You thought California was tough? Europe's got it by a longshot. Pristine Lake Constance on the Germany-Switzerland-Austria border hasn't allowed two-stroke engine operation since 1976. That changed a few weeks ago when Lake Constance officials cleared the Evinrude E-Tec for use. The E-Tec remains the first and only two-stroke to pass the rigorous environmental standards in effect on the lake.
Lake Constance is Europe's third-largest lake and more than 4.5 million people visit it annually. Alongside recreation, it also serves as a drinking-water source for surrounding areas. Restrictions were enacted in 1976 that severely restricted all recreational marine engines. In 2006, a new clause in the regulations was added to allow four-stroke engines up to 90-hp. Because the E-Tec's emission levels are so low, nautical officials certified the 40-, 50-, 60-, 75- and 90-hp models for use.
Pierre Pichette, who's VP of public affairs for Bombardier Recreational Products (Evinrude), said: "The recognition of our Evinrude E-Tec two-stroke engine technology for use on Lake Constance by such a respected and stringent regulatory board is an outstanding achievement of which we are very proud. Today's milestone reinforces our efforts of changing perceptions about our direct-injection, two-stroke outboard technology vs. four-stroke engines."
Andreas Ellegast, an official connected with the lake, said: "As a representative of the nautical authorities, I'm very pleased to say that BRP's Evinrude E-Tec engines will now be able to play in the same league as four-stroke engines. According to the EU RCD guidelines, their engines fulfill the exhaust emission requirements and therefore, their two-stroke Evinrude E-Tec outboards can be registered under the sport-boat clause for use."
The E-Tec was recognized last year for environmental achievements when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented Bombardier with its 2005 Clean Air Technology Excellence award. The E-Tec was the first-ever outboard-engine technology to receive the award.
> To learn more about Evinrude's clean-engine technology and initiatives, visit www.evinrude-cleanerwater.com.
