back at the Boston boat show this winter to decide.

Also just my thoughts and observations, if anyone cares below;

I guess since my Yammie still runs fine, i may wait to see how the E-TEC or others high tec motors work out? Also, months ago i was sold on the world would be going 4-stroke. Now, i am starting to see and feel that high tec 2-strokes are on the push even more.

Don't get me wrong, i think all of the latest technology outboards are good. Too this point, what frustrates me more is that the prices of new gas-hog carb-2strokes have not fallen. Will they? Would be nice if they were 1/2 price of new technology. If so i would buy, spend the diff in fuel and wait it out.(although there are ocassionally deals on EBAY)

For example; if i wanted to replace the Yammie with a new 115 carb 2-stroke, price from ED's id $5,500. Add in new controls, gauges, oil tank, prop., cables ..... ~$6,800. In my opinion, still lightly underpowered, need to install, warrantee issues, would not make any sense to purchase. Obviously more HP, more $$.

So .... i guess the bottom line is for me;

If i had to pick from a high tec 4-stroke or 2-stroke .... price, oil cost, weight, fuel consumption, noise, emissions all being equal

I would pick 2-stroke(IF simple design and no belts or external oil container!! Will E-TEC have one? .... i want to fill a reservoir on top of the motor to last a trip ... remember though, key is oil cost remains the same vs 4-stroke).

But as others stated in other posts, the real key i feel is that it comes down to a local dealer. Unfortunately, you pick the make/technology you like ... but the local dealer sucks. So, do you go to the dealer you like, and your second choice make/technology or travel to better dealer on your 1st choice?

The less i see a dealer, the happier i and they will be .... which today leans me towards 2-strokes because of less maint.

- Nick