Buy Johnson vs Evinrude Fich?

[kkaplan]

I am planning on purchacing a 2001 18' Fish & Ski soon. Is an Evinrude 150HP Fich worth $3000.oo more than a 150 Johnson Carb? <br /><br />We Fish 30%, Ski 30% and Cruise 40% of the time, boating every weekend in good weather. Will I regret a Johnson Carb?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Buy Johnson vs Evinrude Fich?

Hi kkaplan - welcome to the best place in the world to get a whole lot of input into that type of question.<br /><br />Have you checked out the thread called "FIGHT or HPDI???" (yes it was spelt that way)? It has some good conversation on this subject of Fuel injection versus carb.<br /><br />FICHT vs HPDI thread<br /><br />You'll find lots of healthy debate there, but I'm sure there's still more to be said and in the end you'll have to decide for yourself.<br /><br />I personally am a late adopter of new technology with boat engines, so only go for what's already well proven to be reliable. My vote goes Johnson, but it will use more fuel ( to balance your $3000 price difference )...<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[trevorcday]

Re: Buy Johnson vs Evinrude Fich?

The 2-stroke carb motor is a proven design. It is much simpler than any direct injection 2-stroke regardless of maker. You can reasonably expect to get 20 or 30 years of service out of it. With the newer designs DI or 4-stroke who knows. The FICHT has a LOT more possible failure modes than the conventional 2-stroke. Having said all that the FICHT will offer much better fuel economy (and maybe oil economy ). Also, the reduced emissions are something to consider.

 

[WATERHEAD]

Re: Buy Johnson vs Evinrude Fich?

I OWN A 115 FICHT . IT LASTED 15 MONTHS, MY 83 JOHNSON RAN LIKE HELL FOR 16 YRS .

 

[bertherr]

Re: Buy Johnson vs Evinrude Fich?

Consider the regulations starting in 2006 for boat motor emissions. Some places already do not allow carburated two strokes to be used. You have to look at where you will use your new boat most. If it is a state park or national park they may not allow you to use your Johnson! There are other discussions on this topic also. I have a new boat on order and went for the direct injection engine.

 

[DJ]

Re: Buy Johnson vs Evinrude Fich?

KK,<br /><br />You'll get lot's of opinions. You have to decide where you boat. If there are any restrictions now, you'll have to go Ficht. If there are restictions on the horizon, you might as well pony up now.<br /><br />The Ficht will get better fuel economy.<br /><br />The Johnson is simpler. This is a major factor if you do your own maintenance.<br /><br />I envy the position you're in. No new rigs for me until the children are out of school.<br /><br />If you run the engine alot, the Ficht might be worth it in fuel and oil savings.