Stratos 201/ 99 Evinrude FICHT Help Please

[Fliptail Lizard]

Hi guys. I have spent alot of time on this website in the last couple of months. The amount of information here is incredible. I have been looking for a boat for the last couple of months. The boat I am interested in is a Stratos 201 Pro. Great looking boat, but what concerns me is the motor. It is a 99 Evinrude 225 FICHT. The powerhead has just been replaced and has a one year warranty. The "computer" is also being replaced. From what I have read it looks like most of the problem motors were the small blocks. It seems that parts are hard to find and getting someone to work on them may be a problem too. My problem is, for the same money I will end up with an early to mid '90s vintage boat and motor. I know purchasing a used motor is always a gamble. In your opinion am I better off with an older motor and no warranty or the Evinrude that has been rebuilt and has a warranty.
Thanks in advance,

Chad

[ChampioNman]

I would go with the warranty if the boat is the type you are looking for. BTW welcome to the BBC.

[ZeroHour]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH FICHTTTTTTTT RUNNNNNNNNNNN


In all seriousness you should be ok, I had a stuck ring on mine but even with that it ran ok. Just decarb and make sure your propped right. I know of a few guys that run them and love them.

I would definitely go for the newere boat what you may save on the older boat you will pay for in repairs and depreciation.

And you can always repower with a used motor and get out ok. Its kind of funny to look at used motor prices and see that finding a 150 or 175 is usually more expensive than a 200 or 225 from the same year.

[Fliptail Lizard]

Thanks alot for your opinions. It has made this decision a little easier. I think I am going to go with this one. Only time will tell!

Chad

[RUSTY63]

If the computer was replaced with a New BRP computer and as you posted you get a year warranty on the motor you should be fine.

[Fliptail Lizard]

Thanks again for your opinions. I decided to put a deposit down on this boat. The dealer was waiting for a computer upgrade that kept getting backordered. Originally it was going to be ready to go in 2 days, then 10 days, then 3 weeks, then "someday". In the meantime I came across a great deal on a a Ranger 362V with a Suzuki 150 for quite a bit less money. I backed out of the original boat and bought the Ranger. I will see ya on the Ranger and Suzuki forums.

Chad