Motor Selected for the New Pro 7
With the first hull complete and ready for testing, the development teams anxiously awaited arrival of the motor. And waited… and waited… and wondered if it would ever come.
Many discussions were had early on as to the best power plant setup for Pro 7. Having the OEM resources from Yamaha, Honda and Mercury provided virtually every option. With cost, fuel efficiency, power to weight ratios, and reliability all major factors, one of Duckworth’s prominent dealers requested the team try the new E-TEC motors from Evinrude. E-TEC outboards require no scheduled dealer maintenance for the first three years or 300 hours of normal recreational use. Not even gearcase lube. You’ll never have to change the oil or the oil filter, which can cost several hundred dollars each year for other technologies.
Since the first Pro 7 would likely be sold by Pacific Boatland in Vancourver Washington, the decision was made to order a 150 hp tiller E-TEC with jet pump.
It was nearly a month before the motor and rigging parts arrived at the factory in Clarkston. The truck hadn’t even left the yard before the motor was uncrated and tools started turning. By early afternoon the long awaited maiden voyage was reality. Off to the boat ramp with high expectations in tow.