My current engine is a 1999 Evinrude 90HP Ficht Ram. It has been a good engine, but finicky on occasion. I am thinking of replacing it with either a Honda 90 or an Evinrude E-tech 90. I am aware of the torque and weight issues with the Honda, and I can live with them, and I have heard some great things about the Evinrudes. However, I read a constant drone about problems with both engines, and what are the real issues with methanol? It seems you can't find gas anymore without methanol. Some opinions about this would be appreciated.

I've had a 100 hp Yamaha 4 stroke for going on 8 years now.  The vast majority of my fishing time is spent on horse power restricted lakes, where running your big motor is allowed, but putting out a big wake isn't.  I like how I can putt all day at 1000 to 2000 rpm and my motor never carbons up.  I've seen 2 strokes that start to sputter and cough after 15 to 20 minutes of putting around.

The trade of is that when I do get on a big lake like Truman or Table Rock, it is a little doggy getting on plane.  Top speed is in the low 40's.

I fish w/ my cousin often who has a 60hp E tec. 

its seems like a good motor to me (I don't get to drive ;D)  He really likes the E tec though.  In general I believe the 2 stroke will go faster in the top end and prob. get to the top end quicker.

On the other hand,  The 4 stroke will be much quieter,  smoother and can be putted around(like already said) w/out worry.  I used to own a new 90hp yamaha 4 str. a couple years ago and have rode in many boats w/ honda 4's in them.

Either motor is going to be very nice,  but I would personally go w/ a 4 stroke.  Motor sports companies have come a long way in the development of the 4 stroke.

As far as this gas we have these days,  it stinks.  I've been told and have also came to my own conclusion that marine stabil or seafoam should be in your tank always.   I used to race 4-wheeler motocross and work on quads.  If you let this new gas sit for any amount of time it will lose its octane rating and also gum up your carbs or injecters.

If you're going to get a 90 HP, take a look at the Yamaha 90 4 Stroke. I've been running a Yamaha F150 4 Stroke for the past 5 years and have no complaints. My gas consumption (gallons) is only about 60% of what it was with 2 Strokes.

As for the ethanol situation, I've been using Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment for the past 2 years and have had no problems. The Stab-Bil Marine fuel treatment is good and will treat up to 80 gallons of fuel , but I can treat up to 120 gallons with Star Tron.

I also recommend getting a fuel/water filter separator installed with whatever engine you choose. Ethanol attracts water and even with a fuel treatment it's good insurance to insure that you don't have any problems with the engine. They are not expensive and are well worth the investment.

Love my E-TEC. I run the Evinrude fuel treatment for Ethanol, no problems. Awesome motor.

I would get the E-Tec

Etec and Stabil for the corn flavored gasoline.  And only burn the high octane.

I can also ad that the Etec uses much less gas and is much quieter than older 2 strokes.  Not sure of the exact comparison to the honda though.

The fuel economy will be easily 50% better than the carbeurated 2 strokes they replaced and is virtually identical to 4 strokes.