Ficht or Optimax?

[fhughes]

I'm in the market for a new bass boat. I want an expert's opinion on which motor to buy. I look at Fichts and they're the best, then I look at Optimax<br />and they say they're the best. Who's right? I've heard that they have both had problems. Also, what's the deal about all motors in 4 or 5 years will have to be 4 stroke?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

I know little about these 2 motors, so won't comment there. I'm sure others will. If you want to know about Ficht, just do a search on this site.<br /><br />No, all motors will not have to be 4-strokes. Thats salesman talk for "I'll get this guy to spend a few thousand more".<br /><br />The NEW motors built after 2006 will have to meet new EPA standards. Some of the new 2-strokes already meet these standards.<br /><br />Have you looked into the new Johnson E-Tek motors?<br />It is a new design, just hitting the dealers.<br />Look at all the engines, Yamaha, Tohatu, etc.

 

[JB]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

Don't buy a Ficht made before 2002 unless it has been completely upgraded to Bombardier specs.<br /><br />The newer DFI engines by Bombardier (they don't call it Ficht since the design improvements) seem more reliable than the Optimax, which is still a decent engine.<br /><br />In a new engine under 100hp I would look closely at the Evinrude E-Tek.<br /><br />The idea that 4 strokes cost thousands more than DFI 2 strokes is myth. Both cost thousands more than carbed 2 strokes. Don't eliminate them based on hearsay. Compare Johnson/Suzuki 4 strokes to Evinrude DFI or Optimax and you would be surprised.<br /><br />Moving this to General Outboard.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

Just curious. Can anyone tell me what the letters F-I-C-H-T stand for?

 

[JB]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

That is the name of the German who invented, but obviously didn't perfect, the system.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

Aha. I had always assumed the Fi meant 'fuel injection'. Whadda I know.

 

[fhughes]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

The upgrades to Bombardiers specs, do they share in the expense?

 

[whofan]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

On paper the new E-TEC Rude is the best . Time will tell. I think I would look at that if I were in the market.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

Just to throw some fuel on the fire. Mercury already has the Technology to cover the E-Tech when it comes out.<br /><br />Things should get quite interesting.<br /><br />TMD

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

Hello<br /> way cool. more techno gizzmos to break. for longevity I still trust carbs. the whiz bang motors are nice and the reliability is improving but for 15 grand I would have to have something that would last almost as long as the payments. sales people in the manufacturing process should have to fix some of the problems they create. I hope the next generation of whizbang motors works better than the first. but my money is still on carbs or throttle body EFI as long as it does not use an oxygen sensor. good luck and burn gas

 

[whofan]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

( Rodbolt) I do agree in way with you . My 88 chev throtle body way better than my 93 Ford multi port LOL!!

 

[AUGIDAWG]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

JB said, "Don't buy a Ficht made before 2002 unless it has been completely upgraded to Bombardier specs."<br /><br />I have heard this also.<br />When Bombardier bought OMC, they went through all of the manufacturing plants and sub-contracter's facilities to see what was going on. At the plant where they make the crankshafts, they found something like 40% of the cranks had bearing journals that were out-of-spec. They asked why? The reply was, "That is the best our vendor can produce because of their worn out machinery!"<br />Bombardier scrapped out all of the bad cranks and started over.<br />They went through all of their plants with this kind of attitude.<br /><br />My mechanic told me that if I was going to use my engine in the salt, don't get the FICHT.<br />When the salt corrodes the electrical connectors, you have nothing but problems.<br />If you use them in fresh water, they are great.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

FICHT outboards use Deutsch electrical connectors which are waterproof to 3'. I work in salt water areas and there are fewer FICHT electrical problems than with other models and makes of outboards.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ficht or Optimax?

hello again <br /> I know all the techno gadgets sound good on paper. if I am making the payments then throttle body EFI ( without 02 sensors) works well. Carbs work very well. let others sit at the shop and disscuss blown pistons and spark plug fouling problems. check the cost of spark plugs and the frequency of replacement and how long does it take to change them.<br />good luck and keep posting