Yes, you can still buy and run an Evinrude E-TEC outboard, but go in with your eyes open. BRP ended Evinrude outboard production in 2020, so every Evinrude you find today is either older stock or a used motor, and long-term ownership depends on parts availability and finding a technician who knows these engines. Do that homework before you buy, and an Evinrude can still be a sensible choice for the right boat and budget.
I have had plenty of customers ask about Evinrude since production stopped. Here is what I tell them to check, whether they are looking at an Evinrude E-TEC, an E-TEC G2, or an older Evinrude 4-stroke.
What ended in 2020, and what it means for you
In 2020 BRP, the company that owned the Evinrude brand, announced it was ending production of Evinrude outboards. No new Evinrude models have been designed or built since. That has a few practical effects for buyers:
- The motors available now come from existing inventory or the used market.
- Parts come from remaining manufacturer stock, dealers and the aftermarket. Availability can vary by model and part, and it can change over time.
- Fewer new technicians are being trained on these engines, so local service options depend on where you live.
None of this means an Evinrude is a bad buy. It means the motor’s price and condition need to make sense next to a current-production alternative, and you should line up parts and service before the motor is on your transom.
Evinrude E-TEC vs E-TEC G2 vs Evinrude 4-stroke
| Family | What it is | Buyer notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-TEC | Two-stroke direct-injection outboards across a wide horsepower range | The most common Evinrude on the market; uses the oil specified in the owner’s manual |
| E-TEC G2 | The second-generation E-TEC design for higher horsepower models | Larger motors; confirm control, gauge and rigging compatibility for your boat |
| Older Evinrude 4-stroke | Earlier four-stroke models sold under the Evinrude name | A separate engine family; parts are not interchangeable with E-TEC |
The E-TEC is the motor most people mean when they say Evinrude. It is a two-stroke with direct fuel injection and an oil injection system, so it needs the correct oil and a working oil system to stay healthy. Smaller E-TEC models like the Evinrude E60HSL E-TEC show up on aluminum fishing boats and skiffs.
The E-TEC G2 is the later generation for larger motors. A model like the Evinrude E-TEC G2 225 H.O. E225XH has its own control, gauge and rigging options, so if your boat was rigged for a different motor, confirm compatibility and budget for any new controls and steering parts.
If you are searching for an Evinrude 4-stroke, understand that it is a different engine family from E-TEC, with different parts and service needs. Identify the exact model and year before you order anything for it.
Parts: check before you buy, not after
This is the biggest consideration with any discontinued outboard. Before you commit:
- Get the full model and serial number. Evinrude model codes are specific, and parts can change between years. Our guide on how to identify an outboard shows where to find them.
- Price the common wear parts. Water pump impeller kit, thermostats, filters, spark plugs, anodes and gearcase seals. Call a dealer or parts supplier and ask about availability for that exact model.
- Ask about the bigger items. Electronic modules, injectors, oil pumps and gearcase components cost more and may be harder to find. Know where you would get them.
- Check controls and gauges. Especially for G2, make sure you can get compatible controls and the right rigging parts.
Service: find your technician first
E-TEC engines use their own diagnostic software and procedures. Before buying, find a marine shop near you that still works on Evinrude and ask whether they have the diagnostic tools and experience. Ask them what they see go wrong on these motors and what a typical service costs. A technician’s opinion of a specific model is worth more than any online forum.
If the motor is used, have that technician inspect it. At minimum ask for a compression test, a diagnostic scan with engine hours and any stored fault history, a lower unit check for water in the oil, and a look at the oil system. Our used outboard buying checklist lists the questions that deserve clear answers.
Is an Evinrude right for you?
An Evinrude can make sense if:
- Your boat is already rigged for Evinrude and you are replacing a like-for-like motor.
- You have a local technician who knows E-TEC and is willing to support it.
- The price reflects the discontinued status compared with a new motor from a current manufacturer.
It may not make sense if you are rigging a boat from scratch, you boat far from any Evinrude-capable shop, or the price is close to a current-production motor. In that case, compare against brands still in production and factor in the full cost of controls and rigging. Those extra parts often add up to more than buyers expect.
For company information about Evinrude’s former owner, visit BRP. Whatever you choose, stay within your hull’s horsepower and weight rating; the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety site explains why.
Shopping Evinrude outboards
If an Evinrude fits your plans, browse our Evinrude outboard listings, including models like the Evinrude E115SNL, or compare against current-production brands in the outboard motors category. Read each product page carefully for model year, specs and condition details.
Frequently asked questions
When did Evinrude stop making outboards?
BRP ended Evinrude outboard production in 2020. Motors on the market today are existing inventory or used.
Can I still get parts for an Evinrude E-TEC?
Many parts are still available through dealers and the aftermarket, but availability varies by model and part. Check the specific parts you are likely to need before you buy.
Is an Evinrude 4-stroke the same as an E-TEC?
No. E-TEC is a two-stroke direct-injection design. Evinrude-branded four-strokes are a separate engine family with different parts and service needs.
What oil does an Evinrude E-TEC use?
Use the oil specified in the owner’s manual for your exact model. The wrong oil can cause problems in a direct-injection two-stroke, so do not guess.
Start with the right reference 
Plan the arrival Always confirm the exact model, part number, condition and included components on the product listing. For a compatibility question, contact TorqueHarbor before ordering.