The shutdown of Evinrude was a seismic shift in the marine industry, marking the end of high-performance two-stroke technology in the primary outboard market. While the technical capabilities of the E-TEC G2 often outperformed 4-stroke competitors in fuel economy and torque, market pressures and pandemic-related supply chain issues led to the brand's demise. This guide explains why Evinrude closed and provides verified technical specifications for the final Evinrude models still in service today.
Why Did Evinrude Go Out of Business?
The decision to discontinue Evinrude was driven by three primary factors: market share, manufacturing costs, and the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2020, Evinrude’s global market share had slipped to approximately 12%, compared to the 30% share held by both Mercury and Yamaha. Furthermore, while the E-TEC G2 was an engineering marvel, the cost of maintaining a standalone two-stroke manufacturing facility became unsustainable. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, causing a 40% drop in sales, BRP chose to shutter the brand rather than invest the massive capital required to compete in the next emission-standard cycle.
Is BRP Bringing Evinrude Back?
While the Evinrude name remains dormant, BRP has not left the marine engine space entirely. In 2022, they unveiled the Rotax Outboard Engine with Stealth Technology (formerly known as "Project Ghost"). Unlike a traditional outboard that sits on the transom, the Rotax unit is a low-profile, horizontal engine that is hidden beneath a "Max Deck" platform. This design provides significant additional floor space but is currently only available as factory-installed equipment on BRP boat brands like Manitou and Alumacraft.
Where Can I Get Parts for My Evinrude E-TEC?
BRP has officially committed to supporting existing Evinrude owners by continuing to supply service parts and honoring all manufacturer warranties. Historically, marine manufacturers support parts availability for 10 to 15 years after a model is discontinued. As of 2025, critical components like fuel injectors, EMMs, and impellers remain widely available through the authorized BRP dealer network. For technical specs on these components, you can consult our Evinrude technical profiles.
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Final Evinrude Production Models: Technical Data
| Model | HP | Weight | Production Year | Technical Specs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-TEC G2 300 | 300hp | 253kg | 2020 | View Specs → |
| 250hp E-TEC G2 | 250hp | 253kg | 2019 | View Specs → |
| 225hp E-TEC G2 | 225hp | 253kg | 2019 | View Specs → |
| 200hp E-TEC G2 | 200hp | 245kg | 2019 | View Specs → |
| 150hp H.O. G2 | 150hp | 240kg | 2019 | View Specs → |
| 115hp H.O. G2 | 115hp | 177kg | 2019 | View Specs → |
Is Mercury Taking Over Evinrude?
Mercury Marine did not "buy" Evinrude, but they did sign a major strategic agreement with BRP following the shutdown. Under this partnership, Mercury became the preferred engine supplier for BRP's boat brands. This means that a new Manitou pontoon or Alumacraft fishing boat that would have previously come with an Evinrude E-TEC is now rigged from the factory with a Mercury FourStroke engine.