Seeking opinions

[west oz doug]

I stumbled across this site whilst searching for info on Evinrude FICHT technology. We are currently having a 7m cat built (see www.leisurecat.com.au if interested) and are trying to make a decision on what to power it with. We've looked into 115 Yamaha and 130 Honda 4 strokes, 150 HPDI's and now have come across a deal which will allow us to pick up a pair of new 2001 model 200HP FICHT Evinrudes for the same price as the 150HPDI pair. It sounds great to us, definitely no worries with power levels there!! However, we have just heard from a source close to the boat builder that these motors have had a lot of bad troubles. It does look to me like warranties on these motors would be honoured by the new corporation, and that parts will still be manufactured - that puts that part of the unease at rest. Does anyone have any opinions or knowledge on the reliability of these motors? Was there problems initially, or are they more widespread and ongoing? The dealer we are speaking to has informed us that he has heard of no problems with any of the 60 motors of this type that he has sold.

 

[Backlash]

Re: Seeking opinions

Hey Mate,<br />If you run a search on this board (type in FICHT) you'll get a pretty good idea of what you may be looking at. There are over 90 posts on the subject. Good luck.<br />Backlash

 

[12Footer]

Re: Seeking opinions

Opinions wanted? Okee dokee. Don't get the FICHTs,even at half the cost of the Yammies.<br />I only formed this opinion from reading the complaints folks have with whatever engine they have,looking for help.<br />I note far more Jonnyrudes and Suzukis than Yammamamas.<br />Not to say that yammies don't break,they sure do. Just not as many troubles reported here.Mercs aren't even as complaint free, and that's saying something.<br />Again, this is just my opinion.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Seeking opinions

Personally I don't think you could find a better motor than the Ficht in that hp range for any price. Yea, they had their problems, in the last couple of years, but for the numbers of these units out there percentage wise, no more than any other motor manufactured. Some of these were due to some faulty engineering, all fixed tho. You will make your own decision, the choices of outboard power today are all good. Evinrude got a bad rap the last couple of years, so the prices are very good...but this will only last till the public finds out how really good they are. just a Thought

 

[west oz doug]

Re: Seeking opinions

Thanks for the replies. It's good to hear both the positive and negative sides, and there sure is a lot of postings covering the subject!

 

[Waterrazor]

Re: Seeking opinions

If I had a 99 115 ficht, would bomb. dealer upgrade the engine for free or at least just labor costs?<br />Where there recalls on these engines?