14cwater,
I know many guides in tampa running 200+ etecs on those boats. They have the 18+ inch portalift combo with them and they wouldnt go any other way. Have heard nothing but great things about those motors. Sip gas,sip oil, great smart gauges, not too bad with cost of maint( compared to a 4 stroke), not as heavy as 4 strokes. Everyone has their fav brand of motor, each one has something the other one doesn't. It's like asking which brand car is the best. you are going to have 100 different answers! I own a yamaha vmax, but if I were to upgrade I'd go to etec! Don't know if that helps but thought id chime in!
-Chris