Mechanical vs. DEC Outboard Motors

[Great Lakes Grady]

I've been doing a lot of research on this topic, but want to hear from this group of knowledgeable, experienced boaters.

As some of you know, I've been looking at some different GW models, namely the Adventure 218. My question is this. With a 21' single engine boat like the 218, is there a significant need for a DEC 250 or 300 motor instead of a mechanical 250 or 300? This is a boat that would be trailered much of the time and used almost exclusively on the Great Lakes.

I've been away from boating for a generation so a mechanical rigging is what I'm most familiar with but I understand DEC is the future now and I can certainly see the value and importance of a DEC rigging for larger boats, especially with twins. Resale value is important too though, as is maintenance and upkeep of the motor and electronics.

I appreciate your thoughts and advice on this topic.

 

[Ky Grady]

I have a 2004 Seafarer 228 that I repowered a few years back from the mechanical F225 to the DEC F250. Doesn't matter the size of the boat, it's night and day difference to the positive. It's a pleasure to operate with the DEC throttle, no stiffness of the cables to deal with. Butter smooth shifting and acceleration with a very light touch. Highly recommend the DEC motors over the mechanical.

 

[family affair]

Maintenance will be virtual zero. Resale would likely be a little better but tough to quantify.
If I had a used boat, was budget driven, and repowering with a single, it would be mechanical. However, if you are already looking to drop big coin on a new boat, the difference in cost overall is insignificant and worth the upgrade. It would be sort of like buying a new truck and opting for crank windows over power. Both get the job done, but one is definitely nicer to have.

 

[family affair]

My slip is tight and decent afternoon winds often make docking a bit of a challenge. In those instances, the mechanical controls help a lot because it is easier to accurately shift in and out of gear with one hand.
As to maintenance, mechanical is simpler. Time will tell how the digital configs hold up over time.

I think you are the 1st person that I have ever heard make this comment.
You must have some very well maintained mechanical controls. My experience was very different. I'm 100% in the digital camp.
Also, what maintenance is there for Yamaha digital? My Zukes require a little spray lube and a shot of grease every once in a blue moon. Nothing else.

 

[seasick]

I didn't type what I meant to say! In my tight slip, DIGITAL controls are a big improvement for maneuvering.

So many points I made were incorrect. I have no idea what I was thinking about. That said, I am going to delete my original response, lick my wounds, and hide

 

[family affair]

I didn't type what I meant to say! In my tight slip, DIGITAL controls are a big improvement for maneuvering.

So many points I made were incorrect. I have no idea what I was thinking about. That said, I am going to delete my original response, lick my wounds, and hide

That makes more sense. I was wondering if I had missed something. We've all been there. With 10k+ posts, you're bound to have one go sideways once in a while!