The Yamahas outweigh the Evinrudes by a combined 136 pounds.

The bad news: Gas prices have skyrocketed. The good news: Outboard manufacturers are pumping out high-horsepower engines that are more fuel-efficient than ever.

We looked at two 250-hp engines this spring: a four-stroke from Yamaha, and a DFI two-stroke from Bombardier, the Evinrude E-TEC. Both are expected to hit the market this fall.

What We Tested

We introduced you to Bombardier’s Evinrude E-TEC in the April issue with a test of a 90-hp model. Like the 90, the 250-hp V6 E-TECs don’t have to be serviced until 300 hours of operation. The larger engines, which will be available in 200-, 225- and 250-hp models, are already being sold in Australia. …